Best Tennessee LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Tennessee’s bridge programs provide practical nurses with advanced training in clinical care and leadership. Coursework includes health sciences and professional development. Clinical rotations prepare graduates for licensure and RN practice.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Tennessee programs guide LPNs through coursework and clinicals to RN licensure.

2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee

Are you an LPN in Tennessee looking to advance your career to become an RN? PracticalNursing.org has put together a list of the best LPN to RN programs in the state to help you make a smart choice. Our rankings highlight schools that offer flexible schedules, strong support for students, and good job placement rates. We focus on programs that make the transition smooth and affordable. Check out our detailed rankings to find the right fit for your goals. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN - Private 4-year - cumberland.edu

Associate - LPN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Cumberland University's LPN to BSN pathway enables licensed practical nurses to advance their careers in as few as 4 semesters through a hybrid learning model. This program builds on existing nursing knowledge with credit for prior LPN experience, offering flexible full-time or part-time schedules. Clinical experiences are available across five Tennessee counties, supported by state-of-the-art simulation technology. With a 100% job placement rate and NCLEX pass rates above average, the program emphasizes small class sizes and does not require a specific TEAS exam cutoff, making it efficient for career transition.

  • Complete in 4 semesters
  • Hybrid nursing course format
  • Credit for prior LPN experience
  • Clinical sites in 5 counties
  • No specific TEAS exam cutoff
  • First nursing courses first semester
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Surpassed NCLEX pass rates
  • State-of-art simulation technology
  • Small class sizes

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

At Cumberland University, the LPN to BSN program provides a strategic 4-semester route for LPNs to earn a bachelor's degree via hybrid learning. It offers credit for prior experience and flexible scheduling options, preparing graduates for enhanced job prospects and higher earnings. Clinical rotations in multiple counties, combined with small classes and advanced simulation labs, support learning. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate, exceeds average NCLEX pass rates, and has no strict TEAS exam requirement, focusing on practical advancement.

  • Complete in 4 semesters
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Credit for LPN experience
  • Flexible full/part-time options
  • Clinicals in multiple counties
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Small class sizes
  • NCLEX pass rate above average
  • State-of-the-art simulation technology
  • No strict TEAS exam cutoff
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

South College

Knoxville, TN - Private 4-year - south.edu

Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN/ASN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

South College's Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN-ASN) provides a 21-month on-campus pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses to advance to registered nurse roles. With about 20 weekly in-class hours, the program emphasizes hands-on clinical training in mental health, pediatric, adult, and maternal care, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Prerequisites include medical terminology and anatomy, and financial aid options like Tennessee Promise are available. It focuses on evidence-based patient care and interdisciplinary training, led by experienced instructors across multiple campuses.

  • 21-month program for LPNs
  • Onground campus modality
  • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Experienced nursing instructors
  • Interdisciplinary healthcare training
  • Evidence-based patient care focus

Associate - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) at South College offers an on-campus program for LPNs seeking advanced roles, requiring no entrance exam. Students engage in 20 weekly in-class hours of rigorous training in mental health, pediatric, adult health, maternal infant, and community nursing. This pathway enhances critical thinking and collaboration skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and higher-level nursing positions with a focus on interdisciplinary healthcare.

  • LPN to BSN pathway
  • Onground campus program
  • 20 hours weekly in-class
  • Interdisciplinary care focus
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Lincoln Memorial University

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

Associate - LPN-ASN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lincoln Memorial University's LPN-ASN program offers a direct pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nursing roles, featuring a high 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate. This campus-based program includes flexible part-time options and requires completion in four semesters, with prerequisites in science and a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission. Students gain hands-on clinical experience and must meet health, background check, and drug screening requirements, along with AHA BLS certification. No concentration is specified, and as an associate-level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not mentioned as required.

  • 96% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate
  • Part-time and LPN-ASN tracks
  • 2.5 minimum college GPA
  • Multiple campus locations
  • 4 semesters standard program
  • Science prerequisites required
  • Background check mandatory
  • Drug screening required
  • Clinical experience included
  • AHA BLS certification needed
#4

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN - Private 4-year - southern.edu

Associate - LPN-RN

Campus Based - Visit Website

At Southern Adventist University, the LPN-RN program offers flexible BSN and Associate degree options on campus, allowing completion in 3-5 semesters with seamless integration of general education and nursing courses. Accredited by ACEN, it includes a bridge course for LPNs, transfer credit acceptance, and thorough NCLEX-RN exam preparation within a Christian learning environment. This bachelor's level pathway does not mention ACT or SAT entrance exams, highlighting a competitive admission process, multiple start dates, and personalized professional development for advancing to registered nursing roles.

  • LPN-RN bridge program available
  • BSN and AS degree options
  • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
  • Transfers from accredited schools
  • Christian learning environment
  • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Competitive admission process
  • Accredited by ACEN
  • Multiple start dates
  • Personalized professional development

Bachelor's - LPN-BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Adventist University's LPN-BSN program is a campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisite science courses for admission. This ACEN-accredited program spans five semesters, featuring a bridge course that acknowledges prior LPN experience and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Emphasizing a Christ-centered approach, it integrates comprehensive clinical training and whole-person health education, with transfer credits accepted from regionally accredited institutions. As a bachelor's level program, it does not specify ACT or SAT requirements, focusing instead on academic and professional development for expanded healthcare careers.

  • 5 semester nursing course sequence
  • Bridge course for LPN credit
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Christ-centered learning environment
  • ACEN accredited program
  • Campus-based program
  • Transfer credits accepted
  • Comprehensive clinical training
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

East Tennessee State University

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

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University's LPN to BSN program provides an accelerated route for licensed practical nurses to earn a bachelor's degree, tailored for working professionals. It includes four semesters of focused coursework after core requirements, granting 23 nursing articulation credits for prior LPN experience. Clinical rotations are available statewide in Tennessee, offering flexibility for career advancement. As a bachelor's level program, it requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

  • Four accelerated semesters
  • 23 nursing articulation credits
  • Clinical placements across TN
  • Designed for working LPNs
  • ETSU College of Nursing program
*Dataset: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Tennessee LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Bridge programs in Tennessee are designed for currently licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. While each college or university sets its own criteria, applicants can expect the following common requirements in Tennessee:

  • Current, unencumbered LPN license in Tennessee or another Nurse Licensure Compact state
  • Official transcripts showing completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology with labs, microbiology, human growth and development, English composition, general psychology, and college algebra or statistics
  • Minimum prerequisite GPA set by the school, often in the 2.5 to 3.0 range
  • Standardized admission exam such as TEAS or HESI as required by the program
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification for healthcare providers
  • Clinical eligibility documentation including immunizations, TB screening, physical exam, drug screening, and criminal background check
  • Proof of residency for in state tuition consideration when applicable
  • Some programs may prefer or require recent LPN work experience

After graduation, candidates apply for RN licensure and take the NCLEX-RN. Licensure, program approval, and practice rules are regulated by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LPN to RN bridge plans build on your practical nursing experience and add the RN-level knowledge and clinical judgment needed for broader responsibilities. Coursework commonly includes:

  • Transition to professional nursing and role development
  • Health assessment with advanced physical exam skills and clinical reasoning
  • Adult medical surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions
  • Mental health nursing
  • Maternal newborn and pediatric nursing
  • Pharmacology and safe medication administration
  • Pathophysiology and evidence-based practice
  • Community health and population health
  • Nursing leadership, quality improvement, and delegation

Learning takes place in classrooms or online, high-fidelity simulation labs, and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Many Tennessee programs award advanced standing for LPNs through exams or validation of prior learning.

In Tennessee, programs must be approved by the state board for graduates to be eligible for RN licensure. Programmatic accreditation by ACEN or CCNE and institutional accreditation by a regional accreditor such as SACSCOC are important for federal financial aid, smoother transfer to BSN or graduate study, and employer recognition.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

LPN to RN education in Tennessee is offered at public community colleges and universities, along with some private institutions. Community colleges generally offer Associate Degree in Nursing bridge pathways that prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN. Universities may offer pathways that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for LPNs who meet additional general education and upper-division nursing requirements.

