Most important takeaways…
- Most Tennessee online FNP programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least one year of clinical RN experience for admission.
- Clinical hours across Tennessee programs typically range from 630 to 720, with preceptor placement support varying widely by school.
- The national aggregate first-time FNP certification exam pass rate sits at 83 percent, closely matching Tennessee program averages.
- Tennessee NP salaries trail the national median of $121,610, though earnings vary significantly by metro area and practice setting.
Tennessee has roughly 1,700 federally designated primary care shortage areas, and family nurse practitioners are central to closing that gap. Demand is not theoretical: the state's rural and underserved counties are actively recruiting FNPs as physician shortages deepen, and full practice authority legislation has strengthened the case for NPs to serve as independent primary care providers.
Entering practice requires completing an accredited graduate program, passing a national certification exam through either ANCC or AANP, and obtaining a Tennessee advanced practice license. The MSN or post-master's certificate path typically runs two to three years, and cost varies widely across programs. Total program tuition can range from roughly $20,000 at public in-state institutions to over $60,000 at private universities.
For working RNs, the core tension is practical: how do you complete a rigorous clinical graduate program while maintaining full-time employment and income? Online delivery solves the classroom problem, but clinical hours still require in-person placement, and not every program offers the same level of support in securing those sites. Accreditation status, cost, and how aggressively a school helps you find preceptors end up mattering more than most applicants anticipate.
Top Ranked Online FNP Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee's FNP options range from affordable public universities to nationally known private programs, and the ten schools below reflect that spread. Each entry names the credential you would actually enroll in, along with the credit-hour and clinical-hour expectations working nurses should plan for.
Factors considered
- Ten-year earnings after entry
- Tuition adjusted for local cost of living
- Accreditation status
- Online accessibility for working nurses
- Program-level clinical requirements
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Independent editorial research
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University delivers its CCNE-accredited FNP concentration entirely online, with clinical rotations arranged near wherever students live. The school's overall graduation rate is 54%, and ten-year median earnings sit near $48,500. In-state tuition and fees of about $10,300, against roughly $31,600 out of state, keep it approachable for working nurses.
- 42 credit hours, completed in 4 or 5 semesters
- 630 direct patient care clinical hours
- CCNE accredited
- Coursework delivered online
- Clinical rotations arranged in the student's local area
- Holistic primary care for individuals and families across all ages
- Prepares graduates for national FNP certification
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville offers several FNP routes, from a graduate certificate for practicing APRNs to DNP pathways, all built around the state's primary care preceptor network. The school's overall graduation rate is 74%, and ten-year median earnings reach about $60,200. In-state tuition and fees run near $13,800, a public-flagship price that out-of-state students pay more than double for.
- 840 clinical hours
- Hybrid format with mandatory on-site visits
- For APRNs who already hold a master's degree
- Advanced pharmacology prerequisite required
- Application deadline October 15 for a Spring 2026 start
- Competency-based curriculum covering care across the lifespan
- Clinical site collaboration with Tennessee preceptors
- Post-master's track requires 840 clinical hours
- BSN to DNP track requires a minimum of 600 direct patient care hours
- Hybrid delivery with on-campus visits twice per semester
- Synchronous online class meetings
- High-fidelity simulation center for clinical skills
- Mentored clinical rotations
- CCNE accredited
- Focus on evidence-based primary care across the lifespan
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech keeps FNP coursework fully online and lets students complete clinical hours with preceptors in their own communities, a real advantage outside the big metros. The school's overall graduation rate is 58%, and ten-year median earnings are near $48,500. Tennessee residents pay about $11,400 in tuition and fees.
- 45 credit hours
- 100% online coursework
- Finish in 2 to 2.5 years, about 7 to 8 semesters
- Two courses per semester
- Clinical hours completed with local preceptors
- CCNE accredited
- 3.0 GPA required for undergraduate and graduate work
- Three references plus a written statement
- 83 credit hours in the BSN to DNP track
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP entry tracks
- Joint program with East Tennessee State University
- Capstone required
- Four concentration options
- Prepares graduates for FNP national certification
- Patient-centered care for common and acute illnesses across the lifespan
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt brings the highest national profile to this list: simulation-heavy hybrid FNP study in Nashville, plus a dual nurse-midwifery and FNP route. The school's overall graduation rate is 94%, and ten-year median earnings of roughly $91,600 are the strongest here. Private tuition and fees near $67,500 are steep, and full-time enrollment is not designed to run alongside full-time work.
- Hybrid format blending online coursework with on-campus simulation
- Four full-time semesters, with part-time plans available
- Over 600 clinical hours
- CCNE accredited
- Clinical placements coordinated in the student's preferred geographic area
- Curriculum incorporates the AACN Essentials
- Graduates pass certification exams at a rate about 10% above the national average
- Part-time or PRN work is manageable; full-time work is not advised
- Dual nurse-midwifery and family nurse practitioner specialty
- Eight full-time semesters
- More than 1,400 clinical hours
- Nurse-midwifery portion includes in-person and hybrid learning
- Low faculty-student ratios with practice-active faculty
- Prepares graduates for national certification in both roles
- Clinical placements arranged across varied practice settings
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga structures FNP study around preceptorships in adult, women's and pediatric primary care, preparing graduates for broad lifespan practice. The school's overall graduation rate is 50%, and ten-year median earnings sit near $51,200. In-state tuition and fees of about $10,400 are roughly half the out-of-state rate.
- 48 to 53 credit hours
- 630 clinical clock hours across multiple practicums
- CCNE accredited
- Hybrid format with online and on-campus components
- Advanced pharmacology, health assessment and pathophysiology coursework
- Prepares graduates for AANP or ANCC certification
- Thesis option available
- 25 credit hours over four semesters
- Hybrid format
- Designed for MSN or DNP-prepared nurses
- Preceptorships in adult, women's and pediatric primary care
- Didactic and clinical courses run concurrently
- Fall semester start
- Leads to ANCC or AANP FNP certification exams
- 83 total credit hours over eight semesters
- 1,050 clinical hours
- Final practicum immersion
- Application deadline March 1
- 100% first-time FNP certification pass rate
- Preceptorships in adult, women's and pediatric care
- Hybrid delivery; working full time is not encouraged
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan — Hybrid
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis serves graduate-prepared nurses in West Tennessee through a post-master's FNP certificate focused on urban primary care across the lifespan. The school's overall graduation rate is 51%, and ten-year median earnings are near $48,500. In-state tuition and fees come in around $10,700.
- Post-master's certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN
- Hybrid format with hands-on clinical experience
- Primary and acute care across the lifespan
- Health assessment, differential diagnosis and medication prescribing
- Chronic illness management
- Prepares graduates for national FNP certification
- Built for urban primary care practice in West Tennessee
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University threads rural and Appalachian health through its FNP curriculum and its clinical placement support, a natural fit for nurses who plan to stay in the region. The school's overall graduation rate is 53%, with ten-year median earnings near $44,900. In-state tuition and fees of about $10,500 are among the lower rates here.
- 51 credit hours
- Primarily asynchronous online classes
- Five semesters of full-time study; part-time available
- CCNE accredited
- No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- RN to MSN option available
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- Rural health focus in the curriculum
- 24 credit hours over four semesters
- Online format designed for working professionals
- MSN degree and active RN licensure required
- Medication prescribing and chronic illness management
- Primary care clinic preparation
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Rural healthcare emphasis
- Hybrid online classes with in-person intensives
- Four semesters of full-time study
- No entrance exam required
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Prepares graduates for the FNP certification exam
- Faculty mentoring and support
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University mixes mostly online FNP coursework with two required campus visits in Clarksville, a schedule that fits around hospital shifts. The school's overall graduation rate is 40%, and ten-year median earnings sit near $44,300. In-state tuition and fees are roughly $9,000, among the lowest on this list.
- 45 credit hours
- 750 clinical hours
- Mostly online coursework with two required on-campus visits
- About 2.5 years at two courses per semester
- CCNE accredited
- 2.9 minimum GPA, RN license and statistics prerequisite
- Capstone project required
- Fall and spring start terms
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis runs a DNP-level FNP with unusually heavy clinical volume, more than 1,100 hours, and on-campus intensives. Ten-year median earnings reach about $66,300, and in-state tuition is published near $9,800 against roughly $22,500 out of state. The institution does not report an overall graduation rate in the federal data used here.
