Overview
Tennessee has a population of 6.2 million people. Memphis is the largest city in the state, with a population of roughly 670,900, while Nashville is the official capital and the second largest city. Beef production and manufacturing are Tennessee’s primary source of gross state product, though there is also opportunity for those looking to work in the services sector, namely the health care industry. Tourists are drawn to Tennessee because of the multitude of outdoor activities as well as plenty of historic landmarks, including Graceland, Jack Daniel’s Distillery and the Victorian Village in Memphis.
Nursing Education in Tennessee
In addition to offering great activities when taking a break from studying or working as a registered nurse, Tennessee is also home to a various reputable schools, including Vanderbilt University in Nashville, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (both in Memphis and in Knoxville) and the East Tennessee State University. The Tennessee Student Assistance Awards and the Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program are the first organizations you should go to if you are looking for state-specific financial aid programs..
Outlook for Nursing in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition, Tennessee employs over 63,000 registered nurses and the mean annual salary is $60,480. Before you begin applying you must first complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Tennessee is especially hard-hit by a shortage of nurses and while this may bode well when searching for a job, keep in mind that many health care facilities in this state are understaffed.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Tennessee include Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis, Methodist University Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, and Johnson City Medical Center.
Nursing Degree Programs in Tennessee
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in TN
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in TN
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in TN
Entry level nursing programs:




