Best LPN Programs in Tennessee 2026
Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Tennessee with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Tennessee.
Cities in Tennessee That Have LPN Programs
Tennessee LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
In Tennessee, individuals interested in enrolling in a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program must meet specific prerequisites before admission. Common requirements include holding a high school diploma or GED, passing a background check, and achieving satisfactory scores on placement exams such as the ATI TEAS. Many programs also require applicants to be at least 18 years old, provide immunization records, and undergo a drug screening. Some schools may additionally expect completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like biology and basic math. Admission competitiveness can vary depending on the school and program availability.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Tennessee are designed to equip students with the foundational nursing knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide effective patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. The core curriculum typically includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-child nursing. Clinical rotations are a required component and take place in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities across the state.
Accreditation of the LPN program is essential in Tennessee, ensuring that the curriculum meets national nursing education standards. Programs must be approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing for graduates to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. National accreditation, while not required for licensure, also impacts eligibility for financial aid and transfer of credits to other institutions.
LPN Schools and Classes
Practical nursing programs in Tennessee are offered by a variety of institutions, including community colleges, technical colleges, and some private career schools. These schools provide both classroom-based instruction and clinical training in healthcare settings across the state. Coursework covers essential nursing topics such as patient care techniques, infection control, communication skills, and mental health nursing. Students also gain specialized instruction in geriatrics, pediatric nursing, and pharmacological interventions.
The training combines theoretical instruction with supervised clinical experiences, ensuring students are prepared for real-world nursing environments. Tennessee schools strive to meet workforce demands by providing education aligned with the current healthcare landscape.
Career Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurses are in steady demand across Tennessee, with opportunities available in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics. According to state labor projections, LPN job growth in Tennessee remains strong due to an aging population and the need for long-term healthcare services. LPNs often enjoy consistent schedules, with some facilities offering flexible shifts or part-time options that can support work-life balance. With experience, LPNs in Tennessee may advance into supervisory roles or pursue further education to become Registered Nurses.
LPN Program Length
In Tennessee, full-time LPN programs typically take about 12 months to complete, while part-time schedules may extend training to 18 to 24 months. Some schools offer evening and weekend programs to accommodate working adults, though the duration is usually longer than daytime programs. All programs meet the Tennessee Board of Nursing requirements for hours of instruction and clinical practice. Students should consider their personal and work commitments when choosing a program format.
2026 Shortest LPN Programs in Tennessee
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump |
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| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown |
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| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski |
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Tuition and Costs
The cost of LPN programs in Tennessee can range from approximately $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the institution and residency status. Public community colleges and state-supported technical schools generally offer lower tuition rates for in-state students. Additional expenses may include textbooks, uniforms, supplies, licensing exam fees, and health screenings. While on-campus housing is limited at many vocational schools, students in larger cities such as Nashville or Memphis may face higher living costs compared to rural areas. Budgeting for transportation and clinical site travel is also recommended.
Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs in Tennessee cannot be completed fully online due to the hands-on nature of practical nursing education. State regulations require students to complete in-person clinical experiences to develop real-time patient care skills and meet licensure requirements. While some theory-based coursework might be offered in a hybrid format, most programs maintain in-person components to comply with standards set by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Prospective students should be prepared for campus attendance and clinical training at affiliated healthcare sites.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Tennessee
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee, graduates of approved practical nursing programs must pass the NCLEX-PN examination. This standardized national exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and assesses the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level practical nurse. Applicants must submit an application for licensure and examination through the Tennessee Board of Nursing, along with the required fees, proof of education, and a criminal background check.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Tennessee offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs licensed in other states. Applicants must submit verification of their current license, have completed an approved LPN program, and meet the same criteria as new licensees, including a background check and submission of appropriate documentation to the Board of Nursing.
Tennessee is a participant in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs to practice in other NLC member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses who declare Tennessee as their primary state of residence and meet all licensure requirements are eligible for a multistate license. This facilitates ease of practice across state lines for mobile or telehealth nursing professionals.
Licensure Requirements
The Tennessee Board of Nursing oversees the licensure and regulation of LPNs in the state. To be eligible for initial licensure, applicants must:
- Graduate from a Tennessee-approved practical nursing program or an out-of-state equivalent
- Submit a completed application and associated fees
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
- Undergo and pass a criminal background check through both state and federal channels
The Board also requires any program completed outside of Tennessee to meet the state’s curriculum standards.