- 61 total credit hours
- 1,140 clinical hours, including at least 500 primary care hours
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- Hybrid format with on-campus intensives three times per year
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways
- 100% first-time pass rate on the AANP certification exam
- Faculty-assisted clinical placement across the Mid-South
- Employer tuition reimbursement supported
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Lee University
Lee University in Cleveland wraps hybrid FNP study in a Christian worldview and a focus on rural, global and disaster healthcare, with local practicum coordination for working nurses. The school's overall graduation rate is 63%, and ten-year median earnings are near $43,200. Tuition and fees of about $23,800 reflect its private status.
- Hybrid format with annual on-campus intensives
- CCNE accredited
- Flexible online learning built for working nurses
- Prepares graduates for FNP board certification
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Rural, global and disaster healthcare focus
- Local practicum placement coordination
- Christian worldview integrated throughout the curriculum
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
How These Tennessee FNP Programs Were Evaluated
Our editorial team scored each program through a composite that rewards online accessibility alongside measurable academic quality indicators, creating a framework designed specifically for working nurses who need flexibility without sacrificing educational rigor.
Scoring Pillars That Shaped the Rankings
Five core factors determined where each program landed on our list:
- Online delivery format: Programs offering fully online didactic coursework received priority, recognizing that Tennessee nurses often balance clinical shifts with family responsibilities and cannot relocate for traditional classroom schedules.
- Accreditation status: Only programs holding CCNE or ACEN accreditation qualified for evaluation. This ensures graduates meet eligibility requirements for AANP and ANCC certification exams.
- Net price after financial aid: We examined sector-adjusted net price data to approximate what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, giving weight to programs that deliver value relative to cost.
- Graduation and retention rates: Institution-wide completion metrics from federal data helped identify schools with strong student support systems and academic infrastructure.
- Graduate earnings outcomes: Where available, program-level earnings data from the College Scorecard informed our assessment of return on investment for FNP graduates entering Tennessee's workforce.
What These Rankings Do Not Capture
Transparency matters. Our methodology uses institution-wide graduation rates rather than FNP-specific completion percentages, which most schools do not publicly report. The net price figures represent sector-conditional averages, not personalized quotes for every applicant's financial situation. Individual costs will vary based on residency status, employer tuition assistance, and scholarship eligibility. If you are also exploring broader nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee, you will find additional specialty options evaluated using a similar framework.
Certification Pass Rates Addressed Separately
Because AANP and ANCC first-time pass rates serve as critical trust signals for prospective students, we researched these outcomes independently. You will find certification performance details later in this article, where we break down how each program prepares graduates for board examinations. For a wider view of best online FNP programs nationwide, our national rankings apply comparable criteria across all states.
Tennessee Online FNP Programs Compared: Tuition, Credits & Clinical Hours
Finding a single page that lines up cost, credit requirements, and clinical hours for every Tennessee online FNP program is surprisingly difficult. The table below fills that gap so you can compare programs at a glance before digging into individual school pages. Keep in mind that the institution-wide average net price figures listed for each school reflect undergraduate averages reported to the federal government; they are not specific to the FNP program. Per-credit tuition rates shown are FNP-specific where available, and estimated from published graduate tuition schedules otherwise. Public universities are marked (Pub) and private institutions are marked (Priv) so you can quickly spot where in-state pricing may apply.
| School | Type | Degree Level | Per-Credit Tuition (In-State / Flat) | Total Credits | Total Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | Pub | MSN | Approx. $234/cr (in-state est.) | 45 | 750 | Hybrid |
| University of Memphis | Pub | Post-Master's Certificate | Approx. $727/cr (in-state est.) | N/A | N/A | Hybrid |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Pub | MSN | Approx. $279/cr (in-state est.) | 42 | 630 | Online |
| Tennessee Tech | Pub | MSN | Approx. $275/cr (in-state est.) | 45 | N/A | Online |
| UT Chattanooga | Pub | MSN | Approx. $231/cr (in-state est.) | 48 to 53 | 630 | Hybrid |
| Tennessee State University | Pub | MSN | Approx. $228/cr (in-state est.) | 49 | 750 | Online |
| Vanderbilt University | Priv | MSN | N/A | N/A | 600+ | Hybrid |
| East Tennessee State University | Pub | MSN | $672/cr (in-state) | 51 | N/A | Online |
| Union University | Priv | MSN | $739/cr | 35 | 560 | Online |
| Carson-Newman University | Priv | MSN | N/A (approx. $31,200 total) | N/A | N/A | Online |
| South College | Priv | MSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online |
| Lee University | Priv | DNP | N/A | N/A | N/A | Hybrid |
What You Need to Get in: Admission Requirements by Program
A 3.0 cumulative GPA is the most common minimum threshold across Tennessee's online FNP programs, though individual schools may weigh clinical experience or professional references alongside that number.
Because admission criteria vary more than you might expect from program to program, scanning each school's specifics before you apply can save you time and frustration. Below is a practical breakdown of what most Tennessee online FNP programs ask for and where the notable differences lie.
GPA, Degree, and Prerequisite Courses
- GPA minimum: Both Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University set the bar at a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Other Tennessee programs may require a similar or slightly higher GPA, so check each school's current catalog.
- Required degree: Most programs admit applicants who hold a BSN. Some post-master's certificate FNP tracks exist for nurses who already have an MSN, but the standard entry point for an FNP concentration is the BSN-to-MSN pathway.
- Prerequisite coursework: Undergraduate statistics is a common prerequisite at both MTSU and TSU. Depending on the program, you may also need prior coursework in health assessment, pathophysiology, or pharmacology. If those courses were not part of your BSN, some schools let you complete them as bridge or co-requisite coursework after admission.
- RN licensure: An active, unencumbered RN license is universally required. Some programs also ask for a minimum of one to two years of clinical nursing experience, although policies differ.
GRE and Test Policies
Standardized entrance exams are becoming less common in FNP admissions. Both MTSU and TSU do not require GRE scores, and many other Tennessee nursing programs have adopted test-optional or test-free policies in recent admissions cycles. If you are concerned about a borderline GPA, look for programs that allow you to supplement your application with a strong professional portfolio or letters of recommendation instead. For a deeper look at what graduate nursing programs typically expect, our guide to np school requirements walks through each component of the application process.
Out-of-State Enrollment and State Authorization
This is a detail worth confirming early. MTSU's online FNP program does not currently accept students from outside Tennessee. Tennessee State University, by contrast, does welcome out-of-state applicants. Many Tennessee institutions participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which streamlines enrollment for students in other member states, but participation alone does not guarantee a specific program enrolls non-residents. If you live outside Tennessee, our resource on online NP programs for out-of-state students can help you navigate state authorization before you invest time in an application.
Quick Checklist Before Applying
- Confirm your cumulative GPA meets or exceeds the program's minimum.
- Verify that your undergraduate transcript includes any prerequisite courses, especially statistics.
- Ensure your RN license is current and in good standing.
- Check whether the program requires a minimum number of years of bedside or clinical experience.
- If you live outside Tennessee, confirm that the program accepts out-of-state students and that your state participates in SARA.
Gathering these details upfront helps you target the programs where your application will be strongest, rather than casting a wide net and hitting unexpected barriers along the way.
Fully Online or Hybrid? In-Person Requirements at Each School
When a Tennessee FNP program calls itself 'online,' that label almost always applies to the didactic (classroom) coursework only. Every accredited FNP program still requires hundreds of supervised clinical hours completed in person at approved practice sites. The real questions to ask are whether the school also requires on-campus immersion days, orientation visits, or residency weekends, and whether your clinical rotations must take place within Tennessee. Here is how four representative programs compare.