Expect a mix of didactic courses and clinical learning. Advanced and specialized topics commonly include complex adult health, perioperative concepts, critical care fundamentals, care coordination, maternal child specialty rotations, mental health across the lifespan, and community and public health. Simulation and skills check-offs are used to validate competence before and during clinical placements.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in Tennessee work in acute care hospitals, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, home health, hospice, public health departments, schools, behavioral health centers, and rural critical access hospitals. Shift options vary by setting and may include 8 or 12 hour schedules, nights and weekends in hospital roles, and more traditional weekday hours in ambulatory care.

RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs in Tennessee, including comprehensive assessment, development of nursing care plans, patient education, leadership and delegation, and coordination of interprofessional care. This expanded scope supports access to a wider array of roles and advancement opportunities. Tennessee participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which gives many RNs multistate practice privileges and can expand job flexibility.

Healthcare demand in Tennessee is influenced by population growth, aging residents, and needs in rural communities. Employers value graduates of board-approved and accredited programs and often seek RNs for bedside care, specialty units, and community-based roles where independent clinical judgment is essential.

LPN to RN Program Length

  • Full-time LPN to ADN bridge: typically 3 to 4 consecutive semesters after prerequisites, about 12 to 18 months
  • Part-time LPN to ADN bridge: often 5 to 7 semesters, about 18 to 30 months, with lighter course loads
  • Evening and weekend options: available at some schools with labs in the evenings and clinicals on weekends, timelines similar to part-time pathways
  • LPN to BSN pathways: generally 5 to 8 semesters after prerequisites, about 24 to 36 months depending on transfer credits and summer enrollment

Total time to completion depends on how many prerequisites you have finished, credit awarded for prior LPN learning, and whether you enroll continuously through summer terms.

2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee

If you're looking to move from an LPN to an RN in Tennessee, it's smart to think about faster or shortest programs. These options can help you get into your new role quickly, which is great if you want to start working sooner. In Tennessee, from cities like Nashville to Memphis, you can find programs that focus on getting you ready fast. The table shows schools with their program highlights, graduation rates, and how many students stay in the program. Choosing a quick path means you might finish your studies and begin your career without a long wait. This can be a big help if you're eager to advance in nursing and serve patients across the state.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
East Tennessee State University
  • Four accelerated semesters
  • 23 nursing articulation credits
  • Clinical placements across TN
  • Designed for working LPNs
  • ETSU College of Nursing program
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Lincoln Memorial University
  • 96% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate
  • Part-time and LPN-ASN tracks
  • 2.5 minimum college GPA
  • Multiple campus locations
  • 4 semesters standard program
  • Science prerequisites required
  • Background check mandatory
  • Drug screening required
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Cumberland University
  • Complete in 4 semesters
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Credit for LPN experience
  • Flexible full/part-time options
  • Clinicals in multiple counties
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Small class sizes
  • NCLEX pass rate above average
  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
*IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Tuition and Costs

Costs vary by institution type, residency status, and how many credits you need to complete. Typical in-state tuition ranges for LPN to RN students in Tennessee are:

  • Public community colleges for ADN bridges: approximately the mid four figures to low five figures for remaining nursing and support credits, plus program fees
  • Public universities for BSN pathways: often in the low to mid five figures for remaining credits, plus university and nursing course fees
  • Private institutions: total tuition can be higher than public options

Additional costs to plan for include textbooks and e-resources, uniforms and clinical supplies, immunizations and related health records, background check and drug screen, liability insurance if required, transportation to clinical sites, NCLEX-RN exam and preparation, and state licensure application fees. Housing expenses vary by region. Rents tend to be higher in metropolitan areas such as Nashville and lower in many small cities and rural communities, so commuting and clinical site locations can affect your overall budget.

2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee

Finding affordable LPN to RN programs in Tennessee is key for many students. These programs help you move up in nursing without high costs. They offer Associate's or Bachelor's degrees, with options in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. The tuition range varies, so you can pick what fits your budget. This makes it easier to start a better career. For details, check the table below for program highlights and more info. Focus on low-cost choices to save money while learning.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Dyersburg State Community College
  • For LPNs and Paramedics.
  • Offered at two locations.
  • No summer semester courses.
  • Requires current license.
  • TEAS exam required.
  • Prerequisite courses needed.
  • Structured, fast-paced curriculum.
  • Financial aid available.
  • $3,600 - $5,400 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $14,200 - $21,300 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Bryan College-Dayton
  • Campus-based program.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
  • Focus on Christian values.
  • Requires active LPN license.
  • Prerequisite courses needed.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Scholarships for eligible students.
  • Blends academics with clinical experience.
  • $15,100 - $22,700 (Undergraduate)
Roane State Community College
  • 4-semester night/weekend option
  • Competitive admission process
  • Requires active TN Practical Nurse license
  • Pass LPN Challenge Examination
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA required
  • RN licensure exam preparation
  • Science courses within 5 years
  • Clinical rotation requirements
  • $3,800 - $5,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $14,900 - $22,300 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Source documentation: IPEDS 2023 Technical Review Panel report, NCES.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Tennessee schools use a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online delivery. Many bridge programs allow you to complete some didactic courses online, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinical hours are completed in person at approved facilities in Tennessee or at authorized sites. Hybrid models commonly pair online lectures with scheduled campus labs and proctored testing. Fully online programs without in-person clinicals are not an option for initial RN licensure because Tennessee requires supervised clinical learning as part of a board-approved program.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Tennessee

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

Graduates of LPN to RN bridge programs in Tennessee, whether ADN or BSN, must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as Registered Nurses. Tennessee requires candidates to apply to the state board for licensure by examination, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and register for the NCLEX. After the Board grants Authorization to Test, candidates schedule and take the exam; passing results allow the Board to issue the RN license.

State-specific steps include submitting evidence of graduation from a board-approved RN program, providing required identification and lawful presence documentation, and completing the background check process before testing. Detailed application instructions, forms, and processing timelines are available from the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Tennessee licenses out-of-state RNs by endorsement. Applicants typically provide verification of their original RN license, complete a criminal background check, show evidence of lawful presence, and meet any other Board requirements before a Tennessee RN license is issued. Endorsement applicants must have passed the NCLEX-RN.

Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs who hold an active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Tennessee without obtaining a separate Tennessee license as long as their primary state of residence remains in that other compact state. Nurses who relocate and declare Tennessee as their primary state of residence must apply for a Tennessee multistate license to continue practicing under compact privileges.

Licensure Requirements

The Tennessee Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure, including initial licensure by examination and licensure by endorsement. Core requirements generally include:

  • Graduation from a board-approved RN program (ADN or BSN), including LPN to RN bridge programs
  • Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN
  • Fingerprint-based criminal background check
  • Verification of identity, Social Security number, and lawful presence as required by Tennessee law
  • For endorsement: verification of original RN licensure and education, and confirmation of passing the NCLEX-RN

The Board also sets standards for maintaining licensure through continuing competence, oversees disciplinary actions, and provides guidance on scope of practice, delegation, and professional standards. Current rules, forms, and approved processes are published by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

License Renewal

Tennessee RN licenses are renewed every two years and typically expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Renewal is completed online and requires attestation that continuing competence has been met for the preceding two-year cycle.

Tennessee uses a continuing competence model rather than a single fixed CE-hour requirement. RNs must complete and retain documentation for one of several Board-approved options during each renewal cycle, which may include activities such as:

  • Maintaining national nursing certification or recertification
  • Completing approved continuing education combined with employer or peer evaluation of practice
  • Completing academic nursing coursework for credit at an accredited institution
  • Completing a Board-approved nursing refresher or comprehensive orientation program

Acceptable methods, documentation details, and audit expectations are outlined by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. RNs should complete their chosen continuing competence activities within the two-year renewal period and keep records in case of audit.

Average LPN State Salary in Tennessee

$53,490

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Tennessee

$82,010

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

VS

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 17 to 21 months.

Credential Awarded:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

This pathway provides a streamlined and efficient route to RN licensure, focusing on the foundational clinical skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level registered nursing roles. The curriculum builds upon the LPN's existing education in areas like pharmacology, pathophysiology, and complex patient care.

Average In-State Tuition in Tennessee:

While a statewide average is not readily available, tuition can vary. For instance, Herzing University in Nashville offers an LPN to ASN bridge option. Community colleges are also a common and often more affordable option.

Best For:

LPNs who wish to become an RN as quickly as possible to expand their scope of practice and earning potential. It is also a good option for those who prefer a shorter-term educational commitment or may not have immediate plans for advanced leadership or administrative roles.

School Types:

Community colleges and career-focused nursing colleges.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Generally 2 to 4 years, though many programs allow for completion of nursing coursework in as few as four semesters after prerequisite general education courses are finished.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

This comprehensive program prepares LPNs for a broader range of nursing responsibilities, including more complex patient care, leadership, and decision-making. The curriculum often includes topics such as nursing research, public health, and management.

Average In-State Tuition in Tennessee:

Specific statewide averages are difficult to pinpoint, but tuition at a university can be higher than at a community college. For example, Cumberland University's LPN to BSN program has a per-semester tuition cost. Nationally, LPN to BSN programs can range significantly in cost.

Best For:

LPNs aiming for long-term career growth, including opportunities in leadership, management, research, or specialized non-clinical roles. It is also ideal for those who plan to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in nursing in the future.

School Types:

Universities and four-year colleges.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

  • Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program duration allows for a quicker transition to a registered nursing position.
  • Lower Educational Costs: Generally, associate degree programs at community colleges are more affordable than bachelor's programs at universities.
  • Solid Foundation for Practice: The curriculum is focused on the essential clinical skills needed to confidently work as a registered nurse.
  • Provides a Stepping Stone: Graduates can begin working as RNs and then choose to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program later, often with employer tuition assistance.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

  • Greater Career Advancement Opportunities: A BSN opens doors to leadership and management positions, as well as specialized areas of nursing.
  • Higher Earning Potential: On average, RNs with a BSN tend to have a higher salary than those with an ADN. In Tennessee, RNs earn significantly more than LPNs.
  • Broader Skill Set: The curriculum includes training in critical thinking, leadership, and research, preparing graduates for more complex roles within the healthcare system.
  • Increased Job Marketability: Many healthcare employers, particularly hospitals seeking Magnet Recognition, prefer or require a BSN for their registered nurses.

List of LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee

If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tennessee looking to advance your career, this list of LPN to RN programs can help you get started. These programs are designed to build on your experience, offering flexible options to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Below, you'll find a table with schools across Tennessee, their city and state locations, key program highlights, and direct links to learn more about each program on their official websites.
Jump to City:

Blountville, TN

Northeast State Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester nursing program
    • LPN licensure required
    • ACEN accredited program
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
    • Located in Kingsport, TN
    • Specific prerequisite courses
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Campus-based instruction

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga State Community College

  • Associate - Nursing RN (A.A.S. Transition Programs)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated RN degree track
    • Day and night program options
    • For LPNs and paramedics
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • 400 hours work experience required
    • Specific prerequisite courses needed
    • CPR certification mandatory
    • Criminal background check required

Cleveland, TN

Cleveland State Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to RN Bridge pathway
    • Campus-based nursing program
    • Career advancement opportunity
    • Builds on existing nursing experience
    • Professional skill enhancement

Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University

  • Associate - LPN-RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN-RN bridge program available
    • BSN and AS degree options
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Transfers from accredited schools
    • Christian learning environment
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Competitive admission process
    • Accredited by ACEN
  • Bachelor's - LPN-BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 5 semester nursing course sequence
    • Bridge course for LPN credit
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Christ-centered learning environment
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Campus-based program
    • Transfer credits accepted

Columbia, TN

Columbia State Community College

  • Associate - LPN-to-RN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester nursing pathway
    • 67 total credit hours
    • 2.75 GPA requirement
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Must pass challenge exam

Dayton, TN

Bryan College-Dayton

  • Associate - LPN/LVN to RN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Focus on Christian values.
    • Requires active LPN license.
    • Prerequisite courses needed.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Scholarships for eligible students.
    • Blends academics with clinical experience.

Dyersburg, TN

Dyersburg State Community College

  • Associate - Advanced Standing LPN-RN Fast Track Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • For LPNs and Paramedics.
    • Offered at two locations.
    • No summer semester courses.
    • Requires current license.
    • TEAS exam required.
    • Prerequisite courses needed.
    • Structured, fast-paced curriculum.
    • Financial aid available.

Gallatin, TN

Volunteer State Community College

  • Associate - LPN to AASN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to AASN bridge program
    • Potential prior learning credits
    • Multiple campus start dates
    • Current LPN license required
    • Application deadline April 1st

Harriman, TN

Roane State Community College

  • Associate - LPN Mobility Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-semester night/weekend option
    • Competitive admission process
    • Requires active TN Practical Nurse license
    • Pass LPN Challenge Examination
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA required
    • RN licensure exam preparation
    • Science courses within 5 years
    • Clinical rotation requirements

Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University

  • Associate - LPN-ASN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 96% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate
    • Part-time and LPN-ASN tracks
    • 2.5 minimum college GPA
    • Multiple campus locations
    • 4 semesters standard program
    • Science prerequisites required
    • Background check mandatory
    • Drug screening required

Jackson, TN

Jackson State Community College

  • Associate - LPN-RN Career Mobility Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester RN bridge program
    • Unencumbered LPN license required
    • 20 credit hours pre-requisite work
    • Competitive admission process
    • Career median salary $81,480+
    • Tennessee Board of Nursing approved
    • Clinical training in affiliate sites
    • Transfer options available

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four accelerated semesters
    • 23 nursing articulation credits
    • Clinical placements across TN
    • Designed for working LPNs
    • ETSU College of Nursing program

Knoxville, TN

Pellissippi State Community College

  • Associate - Nursing (A.A.S.)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two pathway options: Traditional/Bridge
    • ACEN accredited nursing program
    • 66-67 total credit hours
    • Campus locations: Blount, Magnolia, Strawberry Plains
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Specialized nursing course sequences
    • Professional nursing skill development

South College

  • Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN/ASN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 21-month program for LPNs
    • Onground campus modality
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Experienced nursing instructors
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare training
    • Evidence-based patient care focus
  • Associate - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to BSN pathway
    • Onground campus program
    • 20 hours weekly in-class
    • Interdisciplinary care focus
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam

Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University

  • Associate - LPN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Complete in 4 semesters
    • Hybrid nursing course format
    • Credit for prior LPN experience
    • Clinical sites in 5 counties
    • No specific TEAS exam cutoff
    • First nursing courses first semester
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Surpassed NCLEX pass rates
  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Complete in 4 semesters
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Credit for LPN experience
    • Flexible full/part-time options
    • Clinicals in multiple counties
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Small class sizes
    • NCLEX pass rate above average

Memphis, TN

Southwest Tennessee Community College

  • Associate - LPN Mobility Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to RN mobility track
    • Associate of Applied Science degree
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Day program summer admission
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Clinical settings experience
    • High employment potential
    • Comprehensive nursing curriculum

Morristown, TN

Walters State Community College

  • Associate - Career Mobility Admission - LPN-RN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to RN career advancement
    • Campus-based nursing program
    • 2.5 GPA minimum requirement
    • Prerequisite course completion needed
    • Specific application process

Nashville, TN

Nashville State Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Limited 8 student positions per cycle
    • Requires valid PN License
    • ATI-TEAS Score 'Proficient'
    • GPA requirement 2.8+
    • Prior Learning Assessment available
    • Comprehensive prerequisite coursework
    • Pathway to RN credential
*Data reference: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, NCES.