License Renewal
Tennessee LPN licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed biennially. Renewal requires submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee. As of current regulations, LPNs in Tennessee are not required to complete continuing education for license renewal. However, the Board may require participation in continuing competency activities if the licensee is under disciplinary action, returning to practice after an absence, or as determined necessary for public protection. The license renewal period opens 60 days before expiration, and it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure timely renewal to avoid lapses in licensure.
Tennessee LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tennessee is $53,490, which is significantly below the national average of $62,340. This wage difference is often attributable to state-specific economic factors, most notably a lower overall cost of living compared to the U.S. average. Additionally, regional supply and demand dynamics, influenced by long-term care needs, hospital system budgets, and state regulations governing LPN scope of practice, contribute to compensation levels that are lower than the national benchmark.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tennessee LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
Typically 12 months (or three trimesters).
Credential Awarded:
Diploma or Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Focus:
Concentrates on core nursing theory, essential patient care skills, and extensive clinical practice required for entry-level LPN roles.
Average In-State Tuition in Tennessee:
Approximately $5,000 - $8,500 for the entire program (excluding books, supplies, and fees).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct route to enter the nursing field as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
School Types:
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and some Community Colleges.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
Approximately 2 years (four to five semesters).
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS or ASN).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
No. This degree path prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurse licensure.
Program Focus:
A broader curriculum that includes general education courses (e.g., English, Math, Psychology) alongside more in-depth nursing theory, leadership, and patient assessment skills for the RN role.
Average In-State Tuition in Tennessee:
Approximately $9,000 - $15,000 for the entire program (excluding books, supplies, and fees).
Best For:
Students who plan from the outset to become a Registered Nurse and want a degree that provides a foundation for a future BSN.
School Types:
Community Colleges and some four-year universities.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Speed to Workforce: It is the fastest path to earning a nursing license and starting a career, typically taking only one year to complete.
- Lower Cost: Tuition and fees are significantly less expensive than a two-year degree program, reducing student debt.
- Focused Curriculum: The program avoids general education requirements, concentrating entirely on the nursing skills needed to pass the NCLEX-PN and work effectively as an LPN.
- Foundation for Advancement: You can work and earn an income as an LPN while pursuing an LPN-to-RN bridge program later, often with employer tuition assistance.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Higher Earning Potential: Registered Nurses have a significantly higher average salary and earning potential compared to LPNs.
- Broader Scope of Practice: The RN role includes more autonomy, complex patient assessment, care planning, and leadership responsibilities.
- Direct Path to RN: It is the most direct educational route to becoming an RN without first becoming an LPN.
- Easier Academic Advancement: The associate degree provides a seamless pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), as general education and core nursing credits are designed to transfer.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Tennessee
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $40,000 - $64,000 | 12 months | NCLEX-PN | Minimum 550 hours | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| MA | $30,000 - $48,000 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-200 hours | $4,000 - $15,000 |
| CNA | $28,000 - $41,000 | 4-12 weeks | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) | Minimum 40 hours | $700 - $1,500 |
| DA | $36,000 - $59,000 | 9-12 months | TN Jurisprudence Exam for RDA | 160-300 hours | $4,000 - $16,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $30,000 - $48,000 | 6-12 months | PTCE or ExCPT | 120-200 hours | $3,000 - $10,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $30,000 - $49,000 | 4-16 weeks | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 30-100 successful draws | $800 - $2,500 |
| OTA | $47,000 - $80,000 | 2 years | NBCOT COTA Exam | Minimum 16 weeks (approx. 640 hours) | $15,000 - $45,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-18 month program
- Hands-on clinical rotations
- Covers pharmacology, patient care
- Financial aid available
- No prior nursing experience needed
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
- Experienced faculty
- Modern training facilities
Chattanooga State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester diploma program
- 1,357 total program hours
- 95% job placement rate
- Average earnings $41,920/year
- Total program cost $7,105
- Full-time program
- Limited to 24 students per class
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
Cookeville, TN
Fortis Institute-Cookeville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Covers patient care, pharmacology.
- Financial aid available.
- High school diploma required.
- Entry-level nursing positions.
- Blend of theory and practice.
Crump, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 12-month program
- 1,296 total clock hours
- Diploma credential offered
- Total cost $4,680 + supplies
- HESI entrance exam required
- High school/GED prerequisite
- Multiple learning format options
- Clinical experience included
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- 12-month full-time option.
- 16-month part-time option.
- Total tuition: $4,680.
- Textbook/supplies cost: $1,393.49.
- NCLEX-PN exam eligibility.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- HESI entrance exam required.
Dickson, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 12-month program
- 1,296 total clock hours
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- Total cost under $8,000
- Day classes available
- Clinical experience included
- Multiple campus locations
- HESI A2 entrance exam required
Elizabethton, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length
- Full-time day classes
- 1,296 clock hours
- Diploma credential
- $6,838 total tuition/fees
- $1,062 textbook/supplies cost
- High school diploma required
- HESI exam prerequisite
Harriman, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length
- 1,296 clock hours
- Diploma credential
- $4,635 tuition/fees
- $4,266.74 books/supplies
- Day class type
- Full-time commitment
- Campus-based learning
Hartsville, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hartsville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full Time program
- 1,296 Clock Hours
- Day classes
- Certificate and Diploma credentials
- $4,419 total tuition
- $1,900 textbook/supplies cost
- HESI exam required
- Clinical experience included
Hohenwald, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month practical nursing program
- 1,296 total clock hours
- Day and night class options
- Total cost around $9,385
- High school diploma required
- Entrance exam mandatory
- Diploma credential awarded
- Multiple campus locations
Huntsville, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length
- Diploma credential
- Day and night classes
- $4,620 tuition and fees
- $4,624 textbooks and supplies
- Clinical experience included
- Anatomy and physiology covered
- Nursing principles and skills
Jacksboro, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program
- Full-time, day classes
- 1,296 clock hours
- Diploma credential
- $4,620 tuition
- $3,974 for books/supplies
- HESI test required
- Clinical experience included
Jackson, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length.
- 1,296 clock hours required.
- Day class schedule.
- Diploma upon completion.
- Total cost: $7,553.42.
- Includes tuition and supplies.
- Clinical rotations in hospitals.
- NCLEX exam eligibility.
Knoxville, TN
South College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Onground clinical training
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- Multiple campus locations
- Patient-centered care focus
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Hands-on simulation labs
- Evidence-based nursing practice
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month diploma program
- 1,296 total clock hours
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- Multiple campus locations
- Day and night class options
- Total cost under $8,500
- Tennessee Board of Nursing approved
- Healthcare providers CPR required
Livingston, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Livingston
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month nursing diploma
- 1,296 total clock hours
- Total cost $12,658
- Full-time day classes
- HESI entrance exam required
- Clinical experience included
- Tennessee Board of Nursing approved
- Multiple campus locations
Memphis, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month full-time program
- 1,296 total clock hours
- Day class schedule
- Multiple clinical experiences
- Tennessee Board of Nursing approved
- Diploma credential awarded
- Requires health screenings
- Ages 18 and older
Morristown, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month full-time program
- 1,296 clock hours
- Day classes
- Diploma upon completion
- Total tuition/fees: $4,320
- Textbook/supplies cost: $4,043
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
- Supervised clinical experience
Murfreesboro, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month full-time program
- 1,296 clock hours
- Day classes available
- Diploma credential
- Total cost $6,917 tuition
- Textbook/supplies cost $1,783
- Clinical practice included
- NCLEX exam preparation
Nashville, TN
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical/Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12 months full-time.
- 21 months part-time.
- On Campus program.
- Four start times yearly.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN® exam.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- Fast-track to nursing career.
- Financial aid available.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length
- Full-time day classes
- 1,296 clock hours
- Diploma awarded
- Total tuition: $4,320
- Textbook/supplies cost: $2,951.50
- Approved by Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam
Newbern, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program option.
- 18-month evening program.
- Total tuition: $6,518.
- Textbooks/supplies: $3,928.
- 1,296 clock hours required.
- Day and night classes available.
- Diploma upon completion.
- Prepares for licensure exams.
Paris, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Henry/Carroll
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length
- Full-time and part-time options
- Combines classroom, lab, clinical
- Tuition: $4,308
- Textbooks/supplies: $2,063.89
- HESI A2 exam required
- ACT scores accepted
- Immunizations needed
Pulaski, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length.
- Full-time, day classes.
- 1,296 clock hours.
- Diploma upon completion.
- Total tuition $4,620.
- Textbooks/supplies $2,444.
- High school diploma or HiSet/GED required.
- HESI Exam mandatory.
Shelbyville, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length
- Full-time, daytime classes
- $7,550 total tuition
- Diploma credential
- 1,296 clock hours
- Combines theory and clinical experience
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
- Requires high school diploma or GED
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