| Program Detail | Tennessee Tech (MSN FNP) | Vanderbilt University (MSN FNP) | Middle Tennessee State University (MSN FNP) | Lee University (DNP FNP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Format | Online coursework | Hybrid (online plus on-campus sessions) | Online coursework | Hybrid (online plus annual campus intensives) |
| On-Campus Immersion or Residency | No regularly scheduled campus visits required for coursework | Periodic on-campus immersion sessions in Nashville are part of the hybrid format | No mandatory campus immersion days reported; coursework delivered online | Annual on-campus intensive sessions at the Cleveland, TN campus |
| Clinical Hours Required | Included within 45 credit hours (specific total not published) | Over 600 clinical hours | 630 clinical hours | Clinical practicum hours coordinated locally (total hours set by DNP requirements) |
| Clinical Placements Restricted to Tennessee? | No, students may complete clinicals outside Tennessee | Clinicals arranged in preferred geographic areas, not limited to Tennessee | Clinicals completed in the student's local area; not restricted to Tennessee | Local practicum coordination assistance provided; check with program for out-of-state eligibility |
| Key Takeaway for Working Nurses | Minimal campus obligations; flexibility for nurses living anywhere | Plan for periodic trips to Nashville alongside your clinical schedule | Strong distance-friendly option with local clinical placement model | Budget time and travel for at least one campus visit per year |
Explore other Tennessee related topics
Related Articles
FNP Earnings in Tennessee: Salary by Metro Area and Setting
How much does a FNP make in TN? Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the national median salary for nurse practitioners was $121,610. Tennessee NP salaries generally track slightly below the national median, though pay varies meaningfully by metro area and practice setting. Hospital-based and specialty roles tend to offer higher compensation than outpatient clinics, while rural health settings may boost earnings through recruitment incentives and loan repayment programs. Reaching $200,000 as an NP is not typical for family nurse practitioners in Tennessee, but specialty certifications (such as acute care or psychiatric-mental health), overtime, leadership positions, and practice in high-demand rural areas can push total compensation significantly higher over time.
Clinical Placement Support and Preceptor Assistance
Finding a qualified clinical preceptor is often harder than any coursework in an FNP program, and the level of help you get from your school varies enormously from program to program.
What to Expect From Tennessee Programs
Most accredited FNP programs require between 500 and 720 supervised clinical hours before graduation. Those hours are typically spread across multiple clinical courses over two to three semesters, with students rotating through primary care, pediatrics, women's health, and other family practice settings. For a deeper look at what those rotations involve, see this guide on nurse practitioner student clinical rotations. How you get placed into those rotations depends entirely on the individual program.
Some programs maintain dedicated placement offices, coordinate directly with regional health systems, or offer searchable preceptor databases that match students to available sites. Others rely almost entirely on the student to make it happen, with faculty stepping in only when asked.
Middle Tennessee State University: Student-Led Placement
At MTSU, finding a preceptor is squarely the student's responsibility. You are expected to arrange clinical rotations in your home area, ideally working through your existing professional network. Faculty advisors, the FNP coordinator, and course faculty are available to assist if you ask, but there is no guaranteed placement and no promise that the program will secure a site on your behalf. Preceptor agreements must be finalized before you can register for clinical coursework, so planning well ahead of your intended start date is critical. MTSU uses Medatrax to track clinical hours, which at least gives students a clear system for logging and verifying completed time.
What to Ask Every Program Before You Apply
Before committing to any Tennessee online FNP program, get clear answers to these questions:
- Placement responsibility: Does the school find preceptors for you, or is that your job?
- Preceptor databases: Does the program maintain a list of vetted sites, and can you access it before enrollment?
- Geographic flexibility: Will the program accept preceptors in your local area, or are rotations tied to specific affiliated sites?
- Timeline: How far in advance must preceptor agreements be signed?
- Backup support: If your placement falls through, what does the school do?
Students who already work in a clinical setting or have strong local professional ties often manage self-sourced placements without much difficulty. If you are newer to the area or work in a non-clinical role, a program with active placement assistance may save you a significant amount of stress during an already demanding academic stretch.
Certification Pass Rates and Program Outcomes
Pass rates on national certification exams are one piece of the puzzle when evaluating program quality, but they are far from the whole picture. For Tennessee family nurse practitioner (FNP) candidates, the most recent national aggregate data shows an 83% pass rate on the AANP and ANCC exams.1 While this gives a broad benchmark, individual program rates can vary and often reflect the size of a graduating class, since a single small cohort can swing a percentage dramatically from one year to the next.
Certification Pass Rates: What the Numbers Show
National certification is a non-negotiable step toward Tennessee APRN licensure, and the two recognized exams, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), both test clinical knowledge and decision-making.2 The 83% figure from 2024 is a nationwide snapshot, not a Tennessee-specific statistic. Programs may publish their own pass rates, but those numbers are self-reported and not independently verified. When you compare schools, ask about first-time pass rates over multiple years to smooth out year-to-year fluctuations. A program with consistently strong results suggests effective preparation, but remember that your own study habits, clinical experiences, and test-taking skills matter just as much. If you are still weighing specialty options, understanding the difference between FNP and AGNP tracks can help you choose the certification path that fits your career goals.
