Most important takeaways…
- Memphis NP salaries reach a median of $116,860, roughly 8% above the Tennessee statewide median of $108,420.
- The University of Memphis MSN-FNP program requires at least 750 supervised clinical hours across a 46-credit curriculum.
- FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP specialties are available through Memphis-area and Tennessee-based programs.
- DNP pathways from both BSN-entry and post-master's tracks give working nurses flexible doctoral options in the region.
Memphis anchors a regional healthcare network that includes Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Regional One Health, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, employers that together fuel steady demand for nurse practitioners in primary, specialty, and acute care roles.
For working nurses, this demand opens advancement paths, yet the number of degree options (MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificates in specialties like FNP, PMHNP, and AGNP) demands a clear-eyed look at cost, clinical placement, and the local job market.
In a metro where NP salaries run about 10% below the national median, choosing a program with manageable debt and realistic preceptorship arrangements is not just strategic; it is essential for a career that stays financially sound.
NP Programs Available in the Memphis Metro Area
Memphis nurses have a wider range of NP options than the city limits suggest. The metro area is home to several accredited graduate nursing programs, and nearby Jackson, Tennessee, and Jonesboro, Arkansas, fall within an easy commute for nurses in Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, Southaven, Mississippi, and West Memphis, Arkansas. This section is an overview of available programs, not a best-of list, so use the details here to compare formats, specialties, and outcomes side by side.
Factors considered
- Accreditation and program approval
- Delivery format flexibility
- Clinical placement support
- Reported graduate outcomes
- Institutional affordability
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center anchors Memphis NP education with a full range of doctoral and post-graduate options. Its College of Nursing offers DNP tracks in family practice, psychiatric mental health, and adult gerontology acute care, plus certificates for nurses who already hold an advanced degree. Faculty assist with clinical site selection across the Mid-South, and many programs blend online coursework with on-campus intensives. Federal data show median former-student earnings around $66,000 and a median graduate debt figure near $12,500.
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- 61 total credit hours, full-time or part-time
- 1,140 clinical hours with faculty-assisted placement
- Prepares for AANP certification exam
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry paths
- Hybrid delivery with on-campus intensives
- Minimum 500 primary care clinical hours
- On-campus skills labs and simulation
- CCNE accredited with full-time or part-time options
- 1,080 clinical hours required
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- Post-BSN and post-MSN entry options
- Dual concentration options available
- Faculty assist with clinical site placement
- On-campus simulation experiences required
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework options
- Accredited by CCNE through 2034
- 1,020 clinical hours in acute care settings
- Post-BSN and post-MSN pathways
- On-campus intensives three times per year
- Faculty-assisted clinical site placement
- Clinical experiences in acute care settings
- Reported median earnings around $100,000
- Employer reimbursement supported
- 23 credit certificate program
- Prepares for ANCC certification exam
- Campus-based program delivery
- Requires DNP degree and national NP or CNS certification
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Teaches psychotherapy and psychopharmacology
- Priority application date February 1
- Includes supervised clinical experiences
- CCNE accredited, one-year program
- 20 total credit hours
- Online with on-campus sessions twice a year
- Clinical placements near student residence
- For licensed APRNs with an MSN in nursing
- Prepares for AG-ACNP certification
- Fall start, apply by December 1, 2026
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- 73 total credit hours
- Prepares for two national certification exams
- DNP Project capstone required
- Dual PMHNP/FNP concentration
- CCNE accredited program
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (DNP) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (MSN) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health/Family Nurse Practitioner Dual Concentration (DNP) — Hybrid
University of Memphis
University of Memphis offers accessible NP pathways for working nurses in the city. Its graduate nursing options include an MSN with an adult gerontology acute care concentration and post-graduate certificates in family practice and acute care. Hybrid and online formats keep most coursework flexible, with on-campus intensives for clinical skills. Federal data show median post-enrollment earnings around $48,000 and a median graduate debt load near $23,000.
- 44 credit hours, hybrid online and campus format
- Requires two years of ICU or ER experience
- 3.0 minimum GPA and Tennessee RN license
- Up to three on-campus intensives
- Fall and spring start dates, rolling admission
- Reports a 75% graduation rate
- Clinical practicums in your local area
- Five-year completion limit
- Post-master's certificate for MSN-prepared RNs
- Hybrid format with clinical experience
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Primary care across the lifespan
- Includes acute care training
- Emphasizes health assessment and medication prescribing
- Addresses growing FNP demand
- Post-graduate certificate for advanced practice nurses
- Hybrid format with clinical practicums
- Focus on acute care for adult and elderly patients
- Clinical experience in hospitals, ICUs, and EDs
- Eligible for national certification
- Builds on existing advanced practice knowledge
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University gives Memphis-area nurses an online-friendly route to FNP, PMHNP, and acute care certificates from nearby Jonesboro, Arkansas. The ACEN-accredited programs combine fully online coursework with clinical hours arranged in the student's home region. Federal data show a six-year graduation rate around 55% and median graduate earnings near $42,600. This is a practical option for nurses who want to keep working while studying.
- ACEN accredited, 41.5 credit hours
- Total tuition around $15,770, $380 per credit
- 24-month accelerated format
- 750 clinical hours, placements near home
- Requires BSN, 3.25 GPA, and 1,500 RN practice hours
- 100% online coursework
- Multiple start dates per year
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Accredited by ACEN, 24-month program
- Tuition about $15,770 for full MSN
- Four start dates per year
- Requires 1,500 RN practice hours
- Optional on-site skills labs
- Prepares for ANCC and AACN certification
- Work experience required
- 47.5 credit hours with ACEN accreditation
- 26-month completion timeline
- Total tuition about $23,750
- 100% online with clinicals near home
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Post-master's certificate, ACEN accredited
- 27.5 credit hours, 18 months
- Tuition about $14,025 total
- MSN required for admission
- No on-campus requirements
- Clinical locations convenient to students
- Focus on underserved populations and trauma recovery
- ANCC certification preparation
- 16-month online format
- 21.5 credit hours, $8,170 total tuition
- Requires MSN, RN license, and 3.25 GPA
- Required practicums included
- Optional skills labs available
- Pay-by-course tuition option
- Certification prep for ANCC or AACN
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Online
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Online
Union University
Union University blends online coursework with limited on-campus sessions in Jackson, Tennessee, roughly midway between Memphis and Nashville, making it a realistic option for West Tennessee nurses. Its values-based College of Nursing offers MSN, post-graduate certificate, and BSN-to-DNP tracks in family practice and psychiatric mental health. The university reports a six-year graduation rate around 66% and median post-enrollment earnings just above $54,000.
- 16-month, 46-credit MSN
- Blended online and campus format
- 560 clinical hours
- Full-time enrollment with fall start
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Prepares for AANP and ANCC certification
- Curriculum spans acute and chronic care
- Rolling admissions
- 26 credit hours, $739 per credit
- Requires MSN and RN licensure
- 560 clinical hours
- Fall start with rolling admissions
- Includes advanced assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology
- Direct costs about $14,040
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 29 credit hours, $739 per credit
- 560 clinical hours across settings
- Psychopharmacology coursework included
- MSN and RN licensure required
- Fall semester start, rolling admissions
- Christian faith integration across curriculum
- 36-month BSN-to-DNP pathway
- 73 total credit hours
- 1,220 clinical hours
- Blended online and campus delivery
- Full-time fall start, rolling admissions
- Eligible for ANCC FNP certification exam
- DNP project required
- Tuition around $20,013 per year
- 73 total credit hours, 36 months
- 1,220 clinical hours across settings
- PMHNP concentration within BSN-to-DNP
- Fall start, full-time, rolling admissions
- Blended online and campus format
- DNP capstone project required
- Annual tuition about $20,013
- 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Baptist Health Sciences University
Baptist Health Sciences University, based in Memphis, offers a direct route to DNP preparation in adult gerontology acute care and primary care. The program uses small, cohort-based classes and a faith-based learning environment, with clinical experiences supported by a partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care. Students complete more than 1,000 clinical hours and can choose full-time or part-time enrollment. Federal data show median post-enrollment earnings around $72,500.
- 66 credit hours over three years full time
- Four-year part-time option available
- More than 1,000 clinical hours
- Clinical partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care
- 94% licensure pass rate reported
- Small, cohort-based classes
- Spring start with rolling admissions
- Reported median earnings around $129,480
- CCNE accredited, three-year DNP
- Full-time and part-time options
- Rolling admissions with spring start
- High licensure pass rate reported
- Faith-based learning environment
- Small class sizes with cohort model
- BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Focus on adult and geriatric primary care
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and Other NP Specialties in Memphis
Memphis-area nursing schools collectively cover the full spectrum of nurse practitioner specialties, though no single institution offers every concentration. Understanding which programs prepare you for which patient populations helps you match your career goals to the right school and credential pathway.
Family Nurse Practitioner
The University of Memphis offers FNP preparation through its Master of Science in Nursing program and a post-master's FNP Graduate Certificate for nurses who already hold an advanced degree.1 Family nurse practitioners provide primary care across the lifespan, treating patients from newborns to older adults in clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices throughout the Memphis metro area.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PMHNP preparation is available through the University of Memphis via a graduate certificate program.2 This specialty addresses a critical workforce gap in the Mid-South, where behavioral health provider shortages create strong demand for psychiatric NPs. PMHNPs diagnose and treat mental health conditions in community mental health centers, hospital psychiatric units, addiction treatment facilities, and private practice settings throughout Memphis and the surrounding region.
Acute Care and Other Specialties
The University of Memphis also offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Graduate Certificate, preparing nurses for roles in intensive care units, emergency departments, and hospital specialty services.2 For nurses interested in this pathway, you can explore AGACNP programs in Tennessee for a broader look at statewide options. UTHSC's DNP program in Memphis provides the broadest specialty selection in the region, with six NP concentrations and three dual-specialty options for students seeking multiple certifications.3
Union University, located about 80 miles east in Jackson, offers a general nurse practitioner track within its MSN program.4 For specialties not offered locally, such as Pediatric NP or Women's Health NP, Memphis-area nurses typically enroll in online PNP programs from other Tennessee institutions or accredited out-of-state schools that arrange clinical placements in the Memphis healthcare market. Nurses weighing their options may also want to consider which highest paid nurse practitioner specialties align with their clinical interests.
Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid for Memphis NP Programs
NP program costs in Tennessee vary widely depending on the institution type, degree level, and residency status. The table below compares annual tuition figures and median graduate debt at schools serving Memphis-area nurses. Note that these are institution-level figures reported to federal databases; your actual cost will depend on program-specific credit requirements, fees, and financial aid. Program-level tuition for NP tracks (for example, the University of Memphis MSN-FNP per-credit rate of $678 for 2025-2026) may differ from the broader institutional averages shown here. Many Memphis-area employers, including Methodist Le Bonheur Health, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Regional One Health, offer tuition reimbursement benefits that can substantially offset these costs. Check with your human resources department, as benefit structures and annual caps differ by employer and may require a service commitment after graduation. Beyond employer benefits, NP students should explore the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, which covers up to 85 percent of qualifying nursing education debt in exchange for two to three years of service in a designated shortage area. Tennessee-specific options include the Tennessee Student Assistance Award for graduate students and NP-focused scholarships through organizations such as the Tennessee Nurses Foundation and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health.
| School | Location | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | $11,628 | $15,840 | $12,397 | $23,300 |
| Baptist Health Sciences University | Memphis, TN | $13,796 (private) | $13,796 (private) | $11,212 | $29,500 |
| Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | $10,518 | $15,702 | $9,735 | $20,547 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | $11,718 | $29,700 | $13,359 | $20,000 |
| Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | $11,188 | $23,808 | $15,796 | $27,000 |
| Tennessee Tech | Cookeville, TN | $12,386 | $15,746 | $14,246 | $15,650 |
| South College | Knoxville, TN | $28,849 (private) | $28,849 (private) | $17,858 | $18,668 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $57,868 (private) | $57,868 (private) | $15,846 | $14,000 |
Clinical Hour Requirements and Memphis-Area Placement
The University of Memphis MSN-FNP program requires a minimum of 750 supervised clinical hours spread across several practicum courses within a 46-credit curriculum.1 That figure sits slightly above the 600 to 720 range typical of many MSN-FNP tracks nationwide, giving graduates extra hands-on preparation before sitting for certification. DNP programs, including those at UTHSC, generally require 1,000 or more total practice hours, with the exact count depending on whether post-master's credit is awarded for hours completed during an earlier MSN. For a deeper look at what to expect during practicum courses, our guide to FNP clinical rotations breaks down hour requirements and scheduling strategies.
Placement Policies to Know
Clinical placement policies vary by school and can shift from year to year, so confirming the latest policy with your admissions advisor is important. Some programs assist students in coordinating placements through established affiliation agreements, while others expect students to identify and secure their own preceptors. If you are completing coursework through an online program, understanding how online NP students arrange local clinical placements can save you time and frustration. Either way, Memphis-area students benefit from a dense network of health systems and community clinics that regularly host NP learners.
Memphis-Area Clinical Sites
The metro area offers a wide range of practice settings for fulfilling your clinical hours:
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare: A multi-hospital system with acute care, pediatric, and primary care sites across Shelby County.
- Baptist Memorial Health Care: One of the Mid-South's largest systems, with facilities in Memphis and surrounding communities.
- Regional One Health: The area's only Level I trauma center, offering high-acuity and safety-net patient populations.
- Memphis VA Medical Center: Federal facility serving veterans, often open to NP student rotations through separate affiliation agreements.
- Christ Community Health Services: A federally qualified health center network providing primary and behavioral health care to underserved neighborhoods.
- Church Health: A faith-based clinic system focused on uninsured and working-poor populations, valuable for community health exposure.
Tips for Securing a Placement
Competition for preceptors in any major metro area can be stiff, so starting early gives you an advantage. Reach out to potential preceptors at least two semesters before your first practicum course. Lean on professional networks such as the Tennessee Nurses Association or local APRN groups to identify practitioners willing to mentor students. If your program permits it, consider placements in smaller cities within commuting distance, such as Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or even across the state line in Southaven and Olive Branch, Mississippi, where patient panels may be just as diverse but preceptor slots less contested.
NP Salary Snapshot: Memphis Metro Area
Nurse practitioners in the Memphis metro area earn a median annual salary of $116,860, roughly 8% above the Tennessee statewide median of $108,420 but about 10% below the national median of $129,210. Because Memphis consistently ranks well below the national average for cost of living, that salary stretches further here than comparable pay in many larger metros.
Admissions, Prerequisites, and DNP Pathways
The push toward doctoral-level preparation in advanced practice nursing continues to reshape how programs structure their admissions pipelines, and Memphis-area schools have responded with flexible options that let working nurses move from BSN to MSN or all the way through to a DNP without leaving their jobs.
What Memphis NP Programs Expect From Applicants
Most NP programs in the Memphis area share a common set of baseline requirements:
- Prerequisite degree: A BSN from a regionally accredited institution is the standard starting point for MSN and BSN-to-DNP tracks.1
- Minimum GPA: The University of Memphis sets a 3.0 cumulative GPA threshold for its MSN-FNP program. Applicants who fall in the 2.75 to 2.99 range may still gain conditional admission by completing two graduate courses with a grade of B or better.1
- RN licensure: An active, unrestricted RN license is required. Programs verify licensure status during the application review.2
- Clinical experience: While the University of Memphis does not publish a strict minimum hour count, clinical RN experience is evaluated as part of a holistic admissions review. Many programs across the region prefer one to two years of direct patient care.2
- Standardized tests: The University of Memphis does not require the GRE for MSN applicants.1 UTHSC program requirements vary by track, so applicants should confirm current testing policies directly with the admissions office.
Full-Time and Part-Time Timelines
The University of Memphis MSN-FNP program is designed for completion in roughly 24 to 36 months, depending on course load.3 A part-time option is available, which is especially valuable for nurses who plan to keep working while earning their degree. Part-time students should expect timelines closer to three to four years. If you are still mapping out how long the journey from bedside nursing to advanced practice takes, our from RN to NP planning guide breaks down realistic milestones. Programs at UTHSC similarly offer scheduling flexibility, though exact timelines depend on the specialty track.
DNP Pathways at UTHSC
UTHSC offers both a BSN-to-DNP route and a post-master's DNP pathway. The BSN-to-DNP track integrates clinical specialty coursework with doctoral-level scholarship, typically spanning three to four years of full-time study. Nurses who already hold an MSN can enter the post-master's DNP program, which is shorter since foundational advanced practice courses transfer in. For a detailed look at what doctoral programs generally require, review our overview of DNP prerequisites before you apply.
Employers across Tennessee, particularly large health systems in Memphis, are increasingly favoring DNP-prepared nurse practitioners for leadership and clinical roles. The doctoral degree also positions graduates for faculty appointments and health policy work. For nurses who are still weighing the MSN against the DNP, the BSN-to-DNP path eliminates the need to complete two separate programs, saving both time and tuition over the long run.
