As the field of nursing continues to advance with healthcare changes and emergent technologies and practices, it’s important for nurses to stay abreast of evidence-based best practices in the field. To this end, many nurses each year commit to undergoing an RN to BSN program to complete their degree. This advancement, while stressful, opens new pathways for success – both for patients and for nurses themselves.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Tennessee? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top options to help you advance your nursing career. Our list highlights programs that offer flexibility, quality education, and strong support for working nurses. We focus on what matters to you, like affordability and accreditation. Find the right program to fit your needs and schedule. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.

#1

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications without interrupting their careers. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to engage in eight-week courses entirely online, requiring no campus visits. With a requirement of 34 credit hours, participants can opt for part-time or full-time study, aiming to complete the degree within a year. Admission criteria include a 2.0 GPA minimum, an active RN license, and an associate degree in nursing. The program's design supports working nurses through its adaptable schedule and accelerated course format, making it a prime choice for advancing in the nursing field.

  • Fully online nursing program
  • Complete in one calendar year
  • 34 online credit hours
  • Flexible start dates
  • No campus visits required
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Eight-week course format
#2

Union University

Jackson, TN - Private 4-year - uu.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Union University's online RN-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications without sacrificing their current roles. This program stands out for its accelerated 18-month format, allowing nurses to swiftly transition from an associate degree or diploma to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With a focus on flexibility, students engage in online coursework covering essential topics such as health assessment, nursing research, and community health. The curriculum is designed to foster leadership and critical thinking, preparing graduates for advanced positions in diverse healthcare settings. Notably, the program requires a 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered RN license for admission, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high standards in nursing education.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • $400 per credit hour
  • 18-month completion timeline
  • Nationwide program availability
  • Requires 2.5 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN licensure needed
  • 27 nursing requirement hours
  • Rolling admissions process
  • Capstone course included
#3

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University offers a distinguished online RN-to-BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work commitments through asynchronous coursework. With a curriculum designed to enhance leadership and clinical skills, it prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. The program is recognized for its affordability and quality, featuring CCNE accreditation and the option to complete studies in just three semesters. Unique benefits include the ability to conduct practicum hours at one's current workplace, making it a practical choice for career advancement.

  • 100% Online Program
  • Top-Ranked in Tennessee
  • Flexible Three-Semester Track
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Tuition from $464/credit hour
  • Summer Term Start
  • Practicum in Current Workplace
  • Asynchronous Course Delivery
  • Scholarships Available
#4

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Tennessee Technological University's online RN-to-BSN program is a dynamic pathway for registered nurses with an ADN or ASN to elevate their nursing practice. Emphasizing leadership, community health, and evidence-based care, the curriculum is crafted to equip nurses for advanced roles in healthcare settings. With no specific concentration, the program offers a broad yet in-depth exploration of nursing excellence. Ideal for working professionals, it combines academic rigor with the flexibility needed to juggle studies and work. Admission prerequisites include an active RN license and an associate degree in nursing, setting a solid foundation for this career-enhancing journey.

  • Online RN-to-BSN program.
  • For ADN/ASN holders.
  • Focus on leadership skills.
  • Community health emphasis.
  • Evidence-based practice curriculum.
  • Flexible for working nurses.
  • Active RN license required.
  • Prepares for higher responsibilities.
  • Enhances professional skills.
  • Ideal for career advancement.
#5

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN - Private 4-year - lmunet.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN Option

Online Learning - Visit Website

Lincoln Memorial University's RN-BSN Option is a fully online program tailored for registered nurses holding an ASN degree or nursing diploma, seeking to advance their careers. This program stands out by offering the flexibility to complete general education requirements while progressing through the nursing curriculum. It emphasizes comprehensive care across the wellness-illness continuum, preparing nurses for professional roles and further graduate education. Admission prerequisites include RN licensure and an ASN from an accredited institution, catering to dedicated professionals ready to elevate their nursing practice. The program is ideal for those looking for a seamless transition to higher education and career advancement opportunities in nursing.

  • Fully online program.
  • Designed for RNs with ASN.
  • Prepares for graduate education.
  • Flexible general education completion.
  • Focuses on comprehensive care.
  • Requires RN licensure for admission.
  • ASN from accredited institution needed.
  • Career advancement opportunities.
  • Professional role preparation.
  • Tailored for dedicated professionals.
*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Fast & Affordable Program Options

One of the best ways you can level up your career as a nurse is by getting a BSN degree. One of the fastest and most affordable ways to do that is to enroll in an RN to BSN degree program. THese programs are shorter than a typical BSN degree program because they build on the nurses existing experience and training, saving you more money and time in your busy schedule.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

By design, an RN to BSN program is supposed to be fast. Still, the actual time you’ll spend in class will depend on the specific program. Most RN to BSN programs can be completed in two years but in some cases, students can expect an even faster trajectory, often graduating in as little as a year or even a few months! Here are a few examples of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in Tennessee.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Tennessee State UniversityOnline RN to BSN2 Semesters
University of MemphisOnline RN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, but they’re somewhat rare, especially in Tennessee. You can definitely expect to find RN to BSN programs under two years in Tennessee (as demonstrated above) but to be eligible for 6-month RN to BSN degree programs, you’ll need to have a large number of transferable credits and you’ll need to locate a school that accepts them.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Apart from the timeliness of an RN to BSN program, many students are particularly happy with the price. Because you will only be required to enroll for a period of one to two years for your BSN, this means that you will likely only be paying around half the cost compared to a traditional BSN program. Keep in mind that your cost may be more or less costly depending on your state residency status and the cost of living and textbooks in the area where you are enrolling. That being said, here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in Tennessee.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Austin Peay State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$8,431 per year (Resident)

$13,975 per year (Non-Resident)

Tennessee State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$8,336 per year (Resident)

$21,692 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Whether you’ve been in the workforce for a short while or a longer term, returning to the classroom to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can seem overwhelming. Below, we’ve included some of the most common admissions criteria that appear throughout accredited RN to BSN programs in Tennessee.

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Austin Peay State University in Clarksville strives for the year on year betterment of their online RN to BSN programming with the philosophy that now is the time for nurses to upgrade and update their credentials. Offered fully online, the program offers such courses as the following to help nurses bridge knowledge and experiential gaps between ADN and BSN.

  • NURS 4151 – Community and Public Health Nursing Clinical
  • NURS 4170 – Leadership and Management of Professional Nursing
  • NURS 4171 – Leadership and Management of Professional Nursing Clinical
  • NURS 4180 Trends and Issues of Professional Nursing

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Check out the best RN to BSN programs in Tennessee in our listings.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

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Athens, TN

Tennessee Wesleyan University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN to BSN
    • Complete in one year
    • $370 per credit hour
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Challenge up to 12 credits
    • Flexible clinical projects
    • Supportive faculty

Bristol, TN

King University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN program
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Builds on existing nursing knowledge
    • Flexible academic pathway
    • Enhances career opportunities

Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework
    • Complete in 12 months
    • Five annual start dates
    • Accelerated 7-week courses
    • No entrance exam required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Elective certification pathways
    • Affordable in-state tuition

Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online and on-campus options
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Part-time online completion
    • Christian learning environment
    • Transfer-friendly curriculum
    • Clinical experience integration
    • Serves diverse healthcare contexts

Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN-to-BSN program.
    • For ADN/ASN holders.
    • Focus on leadership skills.
    • Community health emphasis.
    • Evidence-based practice curriculum.
    • Flexible for working nurses.
    • Active RN license required.
    • Prepares for higher responsibilities.

Greeneville, TN

Tusculum University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program format
    • For licensed RN associates
    • Complete general education requirements
    • Course-by-course transfer evaluation
    • Pathway to advanced nursing roles

Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program.
    • Designed for RNs with ASN.
    • Prepares for graduate education.
    • Flexible general education completion.
    • Focuses on comprehensive care.
    • Requires RN licensure for admission.
    • ASN from accredited institution needed.
    • Career advancement opportunities.

Jackson, TN

Union University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible learning format
    • $400 per credit hour
    • 18-month completion timeline
    • Nationwide program availability
    • Requires 2.5 GPA
    • Unencumbered RN licensure needed
    • 27 nursing requirement hours
    • Rolling admissions process

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Top-Ranked in Tennessee
    • Flexible Three-Semester Track
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Tuition from $464/credit hour
    • Summer Term Start
    • Practicum in Current Workplace
    • Asynchronous Course Delivery

Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online nursing program
    • Complete in one calendar year
    • 34 online credit hours
    • Flexible start dates
    • No campus visits required
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Eight-week course format

Martin, TN

The University of Tennessee-Martin

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 100% online coursework
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Active RN license required
    • High NCLEX exam pass rates
    • Flexible for working nurses
    • Comprehensive patient care focus
    • Leadership skill development

McKenzie, TN

Bethel University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • 10-week course duration.
    • Local clinical requirements.
    • Full-time completion in <1 year.
    • Total program hours: 128.
    • Includes online tutoring services.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Designed for working nurses.

Memphis, TN

Christian Brothers University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Complete in three semesters.
    • Focus on leadership roles.
    • Includes global health opportunities.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • 122 credit hours required.
    • Online coursework available.
    • Community engaged learning.

Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN-to-BSN pathway
    • 32 credit hours clinical placements
    • Christian nursing perspective
    • Comprehensive healthcare training
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 11:1 student-faculty ratio
    • Hybrid learning options
    • Extensive health simulation lab
*Source documentation: IPEDS 2023 Technical Review Panel report, NCES.