How to Become an RN in Tennessee: 5 Steps

Need guidance on how to become an RN in Tennessee? While the overall steps — education, NCLEX examination, and licensure — are similar to other states, there are state-specific requirements you need to know. This guide walks you through all the details of how to become a registered nurse in Tennessee.

The Volunteer State has multiple perks for nurses, including a thriving healthcare industry, vibrant arts and music culture, and easy access to stunning outdoor destinations — making it a great place to grow your nursing career and enjoy life.

How to Become an RN in Tennessee: Interesting Facts

• Growing healthcare industry: Tennessee is home to more than 190 healthcare facilities, including some of the nation’s top-ranked hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
• High demand for RNs: Tennessee continues to face a nursing shortage, creating steady demand for qualified RNs across a range of healthcare facilities.
• Cost of living advantage: Tennessee has a lower cost of living than many states, allowing RNs to stretch their salaries further.
• Work-life balance: Tennessee offers plenty of outdoor activities, including over 50 state parks, the Great Smoky Mountains, waterfalls, and vibrant cities like Nashville.
• No state income tax: Tennessee is one of the few states with no state income tax, which means more of your salary stays in your pocket.

Becoming an RN in Tennessee: A Snapshot of the Role

Once you become an RN in Tennessee, you’ll access a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to fast-paced acute care facilities, family-focused community health clinics, or cutting-edge research institutions, the state offers plenty of career paths to explore. You can also branch into non-clinical roles like education, management, or medical coding — making a difference beyond the bedside.

Curious what a nurse’s workload really looks like? While every nursing specialty is unique, most nurses can expect to handle several core responsibilities:

• Assessing and monitoring patient health: You’ll be responsible for performing assessments of patient’s health status, including monitoring vital signs and medical histories.
• Administering medications and treatments: You’ll administer medications and therapies while monitoring for side effects.
• Responding to emergencies: You’ll provide life-saving interventions during critical situations, such as cardiac arrests or sudden changes in patient condition.
• Developing care plans: You’ll develop personalized nursing care plans that address your patients’ needs.
• Educating patients and families: You’ll help patients and their families understand their conditions, medications, and steps they can take to stay healthy.
• Documenting patient information: You’ll maintain medical records about the care provided.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Tennessee?

Wondering how to become an RN in Tennessee fast? The quickest way to earn a nursing degree is by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which can be accomplished in about two years. Alternatively, you can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which usually takes four years to complete.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated programs allow you to earn your nursing degree in a shorter timeframe — often around 12 to 18 months. There are also bridge programs, such as CNA-to RN or LPN-to-RN, which build on your existing healthcare experience to help you enter the RN workforce faster.

How to Become an RN in Tennessee: 5 Steps

Ready to turn your passion for helping others into a nursing career? Let’s map out your path to becoming an RN in Tennessee.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

Your first step is to complete an ADN or BSN program that is accredited either by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). To ensure the program meets state requirements, review the Tennessee Board of Nursing’s list of approved schools before applying.

Interested in earning a BSN degree? Take a look at these top-rated schools in Tennessee:

• The University of Tennessee Southern
• Tusculum University
• Lee University
• Cumberland University
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Planning to pursue an ADN degree? Here are some community colleges that offer 2-year RN programs in TN:

• Jackson State Community College
• Chattanooga State Community College

Wondering which degree is best for you? Ultimately, the choice depends on your goals and priorities. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive education and opportunities for faster career advancement down the line, a BSN might be the better fit. If you want to enter the workforce quickly, an ADN can help you get you there.

Tip: Worried about paying for school? Explore scholarships and grants in Tennessee to help fund your journey toward a nursing career. Additionally, finding a student nurse job can help cover your tuition costs and strengthen your nursing resume.

Step 2: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Your next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the national licensure exam that tests your knowledge, ensuring you’re ready for real-life work with patients.

Here are the steps to schedule your NCLEX exam in Tennessee:

• Complete a criminal background check.
• Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
• Request an official transcript from your nursing school to be sent directly to the Board of Nursing.
• Create an application on the Tennessee Department of Health licensure and regulatory system and upload the necessary documents, including proof of citizenship and passport-size photos.

Here’s a rundown of the fees associated with the application process:

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100

The NCLEX-RN is an adaptive exam with 85 to 150 questions, and you have up to five hours to complete it. Official results are typically available in about six weeks, though you can pay an additional fee for unofficial results in as little as two days.

Tip: If you don’t pass your exam on your first try, you can retake the NCLEX. However, if you’re unsuccessful on your second attempt, the Tennessee Board of Nursing may provide recommendations that you’ll need to follow before trying again.

Step 3: Apply for Your Tennessee RN License

After you pass the NCLEX-RN, the Tennessee Board of Nursing will process your application and, if everything is in order, issue your RN license, marking the start of your journey as a registered nurse. For details, see the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act.

Tennessee is a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), giving you the option to apply for either a compact (multistate) license or a state-specific license. A compact license is perfect for those interested in travel nursing, telehealth roles, or working in other states.

Tip: New to life as a licensed healthcare professional? Check out tips on how not to lose your license.

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

Ready to start applying for RN jobs in Tennessee? From renowned hospitals to specialized clinics, the state offers a wide range of opportunities for every skill set and interest.

Many new nurses begin their careers in bedside roles. These hospitals in Tennessee are a great place to start your job search:

• Baptist Memorial Hospital
• Centerstone of Tennessee
• HC&N Healthcare Solutions
• Highlands Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Lakeside Behavioral Health System
• Methodist Hospitals of Memphis
• Nashville Center For Rehabilitation and Healing
• Quality Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• West Hills

Step 5: Keep Your RN License Up to Date

You’ll need to renew your Tennessee nursing license every two years. Renewal requires completing continuing education hours and paying the applicable renewal fee. Always check for updates on the Tennessee Department of Health website to ensure you’re following the latest renewal guidelines.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Tennessee?

The typical RNs salary in the state is $82,010 per year, but your salary could vary based on your education level, experience, and the healthcare facility you choose to work in.

Salaries tend to be higher in big cities. To help you get started, here’s a list of the five largest cities in Tennessee by population:

• Nashville
• Memphis
• Knoxville
• Chattanooga
• Clarksville

Helpful Resources for Tennessee Nurses

Want to dive deeper into life as an RN in the Volunteer State? Check out these helpful resources to learn all about how to become an RN in Tennessee:

• Tennessee Nurses Association
• Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association
• Tennessee Action Coalition
• Tennessee Hospital Association

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