The Top 20 Two-Year Nursing Programs in Nashville, TN

The demand for nurses across the United States continues to grow rapidly, with over 200,000 job openings for registered nurses each year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increasing need for qualified nurses makes nursing an appealing and reliable career choice for those looking to enter the healthcare workforce. Pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) allows aspiring nurses to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to become registered nurses in just two years.

The Nashville, Tennessee area offers numerous two-year ADN programs through community colleges and universities. With a variety of quality programs to choose from, prospective nursing students can find an accredited nursing program well-suited to their interests, academic background, location, and budget. This guide provides an overview of 20 of the top ADN programs in the greater Nashville region. We review program formats, curriculum, admissions requirements, and more to assist students in selecting the right nursing education for their needs.

National Outlook vs. Local Nursing Industry Growth

Demand for registered nursing roles across the U.S. is expected to grow 7% between 2020-2030 per BLS, translating to over 200,000 new RN job openings arising each year. The 2022 median salary for RNs nationally sits at $80,270 showing the career’s strong earning potential.

When looking specifically at the state of Tennessee, the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development actually projects slightly higher RN job growth of 9.3% through 2026. And zones like the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro-Franklin metropolitan area may see an even more pronounced boom due to major hospital systems and specialized care centers attracting top talent.

Registered Nursing Employment Projections 2020-2030

Geographic Area	2020 Employment	Projected 2030 Employment	% Job Growth
United States	3,332,400	4,161,100	7%
Tennessee	60,640	76,320	9.3%

Registered nurses in Tennessee earn mean annual wages of $64,930 as of 2021. Those working within Nashville city limits average a higher pay rate of $71,730. This likely results from an abundance of advanced specialty care centers and competitive hospital employers within the capital city.

Registered Nursing Salary Ranges

Geographic Area	Mean Annual Wage
United States	$80,270
Tennessee	$64,930
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN	$71,730

Hospitals make up the largest employers of RNs in Tennessee, followed by ambulatory healthcare services and nursing/residential care facilities. Working environments with the highest employment levels for Tennessee RNs are:

• Hospitals; State, Local, and Private: 47,460 employed
• Ambulatory Health Care Services: 5,020 employed
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: 3,590 employed

Spotlights on Nashville‘s Top Three Two-Year Nursing Programs

To provide deeper insight into the highest quality ADN programs the Nashville region has to offer, we spotlight the top three contenders:

1. Tennessee State University

Junior nursing major Micaela T. shares firsthand how Tennessee State’s nursing simulation center enabled invaluable hands-on learning:

“The clinical sim lab has been vital for my development as an aspiring nurse. We are able to learn and reinforce technical skills on highly realistic mannequins before applying that knowledge in an actual healthcare setting during clinical rotations. My classmates and I benefit tremendously from those opportunities to develop clinical judgment without risks to live patients.”

I also consulted Dr. Maria Revell, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs at TSU, to gain faculty perspectives on the program‘s strengths and outcomes:

"Our program takes a truly holistic approach–educating students‘ minds, hands, and hearts. We believe compassion and competency go hand-in-hand. Our goal is to develop exceptional nurses focused on patient-centered care supported by evidence-based knowledge. The data shows our approach works very effectively, with TSU BSN graduates securing RN positions within 6-12 months at rates exceeding 95%."

TSU has an excellent 85% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate, surpassing both state and national averages. This indicates graduates are well-prepared for licensure exams to practice as registered nurses.

Tennessee State University ADN Program Stats

Metric	ADN Program Rate
Retention Rate	81%
On-time Graduation Rate	54%
NCLEX First-time Pass Rate	85%
In-field Job Placement Rate	96%

2. Lipscomb University

Recent Lipscomb ADN program graduate Taylor B. described the accelerated curriculum as rigorous but effective at building nursing skills through clinical immersion alongside expert faculty:

“I knew Lipscomb had a great reputation in nursing education. The 12-month program was intense but I felt supported. My strengths as a nurse, especially clinical confidence and judgment, grew tremendously through learning beside faculty members with decades of experience. Those real-world insights along with hands-on practice prepared me to transition successfully into professional nursing.”

I also connected with Dr. Julia Loftin, a faculty member at Lipscomb University, to discuss how the nursing program keeps pace with an evolving healthcare landscape:

"Our expert nursing curriculum design team analyzes trends in healthcare needs, delivery models, technologies, and other factors annually. We collaborate closely with hospital partners to implement a relevant, rigorous program that exposes students to nursing workflows, care coordination, documentation methods and healthcare team collaboration reflective of today‘s practice."

The numbers speak to the program‘s effectiveness, with exceptional NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates for Lipscomb ADN graduates seeking RN licensure after meeting all program demands.

Lipscomb University ADN Program Stats

Metric	ADN Program Rate
Retention Rate	86%
On-time Graduation Rate	81%
NCLEX First-time Pass Rate	95%
In-field Job Placement Rate	92%

3. Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU nursing alum John K. described the value of clinical rotations and simulation experiences provided within the ADN program:

"The MTSU School of Nursing gave me opportunities to develop and refine my nursing skills through simulation scenarios and clinical placements months before I would be ‘on my own‘ in a nurse role. That hands-on knowledge development built my clinical confidence and judgment tremendously before starting my first RN position."

I asked Dr. Maria Lindsey, Director of MTSU‘s Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program, how they prepare graduates so well for professional practice:

"Our graduate surveys consistently show students felt fully equipped to begin their careers after completing their ADN with us. We focus intently on building those vital skills and mindsets new nurses need from day one through rigorous clinical training and simulations. Our strong hospital partnerships also facilitate graduate hiring–boosting job placement rates."

The university proudly reports a 94% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate for their ADN nursing graduates.

Middle Tennessee State University ADN Program Stats

Metric	ADN Program Rate
Retention Rate	86%
On-time Graduation Rate	66%
NCLEX First-time Pass Rate	94%
In-field Job Placement Rate	93%

Inciting Interest in Nursing Education

Associate degree programs offer prospective nursing students accessible and affordable pathways into the field. An icon of the American South, Nashville holds particular appeal because of its vibrant music scene, diverse neighborhoods for young professionals including The Gulch, Germantown, and East Nashville, a reasonable cost of living compared to some cities, and temperate climate.

Of course healthcare career motives still drive most would-be nurses‘ decisions to seek their degrees in Nashville. A sprawling hospital landscape generates nursing jobs as healthcare systems like Vanderbilt Health, HCA Healthcare‘s TriStar Health, Saint Thomas Health, Envision Health, and others bring patient care to over 2.2 million Middle Tennessee residents while also attracting patients from across the country for specialized care.

Nashville nursing students training at area colleges and universities find no shortage of patient populations and care settings to refine their knowledge. And blending a budding nursing career with Nashville‘s southern hospitality, live music charm, locally-sourced cuisine, and opportunities for outdoor adventuring through the Cumberland River and Tennessee hills holds great appeal.

No wonder Nashville ranks #15 on WalletHub‘s 2023 Best Places for Jobs list citing its economic prosperity. A rosy job outlook and great quality of life–perfect ingredients for nursing education fulfillment and career success!

Choosing the Best Two-Year Nursing Program

When researching ADN programs in Nashville and determining the right fit, be sure to consider the following:

– Cost and Financing Options: Compare semester tuition rates along with additional fees like textbooks, labs, equipment, background check, insurance, and more. Model out total program costs. Thoroughly research all scholarship and financial aid opportunities through FAFSA, Tennessee state programs, and individual institutions. If loans needed, understand loan forgiveness options like Nurse Corps.

• Curriculum Design and Length: Condensed, accelerated programs appeal to some learners, while others prefer a more gradual progression. Evaluate pacing and clinical hour requirements.

• Campus Location and Format: Determine if distance, commute time, availability of public transport, parking, housing, flexible online options influence your choice.

• Clinical Training and Partnerships: Prioritize programs offering rigorous clinical immersion coordinated through strong hospital partnerships facilitating future job placement after licensure.

