The 20 Best LPN Programs in Nashville, TN in 2026

Nashville, the vibrant capital of Tennessee, is fast emerging as a leading destination for licensed practical nurse (LPN) training. The Nashville area is home to over 15 LPN programs offered at community colleges, technical schools and private institutions.

This boom in LPN programs comes against the backdrop of a growing nursing shortage in Tennessee and soaring demand for licensed practical nurses across the healthcare sector. LPN job openings are projected to increase by 10% in Tennessee between 2020 and 2030. This poses exciting career opportunities for aspiring nurses who graduate from LPN programs around Nashville.

So what makes Nashville such an attractive location for LPN education? Along with plentiful program choices, Nashville offers affordability and a thriving job market. LPNs in Nashville earn attractive salaries – the average annual pay is $46,000. Once licensed, abundant nursing job options exist in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes and home health services.

This guide profiles the top 20 LPN programs in Nashville TN across several key metrics to help prospective students evaluate their options.

Why Enroll in an LPN Program?

Here‘s a quick rundown of why LPN training is a worthwhile investment:

• Fast entry into nursing: LPN programs take just 1-2 years to complete, allowing quick access to nursing jobs.

• Specialized skills training: Coursework covers nursing concepts like patient care, pharmacology, anatomy etc. Clinical rotations build real-world experience.

• Resilient career prospects: Healthcare sector growth and an aging population is fueling demand for LPNs. Job stability is high.

• Higher pay than many entry-level roles: LPNs earn median annual salaries of $47,480 nationally. With experience, pay can top $60,000.

LPN programs thus offer a springboard into a meaningful and well-compensated nursing career!

Methodology for Ranking the Best LPN Programs in Nashville

To compile this list of top Nashville LPN training providers, each nursing school was evaluated based on several objective factors:

• Program accreditation: All featured programs hold national or regional accreditation. This validates program quality.

• NCLEX-PN exam pass rates: Programs with higher licensure exam pass rates suggest effective teaching practices. The national average pass rate is 85%.

• Admission selectivity: Competitive acceptance rates indicate programs admit stronger applicant pools. More applicants means students face stiffer competition for seats.

• Cost and financing: Program costs can range widely. Availability of financial assistance is key to affordability and accessibility.

• Graduate outcomes: Job placement rates highlight how well programs prepare students for LPN roles.

Using these criteria and metrics, here are Nashville‘s 20 best LPN programs for aspiring practical nurses.

1. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University tops this list for its robust practical nursing curriculum yielding exceptional graduate outcomes. The program holds full approval by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Key stats and highlights:

• 84-100% annual NCLEX-PN exam pass rate
• Competitive 11:1 student-faculty ratio
• Hands-on patient care training through clinical rotations
• Career guidance from dedicated nursing advisors
• 84% of graduates secure LPN nursing jobs

Program basics:

• Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
• Program Length: 3 semesters
• Credit Hours: 48

Tennessee State prepares driven, practice-ready LPNs fully equipped to deliver skilled nursing care across diverse healthcare settings.

2. Volunteer State Community College

Volunteer State runs an excellent LPN program under its wider Associate of Applied Science in Nursing offering. With small class sizes and a convenient Gallatin campus location just 30 minutes from Nashville, Volunteer State is a hidden gem among LPN schools.

Notable success metrics:

• 90-100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate since 2017
• Selective admission (just 20 LPN seats per cohort)
• Hands-on patient care training through clinical rotations at area medical facilities
• Dedicated career placement support

Program overview:

• Program Type: Technical Certificate
• Program Length: 3 semesters
• Credit Hours: 46

Volunteer State Community College delivers affordable, high quality LPN training with strong career preparedness.

3. MedTech College

MedTech College is a private institution focused specifically on allied health education and training nurses for the Nashville job market. Its concentrated LPN program curriculum leads to strong graduate outcomes.

Why choose MedTech?

• Excellent 89% average first-time NCLEX-PN exam pass rate
• Small 13:1 student-teacher ratio
• Modern simulation labs replicating clinical settings
• 100% job placement rate for LPN program graduates

Vital info:

• Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
• Program Length: 1 year (4 quarters)
• Credit Hours: 66

With its selective entrance criteria, robust teaching standards and excellent placement record, MedTech College is clearly succeeding in its mission to train top LPN talent in Nashville.

4. Tennessee College of Applied Technology

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers LPN programs at multiple campuses statewide. The Covington location 40 minutes from Nashville holds regional accreditation and delivers reliable practical nursing training with favorable graduate outcomes.

What you should know:

• Strong average annual NCLEX-PN pass rate of 90%
• Selective admission process, highly regarded locally
• Quality clinical experience through local medical facility rotations
• Job placement assistance to graduates

Overview of Covington‘s LPN program:

• Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
• Program Length: 3 semesters
• Credit Hours: 46

With its competitive admissions and excellent pass rates on the licensure exam, Tennessee College of Applied Technology meets the mark as a trusted choice for LPN preparation.

5. Galen College of Nursing

Galen is a large private nursing college with multiple campuses across the Southern United States including Nashville. Its focused approach concentrating specifically on nursing education shows – Galen is clearly excelling at what it does best.

Why Galen stands out:

• Impressive 95% average first-time pass rate on NCLEX-PN exam
• Selective admission process (<60% acceptance rate)
• Modern simulation labs with high-tech patient mannequins
• Clinical experience at major Nashville medical centers

Overview of LPN program:

• Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
• Program Length: 4 quarters
• Credit Hours: 72

With its rigorous academics and emphasis on clinical skills application, Galen College of Nursing reliably produces skilled nurse graduates ready to enter practice.

Key Application Tips for Nashville LPN Programs

Students aiming to enroll in the best LPN training programs face some competition for seats. Here is some guidance on submitting a strong application:

Academic Performance

Most programs require a minimum 2.5 – 3.0 GPA to qualify for admission. Grades in core subjects like math, science, English etc. are especially important. Securing letters of recommendation from teachers or employers can further strengthen applications.

Entrance Exams

Standardized tests like the HESI, PAX-PN, NET or TEAS are used to evaluate academic preparedness for nursing curriculum. Scoring above the national average is recommended to qualify for selective programs. Thorough exam preparation is vital.

Previous Healthcare Experience

Hands-on industry exposure – even in entry-level roles – signals commitment to nursing as a career. Volunteer work, shadowing nurses, or working as a health technician are worth highlighting.

With early planning and focus, prospective LPN students can craft winning applications and gain admission to top Nashville programs!

Financing Your LPN Education in Nashville

The total cost of LPN programs spans from $10,000 – $35,000 including tuition, textbooks, uniforms, exam fees etc. Here are some options to fund this investment in your future nursing career:

• Employer tuition assistance: Many healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement incentives to current employees seeking nursing credentials.

• Federal Student Aid: Government grants, loans and work-study opportunities can finance up to $20,500 annually. Favorable repayment terms exist for qualifying students.

• Scholarships and grants: Various state nursing workforce grants and private scholarship funds award aid based on financial need and academic merit. These do not need repayment.

• Private education loans: Banks and credit unions offer personalized student loans with extended repayment timelines, often not requiring loan payment until after program completion.

• Employee sponsorship: Some healthcare providers sponsor select candidates through LPN training in return for a work commitment. This ensures both education financing and job placement!

The key is exploring all possible sources of assistance and selecting options strategically based on individual circumstances. Thorough planning makes funding LPN training achievable.

Choosing Where to Enroll for Your LPN Career Goals

With the wealth of quality LPN program options in Nashville, prospective students should evaluate their priorities to determine the best choice.

Here are key decision factors:

• Cost: For most affordable options, consider community colleges or state technical schools. Private institutions or universities typically cost more.

• Convenience: Evaluate program schedules and modalities that fit your circumstances, such as evening/weekend options for working students.

• Duration: Certificate programs range from 1-2 years. Ensure you select a program length aligned with your career timeframe.

• Specialization: Certain programs offer LPN training focused on high-demand specialties like geriatric, pediatric or oncology care.

• Reputation and outcomes: Prioritize programs producing skilled, successful LPN graduates. Metrics like reputation, accreditation status, exam pass rates and job placement records matter.

Assessing program strengths against personal career objectives allows prospective learners to find their best-fit LPN school in Nashville.

The Outlook for LPNs in Nashville

The job prospects for newly licensed LPN nurses in Nashville are bright. In addition to attractive pay compared to the average Tennessee wage, the Nashville metro is seeing considerable growth in healthcare employment.

The Tennessee Department of Labor projects robust industry growth fueled by an aging local population, expanded access to healthcare services and advances in medical technology requiring skilled nursing professionals across settings like hospitals, clinics and residential care facilities.

LPNs play a vital role in providing fundamental bedside care while experiencing high job satisfaction from meaningful patient interactions. Nashville offers aspiring LPNs diverse job possibilities at competitive salaries upon entering this rewarding career!

Key Takeaways: Launching Your Nursing Career Through Nashville LPN Programs

• Nashville hosts over 15 accredited LPN programs catering to full-time, part-time and working students
• Practical nursing programs take just 1-2 years to gain licensure and access abundant nursing job openings
• Program costs range from $10,000 – $35,000, with many public and private assistance options available
• Top Nashville programs like Tennessee State, Volunteer State and MedTech prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and transition successfully into practice
• Significant nursing job growth and competitive salaries create a strong job market for Nashville LPN program graduates

LPN training unlocks an affordable education pathway into a stable, meaningful and well-compensated nursing career. The Nashville area offers aspiring nurses fantastic LPN program choice and quality.

Whether launching a new healthcare career or advancing from a nursing aide job, practical nursing presents an opportunity for personal fulfillment and career mobility. Nashville‘s educational institutions provide accessible training, catalyzing students‘ journeys toward this rewarding profession.