Category: Finance | Title: Nursing Schools in Knoxville TN: Tuition, Programs, and Accreditation Facts | Tag: Nursing Education | Meta Description: Accredited nursing schools in Knoxville TN with tuition costs, program types, NCLEX pass rates, and enrollment data for 2024...
Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Knoxville TN
Knoxville TN hosts multiple accredited nursing schools offering ADN, BSN, and graduate programs. The University of Tennessee Knoxville operates the College of Nursing, which provides a BSN, RN-to-BSN, and multiple graduate tracks. Pellissippi State Community College offers an ADN program with clinical placements across local hospitals and clinics. East Tennessee State University in nearby Johnson City provides additional BSN and graduate options accessible to Knoxville residents. These institutions are regionally accredited and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. For program details and application deadlines, visit the University of Tennessee College of Nursing official page.
Admission requirements typically include a minimum GPA, prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, and TEAS or HESI exam scores. BSN programs usually require completion of general education credits before clinical coursework begins. ADN programs focus on foundational nursing skills and take approximately two years to complete. Graduate programs require a current RN license and a bachelor's degree. Enrollment capacity varies by program, with competitive applicant pools each cycle. The Tennessee Board of Nursing provides official program approval status and licensing information.
Tuition Costs, Financial Aid, and Program Duration
In-state tuition for the University of Tennessee Knoxville BSN program is approximately $10,000 per academic year for 2024. Out-of-state rates are significantly higher, often exceeding $25,000 annually. Pellissippi State Community College ADN tuition for Tennessee residents is around $4,000 per year. Additional costs include textbooks, clinical supplies, and mandatory health screenings. Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, Tennessee Promise, and institutional scholarships. Many hospitals in the Knoxville area offer tuition reimbursement programs for nursing staff. The FAFSA website provides federal aid application details.
ADN programs typically take two years to complete, while BSN programs require four years of full-time study. Accelerated BSN options exist for students with a prior bachelor's degree and usually take 12 to 18 months. Graduate nursing programs include Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice tracks lasting two to four years. Part-time and online options are available for working nurses at several institutions. Total program costs vary based on residency status and course load. The College of Nursing at UT Knoxville lists graduate tuition and fees on its website.
NCLEX Pass Rates, Accreditation, and Career Outcomes
NCLEX pass rates for Knoxville-area nursing programs reflect program quality and student preparedness. The University of Tennessee Knoxville BSN program consistently reports first-time pass rates above the national average. Pellissippi State Community College ADN graduates also achieve strong pass rates on the licensing exam. Accreditation bodies include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates from accredited programs meet eligibility requirements for state licensure and federal financial aid. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing publishes national NCLEX pass rate data for comparison.
Knoxville healthcare employers include Covenant Health, Tennova Healthcare, and the University of Tennessee Medical Center. These systems hire BSN and ADN graduates for staff nurse positions with structured orientation programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports registered nurse employment growth of 6 percent nationally from 2022 to 2032. Tennessee hospitals often provide tuition assistance for nurses pursuing BSN or graduate degrees. Nurse practitioners with advanced degrees can find positions in primary care and specialty clinics across East Tennessee. The Bureau of Labor Statistics