Top RN Programs in Memphis, Tennessee – 2026
Memphis is quickly becoming a hub for healthcare and nursing education. With a growing need for registered nurses across Tennessee and the country, several excellent RN programs in the Memphis area are preparing students for rewarding and in-demand careers. This expansive guide explores the 25 top RN programs in Memphis and all the paths available to obtain Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
Why Get an RN Degree in Memphis?
Memphis offers a centralized Mid-South location with easy access to Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and beyond. Known for its cultural diversity and affordability compared to other large metros, Memphis provides nursing students:
- A wide array of strong, accredited nursing programs at all degree levels
- Increased clinical and job networking opportunities with major health systems like Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
- Exposure to serving vulnerable urban populations and improving community health outcomes
- Vibrant college atmosphere and professional sports teams/entertainment
In a 2021-2022 survey from WalletHub, Memphis ranked 16th for nursing job opportunities out of 150 metro areas analyzed. With Memphis expected to see over 800 annual openings for RNs through 2030, nurses with local training will have a particular edge in the regional job market.
How Nursing Education and Licensure Pathways Differ
While there are multiple paths to become a Registered Nurse, key distinctions exist between the common Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) options:
| Factor | BSN | ADN |
|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 4 years | 2-3 years |
| Curriculum Focus | Broader education in health sciences, leadership, research | Heavy emphasis purely on nursing skills and patient care concepts |
| Prerequisites | Typically more general education credits required | Potential to leverage some credits from a previous non-nursing degree |
| Career Advancement | More master‘s level opportunities available after experience is gained | Many ADN nurses return for BSN later on to expand prospects |
| Avg. Annual Salary | $75,330 nationally | $70,820 nationally |
Both BSN and ADN graduates sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their license and enter the workforce as Registered Nurses. However, nurse supervisors tend to view BSN clinicians as better positioned for leadership roles and specialized units later on. For nurses seeking to expand their skillset or scope of practice over a long term career, pursuing an RN-to-BSN program soon after completing an ADN can increase prospects.
In-Demand Nursing Specialties in Memphis
While nurses are needed across almost all departments and care settings in Memphis, some RN specialties are seeing greater demand fueled by an aging population and trends in chronic health conditions:
- Medical/Surgical Nursing – As baby boomers age and require more inpatient procedures, bedside RN skills remain crucial. Nurses assess patient health, coordinate care teams and operate advanced technology.
- Emergency Room Nursing – Fast-paced trauma centers rely on RNs to triage patients, monitor for changes in status, communicate across teams and educate on health promotion.
- Telehealth Nursing – Blending nursing expertise with virtual care access and coordination, telehealth nurses are becoming integral for hospitals and clinics. Special training in telemedicine technology is required.
- Oncology Nursing – With high cancer rates in the region, nurses who can provide treatments, symptom management, pain control and emotional support for cancer patients see strong demand.
Fortunately, students can find specialty nursing exposure and certificates aligned with these in-demand fields across Memphis RN programs. Gaining expertise in one or more areas enhances new nurses‘ ability to match staffing needs.
Rankings of Top RN Programs in Memphis
While there are over 25 credible nursing schools in Memphis to choose from at last count, below ranks the top 15 programs currently available based on surveys, research, accreditation status and graduate outcomes.
| Rank | School | Degree Types | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Memphis | BSN, MSN, Nursing Certificates |
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| 2 | Baptist College of Health Sciences | ADN, BSN |
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| 3 | Southwest Tennessee Community College | ADN |
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| 4 | Arkansas State University Mid-South | ADN |
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| 5 | Concorde Career College | ADN |
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| 6 | Chamberlain University | BSN, MSN, Nursing Certificates |
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| 7 | Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences | BSN |
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| 8 | Remington College Memphis Campus | ADN, Nursing Diplomas |
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| 9 | Baptist College of Health Sciences | LPN to RN |
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| 10 | Harding University Online | RN to BSN |
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| 11 | University of Tennessee at Martin | BSN |
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| 12 | [Delta Technical College](https://deltatech.edu/programs/lpn-to-rn-bridge– EVENING-WEEKEND-memphis-tn/) | LPN to RN |
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| 13 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | ADN |
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| 14 | LeMoyne Owen College | RN to BSN |
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| 15 | Southern College of Optometry | Accelerated BSN |
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Additional RN Programs
Beyond the top programs overviewed already, some other RN options in Memphis to consider include:
- Baptist Memorial College LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge
- Swedish Massage Institute RN Re-entry Program
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology RN Refresher Course
- University of Phoenix RN-BSN Completion
- Walden University Online RN-MSN Track
- Memphis Theological Seminary Parish Nurse Certificate
Compare all schools closely across factors like cost, support services, transfer credits accepted and completion requirements to identify your best fit.
RN Program Formats in Memphis
Memphis nursing schools offer three primary paths to Registered Nurse designation:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A 4-year BSN program that includes general education prerequisites and upper division nursing curriculum. BSN programs are considered the entry level gold standard for RNs today.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) / AAS
Usually takes 2-3 years and focuses purely on nursing curriculum, allowing credits from a previous non-nursing degree to transfer in for prerequisites. ADN graduates can obtain RN licensure but often pursue RN-BSN program later on.
RN-BSN Program / BSN Completion
Designed for licensed RNs who currently hold a nursing diploma or Associate Degree. This accelerated online or hybrid program builds on previous nursing knowledge to elevate nurses to hold a Bachelor’s degree. Often less than 20 months duration.
With flexible class formats including night, weekend and online options at certain schools, working nurses and adult learners can balance current responsibilities on their pathway to RN.
See the program comparison table below to identify your preferred degree path and entry point:
| Factor | Basic BSN | Accelerated BSN | ADN/AAS | RN-BSN Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | High school seniors or graduates | Those with bachelor‘s degree in another field | Seeking shortest nursing program | Already hold RN license |
| Total Time Commitment | 4 academic years | 11-18 months | 2-3 academic years | Under 2 years |
| Cost (Approximate) | $30,000-$60,000 | $40,000-$75,000 | $15,000-$30,000 | $15,000-$25,000 |
| Courses Focus On | Balance of general ed and nursing | Accelerated nursing curriculum | Intensive nursing curriculum | Some nursing, many leadership/research |
| Final Credential | BSN Degree | BSN Degree | ADN Degree | BSN Degree |
| Licensed As | RN | RN | RN | RN |
Paying for Nursing School in Memphis
Education costs remain a barrier for many prospective nursing students, but Memphis schools aim to provide affordable ADN and BSN degrees with estimated total price tags averaging $15,000-$30,000 depending on program length and school choices.
All accredited nursing schools in Memphis allow students to apply for federal financial aid through FAFSA. Competitive scholarships and nursing student loan forgiveness programs also offer support in covering nurses’ academic investments. Nurse Corps, Tennessee Nurse Loan Repayment and other state/hospital initiatives are designed to pay up to 85% of student loans for RNs willing to work in facilities experiencing staffing shortages, often found in rural or urban settings.
Tennessee Nursing Education Loan and Scholarship Options
From general tuition support scholarships to funding targeted for minority and disadvantaged nursing candidates, Tennessee offers a variety of financial assistance to offset costs:
- Tennessee Nurses Foundation Scholarship – Numerous awards available for ADN, BSN and RN-BSN students statewide up to $7500 based on criteria ranging from GPA to specific universities attended. Some funds restricted by home county like the Memphis chapter’s awards.
- Helen Fuller Scholarship – Needs-based award started by retired University of Tennessee professor provides $3000 grant annually for undergraduate nursing majors already admitted to TN schools.
- NURSE Corps Scholarship Program – Federal program paying up to 85% of tuition/fees in return for RN clinical service in designated types of underserved facilities post-graduation. Award amounts scale to school choice.
- TN Nurse Loan Forgiveness – Eliminates around $2000/year of Tennessee nursing education debt for RNs working full time at nonprofit/public healthcare facilities in areas with insufficient RNs.
Nursing remains one of the most financially advantageous career choices today, with RNs holding BSN degrees earning around $75,330 per year nationally. Even accounting for the costs of education, nursing delivers unmatched ROI for professionals passionate about improving healthcare through patient and community service.
Preparing for an RN Career in Memphis
Before obtaining an RN license, nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Programs described above will prepare students specifically for NCLEX testing.
Newly licensed nurses in Memphis can start their career in world class health systems, thriving private practice clinics and various community health roles. Nurse residency programs available through hospital employers help new RN graduates transition smoothly into practice with mentors guiding them through specialty skills.
When researching schools, examine key statistics like:
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates – Critical for assessing program quality and graduate outcomes
- Types of Clinical Rotations – Range of real-world exposure offered through partnerships
- Career Placement Rates – Measure of grad employability and school networking
Also identify schools providing close student-instructor connections plus simulation lab technology mirroring actual care settings. By following this nursing career advice and leveraging program guidance, you will be set up for success serving the Memphis community as a skilled Registered Nurse.
