If you're a nurse in Tennessee looking to advance your career, pursue executive roles, or become a nurse practitioner, enrolling in a graduate-level nursing program is a crucial step forward. Many nurses in Tennessee choose a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) program due to its relatively short duration and affordable tuition. This makes it an ideal option for working nurses, allowing you to balance a demanding schedule while investing in your professional growth. In the sections below, we'll cover the key factors to consider when selecting an MSN program and how to find the most cost-effective and efficient options, whether you're in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or any of Tennessee's vibrant communities.

2025 - Best Online MSN Programs in Tennessee

RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Tennessee for 2025. These programs are recognized for their academic excellence, flexible learning opportunities, and commitment to advancing nursing education. Rankings are determined using a rigorous methodology that evaluates program quality, accessibility, and student outcomes. Learn more on our rankings methodology page.

1.

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN

Located in the scenic Appalachian region, East Tennessee State University offers highly regarded MSN programs through its acclaimed College of Nursing. With a focus on hands-on experience and innovative research, the nursing department's philosophy centers on providing compassionate care and improving health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

MSN Programs
2.

Union University

Jackson, TN

Union University's MSN programs provide advanced education and training for aspiring nurses seeking to broaden their knowledge and skills. The nursing department's focus on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration sets the foundation for excellence in patient care. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty who are dedicated to developing compassionate and competent nurse leaders.

MSN Programs
3.

King University

Bristol, TN

King University offers rigorous and comprehensive MSN programs through its esteemed nursing department. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and ethical leadership, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare field. Graduates of King University's MSN programs are prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and advance the nursing profession.

MSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs in Tennessee

The time it typically takes to complete an MSN program in Tennessee is around three to four years. However, this timeline may be longer if you don't already hold a 4-year BSN, which is often required for admission to graduate nursing school. Fortunately, nurses can bypass this requirement through an RN to MSN program. These bridge programs combine undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing nurses to transition smoothly into advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or healthcare administrators. Common admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

  • Tennessee RN license
  • ADN or nursing diploma
  • GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
  • Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
  • Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

A few examples of great RN to MSN programs located in Tennessee are East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Tennessee Tech University (TTU). Other options include:

Jackson, TN

School of Nursing
1050 Union University Dr
Jackson, TN 38305

Johnson City, TN

College of Nursing
365 Stout Drive
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-7051

Nashville, TN

School of Nursing
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
(615) 343-8876

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Tennessee

If you’re not eligible for an RN to MSN program, it doesn't mean you have to spend over four years completing an MSN degree (after your BSN) or pay high tuition fees to pursue higher-paying and more independent nursing roles. Below are some tips to help you find more affordable and faster MSN programs in Tennessee, along with examples of each

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

As mentioned, most MSN programs take between three to four years to complete. However, if you know where to look, there are several MSN programs in Tennessee that may offer a shorter time to graduation, especially if you have transferable credits or take advantage of flexible learning options like online courses or summer sessions. Below, you can explore and compare some of the fastest MSN programs available in the state:

SchoolEstimated LengthOnline Option?
Vanderbilt University (VU)4 – 5 SemestersYes
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)5 SemestersYes
Tennessee State University (TSU)5 SemestersYes

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

While many students worry about the time commitment of MSN programs, an even greater concern is often the cost of tuition and fees. Fortunately, MSN programs can be surprisingly affordable due to their relatively short duration, and this is especially true in states like Tennessee. If you've established residency in Tennessee, you may be eligible for lower in-state tuition rates as well. Below are some examples of the most affordable MSN programs available in the state:

SchoolEstimated CostCredits
Austin Peay State University (APSU)$20,000 – $25,00042
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)$16,000 – $47,00042
Tennessee State University (TSU)$11,000 – $20,00045

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

Not every nurse starts their career right after high school; many enter the nursing profession later, after working in a different field. If this applies to you, an Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program in Tennessee could be an excellent option to save both time and money while earning your MSN degree. These programs bypass prerequisite courses you may have already completed and focus directly on entry-level nursing coursework. Below are the typical admissions requirements for these programs in Tennessee:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
  • GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
  • Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
  • Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
  • Admissions interview

Currently, only one MENP exists in Tennessee. It is offered by the University of the South (Sewanee).

