Most important takeaways…
- The Chattanooga metro area offers NP tracks in six specialties including FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP.
- Median NP pay in the Chattanooga metro area is roughly $99,500 per year according to BLS data.
- In-state tuition at public Tennessee universities can be significantly lower than private program costs, improving long-term ROI.
- Most programs let working RNs complete coursework online and arrange clinical hours at local Chattanooga-area sites.
Chattanooga sits in the middle of a healthcare corridor stretching from Knoxville to Atlanta, and the demand for nurse practitioners across family practice, mental health, and acute care continues to outpace the supply of newly licensed clinicians. Nurses already working in the region face a practical question: stay close to home with a local or hybrid program, or trade commute time for lower tuition and greater scheduling flexibility through a fully online track.
Options span MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate pathways, and several nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee now allow you to complete clinical rotations in your own community regardless of where the university is based. That flexibility has redefined what counts as a "local" program.
Tennessee still licenses NPs with a master's degree, but many universities have begun phasing out terminal MSN tracks in favor of entry-level DNP programs. The choice between degrees, delivery formats, and specialty concentrations carries real consequences for total cost, time to graduation, and long-term earning potential in a market where psychiatric and acute care NPs command higher starting salaries than family practitioners.
NP Programs Serving the Chattanooga Area
Chattanooga-area nurses have a strong set of nurse practitioner pathways to consider, ranging from the local University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to hybrid and fully online programs across the state. Several of these schools allow you to complete clinical hours near home while earning your degree from a campus hours away. The list below highlights programs that are especially practical for students commuting from Chattanooga and surrounding cities such as Cleveland, Dalton, and the greater Tri-Cities region. Keep in mind that institution-wide graduation rates reflect the overall student body, not NP program outcomes specifically.
- Program breadth and specialty variety
- Clinical hour flexibility
- Tuition and graduate debt levels
- Delivery format accessibility
- Institutional academic quality
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the most convenient home-base option for local nurses. UTC's School of Nursing offers FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP tracks at both the MSN and DNP levels, plus post-master's certificates for nurses who want to add a specialty. In-state graduate tuition starts around $11,110 per year, and the hybrid format mixes online coursework with on-campus and clinical components right in Chattanooga. Median graduate debt at the university is approximately $19,500.
- Hybrid format with 630 clinical clock hours
- 48 to 53 total credit hours
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- Primary care across the lifespan focus
- In-state tuition approximately $11,110 per year
- Thesis option available
- CCNE accredited, 83 total credit hours
- Eight-semester full-time plan of study
- 1,050 clinical hours across multiple settings
- 100% first-time FNP certification pass rate reported
- Hybrid delivery with concurrent didactic and clinical courses
- Application deadline of March 1 for fall start
- 82 total credit hours, eight semesters
- CCNE accredited hybrid program
- Preceptorships in varied psychiatric settings
- Above 96% first-time certification pass rate reported
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Full-time enrollment required
- 25 credit hours over four semesters
- Hybrid format for MSN or DNP-prepared nurses
- Includes adult, pediatric, and women's health preceptorships
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Fall semester start with March 1 deadline
- Evidence-based primary care focus
- 28 credit hours over five semesters
- Hybrid format with clinical coursework
- Covers psychiatric diagnosis and counseling principles
- For MSN or DNP-prepared nurse practitioners
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- Accredited by CCNE
- 24 semester hours with 630 clinical clock hours
- Hybrid online and campus format
- Eligible for AANP or ANCC acute care certification
- Focus on adult and gerontology acute care
- Requires a master's degree in nursing for entry
- Clinical practicum runs alongside didactic courses
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University in Nashville offers one of the broadest NP specialty menus in the Southeast, spanning FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, PNP (primary and acute care), WHNP, neonatal NP, and emergency NP tracks. The hybrid MSN model pairs online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives, and Vanderbilt's clinical placement team works to arrange rotations in students' preferred geographic areas, which can include the Chattanooga metro. With a 93.5% institution-wide graduation rate and an 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio, the academic environment is highly supportive. Published tuition is roughly $57,868 per year, though the median net price reported for the university is about $15,846.
- Hybrid format, completable in four full-time semesters
- Over 600 required clinical hours
- Part-time study plans available
- 10% higher first-time certification pass rate than national averages
- Clinical placements arranged in preferred geographic areas
- Curriculum aligned with 2021 AACN Essentials
- Full-time completion in approximately 16 months
- 560 supervised clinical hours
- Hybrid with on-campus sessions of three to five days
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP lifespan certification
- Includes psychotherapy and psychopharmacology training
- Also available as a post-master's certificate
- Four-semester program with 500 clinical hours
- 100% reported licensure pass rate
- Subspecialty certificates available in dermatology and cardiology
- Dual AGPCNP and WHNP option offered
- Rolling admissions, fall start
- No entrance exam required
- Hybrid format with 560 clinical hours
- Small cohort size for personalized mentoring
- Requires prior RN emergency or acute care experience
- Prepares for PNCB acute care certification
- Full-time and part-time options
- One of the first PNP-AC programs nationally
- 630 clinical practice hours in hybrid format
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- BSN-to-DNP pathway also available
- Low faculty-to-student ratios
- Focus on health promotion and family-centered care
- Post-master's certificate option offered
- Dual WHNP and AGPCNP specialty in one program
- 1,190 clinical hours over five full-time semesters
- Part-time plan available
- Small class sizes with experienced faculty mentors
- Broad scope covering primary and gynecologic care
- Hybrid online and in-person format
- 770 clinical practice hours, hybrid format
- Requires two or more years of NICU experience
- Four full-time semesters
- Small collaborative class sizes
- Faculty-supervised clinical training
- Prepares for national NNP certification
- Hybrid format with nationwide clinical experiences
- Dual certification potential
- Requires RN emergency department experience
- Low faculty-to-student ratios
- Flexible full-time and part-time options
- Comprehensive emergency care curriculum
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health NP MSN — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP MSN — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care MSN — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care MSN — Hybrid
Women's Health and AGPCNP Dual MSN — On-Campus
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
Emergency Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City is roughly two hours northeast of Chattanooga and delivers most NP coursework online, making it a practical pick for students who want affordable public-university tuition without relocating. ETSU offers FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, PNP, and WHNP concentrations at the MSN and DNP levels, plus post-graduate certificates. In-state graduate tuition starts at about $672 per credit hour, and the curriculum carries a deliberate rural-health focus that fits well with Chattanooga-area practice settings.
- 51 credit hours, fully online asynchronous coursework
- No GRE required for admission
- Completable in five full-time semesters
- In-state tuition approximately $672 per credit hour
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- High FNP certification pass rate reported
- 48 credit hours, online asynchronous delivery
- Fall-start cohort with full-time or part-time options
- High PMHNP certification pass rate reported
- RN-to-MSN bridge pathway available
- Rural mental health curriculum emphasis
- Faculty mentorship throughout the program
- CCNE accredited with 100% reported licensure pass rate
- Hybrid format with in-person intensives
- Asynchronous online classes for flexibility
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry pathways
- Top 100 DNP program ranking by U.S. News
- Scholarships and financial aid available
- Online with intensives via Zoom or in person
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways
- 100% reported licensure pass rate
- Clinical placement assistance included
- Rural health curriculum focus
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Joint program with Tennessee Tech University
- Nine-semester plan of study
- $672 per credit for Tennessee residents
- Small classes with individual faculty attention
- Eligible for WHCNP national certification
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- 24 credit hours over four semesters, fully online
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- MSN required for admission
- Clinical placement assistance available
- No GRE requirement
- eRate tuition option for out-of-state students
- 24 credit hours, online format
- High certification pass rate reported
- In-person clinicals arranged locally
- For MSN-prepared nurses with RN licensure
- Four-semester completion timeline
- CCNE accredited program
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
Psychiatric Mental Health NP MSN — Online
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
DNP Women's Health Care NP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, about 90 minutes northwest of Chattanooga, runs its MSN FNP and PMHNP concentrations fully online, while its DNP tracks operate jointly with ETSU and cover FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, PNP, and WHNP. In-state graduate tuition is roughly $12,386 per year, and clinical hours are completed with local preceptors, so Chattanooga-based students rarely need to travel to Cookeville. Median graduate debt at the university is about $15,650.
- 45 credit hours, 100% online delivery
- Completable in two to two-and-a-half years
- Two courses per semester with flexible pacing
- Local clinical preceptors arranged by student
- 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Prepares for FNP national certification
- Fully online, CCNE accredited
- Lifespan mental health care focus
- RN-to-MSN bridge option available
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- Post-master's certificate pathway also offered
- Collaborative healthcare team curriculum
- Joint TTU-ETSU program, hybrid format
- BSN-to-DNP (83 credits) or MSN-to-DNP (32 credits)
- Capstone DNP project required
- Prepares for FNP national certification
- Patient-centered care across the lifespan
- Flexible for working professionals
- Joint program with ETSU, hybrid delivery
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry options
- DNP project worth 12 credit hours
- Comprehensive lifespan psychiatric care curriculum
- Eligible for national PMHNP certification
- Capstone required
- 79 credit hours for BSN-to-DNP track
- 32 credit hours for MSN-to-DNP track
- Joint program with ETSU
- Prepares for WHCNP national certification
- Hybrid format with capstone project
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways
- Fully online, 23 credit hours over four semesters
- In-state tuition roughly $730 per credit hour
- Total estimated cost $17,000 to $21,000
- 140 clinical hours per course with local preceptors
- RN license and master's in nursing required
- Fall admission deadline of July 1
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health NP MSN — Online
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
DNP Women's Health Care NP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro delivers its MSN FNP concentration entirely online and has added a PMHNP track at both the MSN and post-graduate certificate levels. The 42-credit-hour FNP program can be completed in four or five semesters, and clinical rotations are arranged locally whenever possible. In-state tuition is approximately $11,718 per year, making MTSU one of the more affordable options for Tennessee residents.
- 42 credit hours with 630 clinical hours
- Fully online coursework delivery
- Four or five semester completion options
- CCNE accredited program
- Clinicals arranged in student's local area
- Holistic primary care focus across all ages
- 42 credit hours with 630 clinical hours
- Hybrid format, CCNE accredited
- Four to five semester timeline
- Evidence-based lifespan mental health curriculum
- National PMHNP certification preparation
- Affordable in-state tuition
- Online format for MSN-prepared nurses
- 630 minimum clinical hours
- Builds on existing APRN core coursework
- Meets national APRN consensus standards
- Addresses growing mental health workforce demand
- Admissions committee review process
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health NP MSN — Online
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis focuses exclusively on health-science graduate education and offers FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP concentrations through its DNP program, along with post-graduate certificates. The hybrid DNP features online coursework with on-campus intensives a few times per year. In-state graduate tuition runs about $14,941 annually, and median graduate debt is roughly $12,500, one of the lowest figures among Tennessee NP programs. UTHSC reports a 100% licensure pass rate for its FNP track.
- 61 credit hours with 1,140 clinical hours
- Hybrid format with on-campus skills labs
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry options
- 100% reported licensure pass rate
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- Faculty-assisted clinical site selection across Mid-South
- Hybrid with synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- 1,080 clinical hours including 500 in direct primary care
- Dual PMHNP and FNP concentration option (73 credits)
- On-campus simulation experiences required
- Post-BSN and post-MSN entry pathways
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- 1,020 clinical hours in acute care settings
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- On-campus intensives three times per year
- Post-BSN and post-MSN pathways
- Dual concentration options available
- Faculty assist with clinical site placement
- 20 total credit hours, completable in one year
- Hybrid with on-campus sessions twice annually
- Clinical placements near student's residence
- For licensed APRNs with an MSN
- Prepares for AG-ACNP national certification
- CCNE accredited
- 23-credit campus-based certificate
- Requires an existing DNP and national NP or CNS certification
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Covers psychopharmacology and multiple psychotherapy approaches
- Includes supervised clinical experiences
- Priority application deadline of February 1
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate (Post-DNP) — On-Campus
Belmont University
Belmont University in Nashville offers an MSN with an FNP concentration and a BSN-to-DNP FNP pathway, both in a hybrid format that blends asynchronous online classes with simulation lab sessions at Belmont's Nashville campus. The university reports a 100% clinical placement rate and provides three levels of academic advising. Published graduate tuition is about $27,810 per year, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 70.7%.
- 41 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- 3.0 GPA and current RN license required
- Application through NursingCAS
- Six-year maximum completion window
- $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit
- Core courses in theory, research, and statistics
- CCNE accredited with 800 clinical hours
- Asynchronous online classes with in-person labs
- 100% clinical placement rate reported
- Global health project opportunities
- State-of-the-art simulation center in Nashville
- Interprofessional IMPACT Labs included
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, about two hours from Chattanooga, offers DNP concentrations in FNP, PMHNP, and PNP (primary care, acute care, and a dual track) through a hybrid format that includes synchronous online classes and twice-per-semester campus visits. UT Knoxville also has post-master's certificates for nurses who already hold an MSN. In-state tuition is approximately $15,972 per year, and the university features a high-fidelity simulation center for clinical skills practice.
- Hybrid with 840 clinical hours
- Synchronous online meetings plus campus visits twice per semester
- High-fidelity simulation center access
- Mentored clinical rotations
- Evidence-based primary care across the lifespan
- BSN-to-DNP pathway available
- 600 direct patient care clinical hours minimum
- Total of 1,000 hours for DNP degree
- BSN-to-DNP plan of study
- Hybrid with on-campus visits twice per semester
- Synchronous online course meetings
- High-fidelity simulation training
- Dual NP certification in primary and acute care
- Synchronous online classes, hybrid format
- Clinical rotations with experienced mentors
- Addresses critical PNP workforce shortage
- High-fidelity simulation center access
- On-campus visits twice per semester
- Hybrid with 840 clinical hours
- Mandatory on-site sessions required
- APRN certification and MSN prerequisite
- Holistic admissions with essay priority
- Gap analysis of prior coursework conducted
- Prerequisites must be within five years
- 840 clinical hours, hybrid format
- For APRNs with a master's in nursing
- Mandatory on-site clinical sessions
- Gap analysis of previous coursework
- Primary and acute care tracks available
- Essay required for admission
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — On-Campus
DNP Pediatric NP, Primary and Acute Care Dual — Hybrid
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's PNP Certificate — On-Campus
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis offers an MSN with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP concentration, plus post-master's certificates in both FNP and AGACNP, all in hybrid format. The AGACNP track requires two years of ICU or ER experience and totals 44 credit hours. In-state tuition is about $11,628 per year, making Memphis one of the lower-cost public options. Clinical practicums are arranged in the student's local area when possible.
- 44 credit hours, hybrid online and campus format
- Requires two years of ICU or ER experience
- Up to three on-campus intensives per year
- 100% employment rate reported by program
- Rolling admissions with fall and spring starts
- Clinical practicums arranged locally
- Hybrid format for MSN-prepared nurses
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Covers health assessment, prescribing, and chronic illness management
- Hands-on clinical experience included
- Lifespan primary care focus
- Addresses growing demand for family nurse practitioners
- Hybrid format for advanced practice nurses
- Focus on high-acuity clinical settings
- Includes hospital, ICU, and emergency department training
- Builds on existing NP knowledge base
- Eligible for national acute care certification
- Expands scope of practice into acute care
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN — Hybrid
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Union University
Union University in Jackson, about four hours west of Chattanooga, offers a 16-month MSN FNP track and a BSN-to-DNP pathway, both in a blended format with classes available across multiple Tennessee campus locations. The MSN runs $739 per credit hour, and the DNP requires 1,220 clinical hours. Union also has post-graduate certificates in FNP and PMHNP for nurses who already hold an MSN. The university's 9-to-1 student-faculty ratio supports a close mentoring relationship.
- 16-month full-time program, 46 credit hours
- $739 per credit hour tuition
- 560 clinical hours across multiple settings
- Blended online and campus delivery
- Fall-only start with rolling admissions
- Eligible for ANCC FNP certification
- 73 total credit hours over 36 months
- 1,220 required clinical hours
- ACEN and CCNE accredited
- Blended online and campus format
- Dual FNP and PMHNP concentration option
- $50 application fee with rolling admissions
- 26 credit hours with 560 clinical hours
- $739 per credit hour
- Hybrid format for MSN-prepared nurses
- Fall start with priority deadline of October 1
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Financial aid options available
- 29 credit hours with 560 clinical hours
- $739 per credit hour, hybrid format
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Lifespan mental health focus
- Fall start, rolling admissions
- For MSN-prepared RNs with 3.0 GPA
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate FNP Certificate — Hybrid
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — Hybrid
NP Specialties Available in the Chattanooga Metro
Chattanooga nurses have access to a wider range of NP specialty tracks than many mid-sized cities can offer, partly because several strong regional universities serve the area and partly because fully online programs have made it easier to pursue niche specialties without relocating.
What the Local Programs Offer
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the anchor institution for the area. UTC's nursing graduate programs have centered on the Family Nurse Practitioner track, which suits the region's strong primary care workforce needs. If you are pursuing FNP credentials and want to stay close to home, UTC is the natural starting point. That said, for specialties beyond FNP, most Chattanooga-area nurses look to regional universities within commuting or low-residency reach.
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, roughly two hours away, offers one of the broadest specialty menus in the Southeast. Tracks there include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric NP, Women's Health NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, in addition to FNP. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, about two hours southwest, also draws Chattanooga students with its online and hybrid NP specialty options.
Specialties Available Primarily Online
For tracks like PMHNP and WHNP, most Chattanooga nurses end up enrolling in nationally accredited online programs rather than commuting to a campus. Demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners has grown sharply across Tennessee, driven by a documented shortage of behavioral health providers in both urban and rural counties. If you are leaning toward that path, exploring online PMHNP programs in Tennessee can help you compare accredited options without leaving the state. The Tennessee Board of Nursing and state nursing associations publish scope-of-practice guidance and endorsement requirements that are worth reviewing before you choose a specialty, since full practice authority and prescriptive privileges vary by role.
If you are weighing AGNP or AGACNP tracks that are not offered locally, a closer look at adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs available online can broaden your options considerably. Professional association directories from organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners also allow you to search for CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs by specialty and delivery format, which is a practical first step when comparing PNP or other niche tracks.
Checking Current Employment Projections
Before committing to a specialty, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and review state- and metro-level occupational projections for Tennessee. The BLS publishes wage data and growth outlooks broken down by NP role, and the Tennessee Department of Labor publishes complementary regional forecasts. Both resources give you a grounded sense of where demand is heading in the Chattanooga metro before you invest two to four years in a graduate program.
Online vs. Hybrid vs. On-Campus: Which Format Fits?
About 54% of all graduate students now take at least some coursework online, a trend that has reshaped how NP programs deliver education. For working RNs in the Chattanooga area, choosing between online, hybrid, and on-campus formats is less about academic quality and more about matching a program's structure to your life. Employer surveys show no meaningful salary difference between graduates of online vs on-campus NP programs, so the decision really comes down to logistics.2
One critical point applies to every format: all NP programs require in-person clinical hours, typically 500 to over 1,000 depending on the specialty and degree level. What varies is how the didactic (classroom) portion is delivered.
Key Dimensions to Compare
- Schedule flexibility: Fully online didactic programs let you watch lectures and complete coursework around 12-hour shifts. On-campus programs typically require set class times during weekday hours.
- Clinical placement logistics: Hybrid and on-campus programs often help arrange local clinical sites. Fully online students may shoulder more responsibility for securing preceptors near Chattanooga, Cleveland, Dalton, or wherever they live.
- Peer networking: On-campus cohorts naturally build strong professional relationships. Hybrid intensives, where students gather for a few weekends per semester, offer a middle ground. Online programs increasingly use virtual study groups to bridge this gap.
- Cost: Online programs can reduce expenses tied to commuting and campus fees, but tuition rates vary widely by institution. Compare total program cost, not just per-credit rates.
- Time to completion: Full-time on-campus tracks often finish in two to three years. Part-time online programs may stretch to four years, which extends the timeline before you begin earning an NP salary.
Which Format Suits You?
If you are leaving bedside nursing entirely and can study full time, a traditional on-campus program at a nearby university offers immersive learning and strong faculty mentorship. If you are a working RN in Chattanooga or surrounding communities like Hixson, East Ridge, or Fort Oglethorpe, a hybrid program lets you stay employed while attending periodic on-site intensives. And if you live in a more rural area, perhaps in the mountains east of the city or across the Georgia or Alabama state lines, a fully online program removes the commute barrier while still connecting you to Tennessee-based clinical sites. If you are new to the application process, our guide on how to enroll in NP school online walks through each step.
Hybrid enrollment grew 44% between 2019 and 2021, reflecting strong demand from students who want some face-to-face interaction without a rigid campus schedule.3 Whichever format you choose, confirm that the program holds proper accreditation from CCNE or ACEN and that its clinical hour requirements align with Tennessee Board of Nursing standards for APRN licensure.
DNP-Track and Post-Master's Pathways
The nursing profession is steadily moving toward the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the terminal degree for advanced practice, yet Tennessee still licenses NPs with a master's degree for full clinical authority. Understanding your long-term goals helps you decide whether to stop at the MSN or push on to the doctorate.
The MSN vs. DNP Decision
For patient-facing roles in Tennessee, a master's degree remains the entry-level requirement. The UT Chattanooga MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program, for example, qualifies graduates for national certification and state licensure.1 A DNP becomes valuable if you are aiming for leadership, academic faculty positions, or simply want the deepest clinical preparation. If you are weighing the two options, a detailed look at the difference between MSN and DNP can help clarify which path fits your career. Locally, UTC offers a 30-month BSN-to-DNP in Nursing Administration Systems, which is not a clinical NP track.2 However, Lee University in nearby Cleveland runs a DNP-FNP that accepts BSN- or MSN-prepared nurses3, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center delivers DNP programs in six NP specialties (FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, PNP, NNP, and nurse midwifery) with faculty arranging clinical placements near the student's home, making it accessible from Chattanooga.4
Adding a Specialty with a Post-Master's Certificate
For NPs who want to broaden their scope without earning a second full degree, post-master's certificates are a practical route. UTHSC offers a post-graduate APRN certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for those already holding a DNP. Southern Adventist University in Collegedale provides a campus-based post-master's AGACNP certificate. Carson-Newman University has a fully online Post-Master's FNP Certificate that takes 24 months. UTC does not offer a separate post-master's NP certificate at this time.1 These certificate programs typically assume you hold national NP certification and a master's or DNP, and they focus only on the specialization courses and clinical hours.
Typical DNP Timelines
Time to degree depends on your starting point and pacing. A part-time BSN-to-DNP track usually takes 3 to 4 years; full-time options like UTC's 30-month administration track are shorter but intensive.2 For MSN-prepared nurses, post-master's DNP completion can be as quick as 21 months, as with South College's online program.5 Many working nurses choose part-time study, stretching a post-master's DNP to about 2 years. If you are mapping out the full journey from bedside nursing, our guide on how long to become a nurse practitioner breaks down each stage.
Program Costs and Return on Investment
Tuition can vary dramatically depending on whether you attend a public university as an in-state resident or enroll at a private institution. For Chattanooga-area nurses weighing their options, this comparison highlights annual tuition across six Tennessee NP programs. Keep in mind that ROI shifts considerably: public in-state programs like Tennessee Tech or UT Health Science Center can cost less than half of what private institutions charge, yet graduates across these schools report median earnings ranging from roughly $48,500 to over $91,500 ten years after enrollment.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Chattanooga
From your first nursing course to your first day writing prescriptions, the path to becoming a nurse practitioner in Chattanooga follows a well-defined sequence. The total timeline is typically six to eight years if you are starting from a BSN program, or two to three years if you already hold a BSN and active RN license. Tennessee currently operates under restricted practice authority, meaning new NPs must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician. Full practice authority legislation has not been enacted as of 2026, so building a strong supervisory relationship early in your career remains an important step.
Chattanooga NP Job Market and Salary Outlook
What NPs Earn in the Chattanooga Area
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metropolitan area sits at roughly $99,510.1 The middle range of earners spans from about $77,970 at the 25th percentile to nearly $124,690 at the 75th percentile, with top earners reaching above $127,240.1 Those figures come from the most recent published BLS data and give you a realistic picture of what to expect as you move through your career here.
Compared to the national median of around $121,610, Chattanooga's figures run somewhat lower.2 That gap is worth examining alongside the local cost of living, which is considerably more affordable than major metros on either coast or even Nashville. Housing, transportation, and everyday expenses in Chattanooga stretch an NP salary further than the raw numbers suggest, which is one reason the region consistently attracts nurses looking to build financial stability without relocating to a high-cost city. For a broader comparison of how compensation varies by role and region, see our breakdown of nurse practitioner salary by specialty and state.
Where Chattanooga NPs Work
The Chattanooga market supports roughly 1,310 employed NPs, a figure that reflects a location quotient of 3.00, meaning a notably high concentration of NP roles relative to the regional workforce.2 That concentration signals genuine local demand rather than a market where NPs compete heavily for limited positions.
Major healthcare employers actively hiring NPs include:
- Erlanger Health System: The region's academic medical center and safety-net hospital, with openings across primary care, urgent care, and specialty clinics.
- CHI Memorial: A large Catholic health system serving both the Chattanooga core and surrounding communities in Georgia and Tennessee.
- Parkridge Medical Center: Part of the HCA Healthcare network, with facilities on multiple campuses and consistent NP demand across service lines.
- Community health centers: Federally qualified health centers throughout Hamilton County and adjacent areas frequently recruit NPs, especially those with FNP or PMHNP credentials.
- VA facilities: The Chattanooga VA Clinic serves a substantial veteran population and regularly posts NP openings, particularly in primary care and mental health.
Growth Outlook
Nationally, the NP profession is projected to grow by 46 percent through 2033, one of the fastest growth rates of any healthcare occupation.3 Chattanooga's healthcare infrastructure, combined with ongoing provider shortages in surrounding rural counties, positions local NPs well for long-term career stability and expanded scope of practice opportunities.
Additional NP Programs to Explore
In addition to the top-ranked programs, here are more nurse practitioner options across Tennessee that may fit your needs. These schools offer a range of specialties and formats, from online to hybrid to on-campus, covering various degree levels and concentrations.
Chattanooga Area
Lee University Cleveland, TN · Hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN · Hybrid
- Post-Master’s Certificate (Acute Care Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health NP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Primary Care - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care, Adult/Gerontology NP
- BSN to DNP (Primary Care, Adult/Gerontology NP)
- BSN to DNP (Primary Care, Family NP)
- RN to MSN (Acute Care, Adult/Gerontology NP)
East Tennessee
Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN · Online
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Tusculum University Greeneville, TN · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner
King University Bristol, TN · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master’s Certificate
- BSN to DNP (Adult Gerontology Acute Care 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))
Nashville Area
Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Tennessee State University Nashville, TN · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate - FNP
Knoxville
South College Knoxville, TN · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
- Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMHNP)
Memphis Area
Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN · Hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