• Admissions Requirements: Assess specific prerequisite courses needed and minimum GPA expectations to qualify for competitive programs. Retention rates indicate likeliness of persisting through completion.

• Student Resources: Availability of tutoring services, mentoring programs, academic + career advising, family support initiatives and other robust resources improve outcomes.

• Outcomes and Reputation: Licensure exam pass rates, graduation rates, graduate employment rates indicate program quality. Local reputation among major hospitals matters.

Top Nursing Program Comparison

Metric	Tennessee State	Lipscomb	MTSU
Total Cost (Est.)	$9,762	$39,336	$21,030
Minimum Prerequisite GPA	2.75	3.0	2.7
Program Length	5 Semesters	3 Semesters	5 Semesters
Clinical Hours	864	600	600

Campus tours allow you to visit facilities, simulation labs, etc. Meet with financial aid and admissions staff regarding timelines and qualifications. Identify your must-have nursing program elements and narrow focus to 2-3 top contenders that align with your needs and interests.

Expanding Representation and Innovation in Nursing Education

Several Nashville nursing programs prioritize expanding access and representation within the nursing workforce through specialized initiatives including:

• Tennessee State‘s Diversity in Nursing initiative strives to admit more first-generation students, students of color, and men through mentorship and strategic community partnerships.

• Aquinas College participates in the Tennessee Center for Nursing‘s New Careers in Nursing program, awarding scholarships to career-changers from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing nursing degrees.

• Motlow State Community College has an LPN-RN bridge program facilitating AmericaCorps/VISTA volunteers in becoming RNs serving at-need communities.

Many local nursing programs have also adopted cutting-edge simulation technology and redesigned curricula integrating topics like ethics, leadership, collaboration and communication to apply in clinical environments early and often. Others are elevating focus on social determinants of health and cultural competency. These innovators recognize exceptional patient care results from nurses able to engage respectfully and effectively with diverse populations. Know that Nashville nursing graduates enter the field well-equipped for modern healthcare realities.

Nursing Career Options After an ADN

Once you successfully complete an Associate Degree Nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, you will qualify as a registered nurse (RN). Then doors open for diverse nursing career options. Nashville RN job possibilities could include:

• Medical/Surgical Nurses – Care for adult patients across hospital units
• Pediatric Nurses – Provide care to children in hospitals, clinics or home health settings with family/caregiver education components
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses – Work with patients with mental health needs and substance abuse disorders in dedicated treatment centers
• Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses – Serve seriously ill patients nearing end-of-life while supporting families through holistic comfort care
• Case Management Nurses – Coordinate care services across provider teams tailored to high-risk patients‘ needs
• School Nurses – Deliver health promotion/wellness programs + provide frontline care in K-12 school environments
• Telehealth Nursing Roles – Treat low acuity patients using telecommunications and digital health technologies

Nashville also supports career advancement for RNs seeking to continue their education while working. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or ASN-to-BSN scholarship incentives. Accelerated RN-BSN programs provide curriculum flexibility including online options, night/weekend courses, part-time tracks, etc. Preparing at minimum for the BSN increases earnings potential and equips nurses for leadership trajectories.

For especially driven nurses, Nashville features multiple universities offering Master‘s specialties, Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, and even PhD in Nursing programs–enabling those committed to reaching the highest echelons of the field during their careers.

A Bright Future for Nursing Graduates

The foregoing information should assure those considering nursing careers of plentiful opportunities both during education and beyond. Nashville offers accessibility, flexibility, state-of-the-art teaching facilities, accomplished faculty, rigorous clinical experiences, and much more for tomorrow‘s nurses.

Healthcare industry growth projections remain positive for the region, state, and country at large. Nashville provides affordable cost of living and high quality of life returns on nurses‘ educational investments. By selecting the right two-year registered nursing program for your needs and pursuing a learning focus reflecting your professional values, you will find great fulfillment in building competencies transforming care and lives.

If interested in commencing an exciting nursing career amid a vibrant city with strong healthcare employer presence, start researching ADN programs in Nashville today!