Earnings Outcomes After Graduation
While certification opens the door to practice, earnings show the return on your educational investment. At this time, program-level earnings data for Tennessee FNP graduates is not yet available from federal scorecard sources. This gap means you will need to lean on aggregate state salary data and conversations with employers. According to workforce surveys, nurse practitioners in Tennessee earn a median salary that competes well with regional norms, and FNPs in primary care settings often see steady demand. As more granular earnings figures emerge, they will offer a clearer outcomes picture alongside pass rates.
Tennessee APRN Licensure and Scope of Practice
Licensure requirements in Tennessee remain straightforward. You need an unencumbered RN license, graduation from an accredited graduate program, and a passing score on a national certification exam.2 The state mandates at least 500 clinical hours within your program, though most graduate curricula exceed that substantially. Prospective students exploring graduate-level options can compare online MSN NP programs to find a curriculum that meets these requirements. As of 2026, Tennessee retains a restricted practice environment, which means FNPs must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician for prescriptive authority and certain aspects of practice. Legislative efforts to move toward full practice authority have stalled in recent sessions, but the conversation continues. Staying current on scope-of-practice changes is essential, as even incremental updates can affect your daily work and career options.
FAQs About Online FNP Programs in Tennessee
Choosing an online FNP program is a big decision, and we know you have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common ones we hear from working nurses exploring Tennessee programs.
- What are the best online FNP programs in Tennessee?
- Several CCNE or ACEN accredited programs consistently rank well, including options at Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, and Lincoln Memorial University. The best fit depends on your priorities: tuition (which ranges roughly from $600 to over $1,200 per credit hour), clinical placement support, and scheduling flexibility. nursepractitioneronline.com ranks programs based on accreditation, certification pass rates, and student outcomes.
- Are online FNP programs as good as on-campus programs?
- Yes. Accredited online FNP programs follow the same rigorous curriculum and clinical hour requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Graduates sit for the same AANP or ANCC certification exams. Many Tennessee programs report first-time pass rates above 90%, which is on par with or above the national average. The primary difference is lecture delivery format, not quality.
- What are the admission requirements for online FNP programs in Tennessee?
- Most programs require an active, unencumbered RN license, a BSN from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher), and current clinical experience. Some schools also ask for GRE scores, professional references, a personal statement, and prerequisite courses in health assessment or statistics. Requirements vary, so check each program's admissions page for specifics.
- How many clinical hours do Tennessee FNP programs require?
- Tennessee online FNP programs typically require between 500 and 720 direct patient care clinical hours, depending on the degree track (MSN or DNP). These hours must be completed with approved preceptors, often in your local community. Some schools help you secure placements, while others expect students to identify their own preceptor sites.
- What is the return on investment for a Tennessee online FNP degree?
- FNPs in Tennessee earn a median annual salary of roughly $105,000 to $115,000, according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, with higher earnings possible in specialty or metropolitan settings. With total program costs for many Tennessee online FNP programs falling between $30,000 and $75,000, most graduates recoup their investment within a few years of practice through the significant salary increase over RN pay.
- Can out-of-state students enroll in Tennessee online FNP programs?
- Many Tennessee schools accept out-of-state applicants for their online FNP programs. However, tuition rates may differ, and you will need to verify that the program holds authorization to offer distance education in your home state. Clinical placements must also comply with your state's nursing regulations, so confirming preceptor and site approval early is important.
More Online FNP Programs in Tennessee Worth Exploring
The following programs represent additional accredited options for nurses seeking an online FNP degree in Tennessee. While they did not appear in our top 10 ranking, each offers a unique combination of flexibility, clinical experiences, and academic support. Use this directory to find programs that match your specific needs, whether you prefer a fully online format, a hybrid approach with campus visits, or a program with strong clinical placement assistance.
West Tennessee
University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, TN · Hybrid
Middle Tennessee
Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Tennessee State University Nashville, TN · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate - FNP
East Tennessee
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN · Online
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN · Hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to DNP (Primary Care, Family NP)
South College Knoxville, TN · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- Family Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
King University Bristol, TN · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Bachelor of Science to Doctoral - Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- Bachelor of Science to Doctoral - Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP))
- Bachelor of Science to Doctoral - Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) (Nurse Leadership & Administration (NLA))
Tusculum University Greeneville, TN · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner