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

MSN programs offer an often-overlooked advantage beyond their affordability and relatively short timeline: the opportunity for specialized training in a specific area of nursing. Many nurses choose to pursue an MSN to gain expertise in fields such as family nursing practice, nursing education, or other specialized tracks. In Tennessee, you'll find a variety of MSN programs offering these options. Here are a few examples:

SchoolSpecialtyCredits
University of Memphis (U of M)Nursing Education40
Vanderbilt University (VU)Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner44
Tennesee State University (TSU)Family Nurse Practitioner45

What is MSN Accreditation?

If you're ready to start applying to MSN programs, there's one more crucial factor to consider: accreditation. While many programs are available online or on campus, not all are accredited. MSN accreditation ensures that a program meets the high-quality standards set by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Without accreditation, graduates of these programs may not be eligible for advanced nursing licensure or certification. Always verify that the MSN programs you apply to are accredited to ensure you can pursue your career goals in Tennessee without limitations.

2025 List of MSN Programs in Tennessee

Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Check out our list of Tennessee MSN schools below:

MSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Bristol, TN

King University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Leadership and Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program
    • Nurse Leadership concentration
    • Advanced leadership skills focus
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Prepares nurses for leadership roles
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 45-semester-hour FNP program
    • HyFlex learning format
    • 600 clinical practicum hours
    • Certification exam preparation
    • Primary care specialization
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Online and in-person options
    • Advanced practice nursing focus

Chattanooga, TN

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

  • Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48-credit MSN program
    • 24-month flexible schedule
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Advanced clinical training
    • National certification preparation
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Low regional tuition rates
    • Clinical practicum included
  • Master's - Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan, M.S.N.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48-53 total credit hours
    • 630 clinical clock hours
    • Lifespan primary care focus
    • National certification eligible
    • Advanced clinical practicum
    • Multiple specialty courses
    • Primary care across ages
    • Advanced health assessment

Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework
    • 31-hour concentration
    • 240 required clinical hours
    • Two admission cycles annually
    • Fall deadline: May 1st
    • Spring deadline: October 1st
    • 2.9 minimum GPA required
    • Undergraduate statistics course
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42-hour online curriculum
    • 540 required clinical hours
    • Two on-campus skill intensives
    • Prepares for APRN licensure
    • Primarily online format
    • 2-3 courses per semester
    • Program completed in two years
    • Across lifespan mental health focus
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 43-hour FNP concentration
    • 600 required clinical hours
    • Primarily online delivery
    • Two on-campus visits
    • Two years program completion
    • Professional certification preparation
    • Working professional focus
    • Lifespan patient care

Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing-Master of Business Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Full online delivery format
    • Dual nursing and business degree
    • Flexible part-time enrollment
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Two years nursing experience required
    • Christ-centered leadership approach
    • Eight-week online MBA terms
    • Graduate nursing classes Tuesdays
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health NP - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online psychiatric mental health NP
    • 30% job growth projection
    • Flexible part-time enrollment
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Two years nursing experience required
    • RN licensure prerequisite
    • Tuesday class schedules

Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University

  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online MSN-FNP program
    • 45 credit hour degree
    • Complete in 2-2.5 years
    • Flexible course load
    • Local clinical hour requirements
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Taught by graduate nursing faculty
    • Seven to eight semester duration
  • Master's - Nursing Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program available
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus
    • Prepares for healthcare management roles
    • Promotes patient safety strategies
  • Master's - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program
    • Comprehensive psychiatric care training
    • National certification eligible
    • Diverse healthcare settings
    • Advanced practice nursing focus
  • Master's - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Nursing Education concentration offered
    • Academic and clinical teaching preparation
    • Prepares for faculty and staff roles
    • Certification as Nurse Educator encouraged
    • Advanced nursing knowledge integration
    • Collaborative interdisciplinary approach
    • Holistic healthcare perspective

Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 17-month MSN program
    • 660 clinical hours required
    • Seated and online options
    • 43 semester credit hours
    • National certification preparation
    • Comprehensive final exam
    • Scholarly project completion
    • Max 6 transfer credits
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 17-28 month program length
    • 44 total credit hours
    • 660 minimum clinical hours
    • Online and campus options
    • Rolling admissions
    • National standards compliant
    • Certification exam eligibility
    • Advanced practice preparation

Jackson, TN

Union University

  • Master's - MSN/MBA Dual Degree Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Fully online MBA option.
    • $739 per credit hour nursing.
    • $750 per credit hour MBA.
    • No GRE or GMAT required.
    • 12 MSN credits apply to MBA.
    • 36 total MBA credit hours.
    • Requires BSN and RN licensure.
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Track

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 16-month graduate nursing curriculum
    • Blended online/campus learning
    • $739 per credit hour
    • Full-time program only
    • Annual fall semester start
    • 560 total clinical hours
    • 46 total credit hours
    • Multiple campus locations
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Education Track

    Online Learning - Website

    • 16-month graduate nursing program
    • Fully online educational track
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • $739 per credit hour
    • 41 total credit hours
    • 340 total clinical hours
    • Admits once annually
    • Fall semester start
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Online graduate nursing program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 39 total credit hours
    • 360 total clinical hours
    • Admits once per year
    • Current RN licensure required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • $739 per credit hour

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University

  • Master's - Nursing Administration

    Campus Based - Website

    • 45-credit MSN program
    • 540 clinical clock hours
    • Full-time nursing leadership focus
    • Executive leadership practicums
    • Strategic healthcare management curriculum
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program
    • 38 total credit hours
    • Nursing Informatics specialty
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Unencumbered RN license needed
    • Statistics course prerequisite
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • Practicum included
  • Master's - MSN Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Asynchronous Program
    • 42 Credit Hours Total
    • No GRE Required
    • 5 Specialized Clinical Tracks
    • Preparation for NLN Certification
    • Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
    • Tennessee Resident Rate: $646/Credit
    • Preceptorship Opportunities Included
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Asynchronous Program
    • 51 Credit Hours Total
    • Full/Part-Time Options
    • No GRE Required
    • Tuition: $646-$1,487 per credit
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Comprehensive Primary Care Focus
    • 5 Semesters Full-Time Completion
  • Master's - Nursing, M.S.N.

    Concentration: Adult, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty - Online Learning - Website

    • 46 total credit hours
    • CCNE fully accredited program
    • Specialized geriatric nursing focus
    • National certification preparation
    • Rural healthcare emphasis
    • Advanced clinical practicum included
    • Multiple clinical practice courses
    • Comprehensive health assessment training
  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Asynchronous Program
    • 48 Total Credit Hours
    • No GRE Required
    • Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • 5 Semesters Full-Time Completion
    • Multiple Tuition Rate Options
    • BSN or Non-Nursing Bachelor's Accepted
  • Master's - Nursing, M.S.N.

    Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE fully accredited program
    • 44 total credit hours
    • Focuses on rural healthcare
    • National certification preparation
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • BSN from accredited program
    • RN licensure required
    • Clinical nurse leader specialty

Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Executive Leadership and Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Complete in five semesters.
    • Focus on leadership and administration.
    • Asynchronous class schedule.
    • Requires BSN for admission.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Emphasizes healthcare management.
    • Improves patient outcomes.
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN Nurse Educator program
    • 5 semesters to complete
    • Two annual start dates
    • Asynchronous class format
    • Aligns with NLN Core Competencies
    • Develops educational leadership skills
    • Prepares for diverse teaching roles
    • Evidence-based curriculum approach

Memphis, TN

University of Memphis

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 44-credit hour specialized program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Advanced practice nursing preparation
    • Focuses on acute adult care
    • Clinical practicum included
    • Nationally ranked nursing program
    • Competitive graduate admission
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 31-credit hour nursing education program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Advanced teaching methodology focus
    • Curriculum design courses included
    • Nurse Educator Immersion experiences
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Licensure in Tennessee required
    • Undergraduate statistics prerequisite

Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University

  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42 credit hour program
    • 630 direct patient care hours
    • Online coursework available
    • Clinical rotations in home area
    • Taught by practicing PMHNPs
    • Multiple program length options
    • Preceptor selection assistance
  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN FNP program
    • 42 total credit hours
    • 630 clinical practice hours
    • 4-5 semester options
    • Clinical rotations locally
    • Preceptor assistance available
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Prepares for national certification

Nashville, TN

Middle Tennessee State University

  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42 credit hour program
    • 630 direct patient care hours
    • Online coursework available
    • Clinical rotations in home area
    • Taught by practicing PMHNPs
    • Multiple program length options
    • Preceptor selection assistance
  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN FNP program
    • 42 total credit hours
    • 630 clinical practice hours
    • 4-5 semester options
    • Clinical rotations locally
    • Preceptor assistance available
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Prepares for national certification