Most important takeaways…
- Nashville-area NP programs range from roughly $10,500 per year at public universities to over $60,000 annually at Vanderbilt.
- Vanderbilt is the only Nashville school offering PMHNP, AGACNP, WHNP, PNP, and other specialty NP concentrations.
- BSN-to-NP timelines in Tennessee span about two years for full-time MSN students to five or more years for part-time DNP students.
- HCA Healthcare and other major Nashville employers give local NP students strong clinical placement advantages.
Nashville is one of the nation's largest healthcare capitals, home to HCA Healthcare's global headquarters, Ascension Saint Thomas, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and TriStar Health. That concentration of hospitals, specialty clinics, and academic medical centers has fueled a corresponding depth of nurse practitioner programs across the metro area, with seven universities offering MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificates in FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, and other specialties.
Programs range from Tennessee State University's in-state tuition near $10,500 per year to Vanderbilt's private MSN at roughly $58,000 annually. Students typically commute from Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Gallatin, Franklin, and Cookeville, and many choose hybrid or fully online formats that eliminate the need for regular on-campus attendance.
Clinical placements remain the tightest bottleneck in Tennessee's NP education pipeline. Schools vary significantly in how much placement support they provide, and some programs require students to secure their own preceptors in a metro where competition for sites is intensifying each year.
Nashville-Area NP Programs at a Glance
Nashville's nurse practitioner landscape stretches from downtown campuses to regional universities within a short drive, and it covers every major specialty a prospective student is likely to weigh. The programs below span master's degrees, doctor of nursing practice tracks, and post-master's certificates, with entry requirements and costs that vary widely from one institution to the next. Use the program lists to compare clinical hour requirements, credit loads, and certification outcomes side by side.
Factors considered
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Clinical hour requirements
- Published tuition and fees
- Program format flexibility
- 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
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University anchors the Nashville market with the broadest advanced practice specialty menu in Tennessee, covering family, psychiatric, pediatric, women's health, neonatal, and emergency practice. The School of Nursing runs master's, doctoral, and post-master's certificate routes, and a dedicated team arranges clinical placements across Tennessee and the Mid-South rather than leaving students to find their own sites. Admission is highly selective, and institution-wide completion rates rank among the strongest in the state.
- More than 600 supervised clinical hours across primary care and rural sites
- Four full-time semesters, with part-time plans available
- Curriculum built on the 2021 AACN Essentials
- Clinical placements arranged in preferred geographic areas
- Funding support for rural and underserved practice commitments
- Dual preparation for nurse-midwifery and family practice certification
- Eight full-time semesters with a possible part-time plan
- More than 1,400 supervised clinical hours across both roles
- Obstetric and gynecological care alongside family primary care
- Lifespan preparation across child, adult, and older adult care
- 560 supervised clinical hours
- Full-time completion in about 16 months
- Includes psychotherapy training and medication management
- Eligible for ANCC certification
- Designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and RN license
- Four to five full-time semesters
- More than 500 supervised clinical hours
- Gap analysis tailors the plan to prior graduate coursework
- Certificate appears on the official transcript
- No entrance exam required, with rolling admissions
- 500 supervised clinical hours
- Four full-time semesters and one fall start each year
- 3.0 GPA minimum and three letters of recommendation
- Optional subspecialty certificates in dermatology and cardiology
- 630 supervised clinical hours in pediatric primary care
- Four full-time semesters with part-time plans
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- Emphasis on health promotion and family-centered care
- 560 supervised clinical hours
- Applicants need prior pediatric work experience
- Prepares for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care exam
- Small cohorts with hands-on simulation
- For nurses who already hold a master's degree in nursing
- Dual women's health and adult-gerontology primary care focus
- About 1,190 clinical practice hours
- Five full-time semesters with a part-time option
- Dual certification track covering women's health and adult primary care
- Roughly 1,190 clinical hours across both populations
- Five full-time semesters with small class sizes
- Clinical placements arranged in preferred regions
- 770 clinical practice hours
- Applicants need at least two years of NICU experience
- Four full-time semesters
- Preparation for national neonatal certification
- Prepares for emergency nurse practitioner certification
- Dual certification is possible
- Applicants need current emergency department experience
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN — Hybrid
Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner (Dual MSN) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan), MSN — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care, MSN — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care, MSN — Hybrid
Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, MSN — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Hybrid
Emergency Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Hybrid
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville concentrates its advanced practice work in pediatric care, with primary care, acute care, and dual primary/acute tracks offered at both the certificate and doctoral levels. Family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner preparation is available through doctor of nursing practice study. Because clinical placements can cross state lines, applicants should confirm that their home board of nursing and Tennessee's authorization rules both permit the plan they have in mind.
- 840 clinical hours required
- Requires a master's degree in nursing and current APRN certification
- Gap analysis reviews prior graduate coursework
- Prerequisite courses must be completed within five years
- 840 clinical hours required
- Requires existing primary care pediatric certification
- Gap analysis of previous graduate coursework
- Holistic admissions review with an essay
- 840 clinical hours required
- Open to nurses with a master's degree in nursing
- Advanced pharmacology prerequisite
- Two professional recommendations required
- 600 direct patient care clinical hours minimum
- Collaborative clinical site placement
- High-fidelity simulation center for skills practice
- 840 clinical hours
- Prepares for management of acute and chronic illness across the lifespan
- Mentored clinical rotations with licensed preceptors
- At least 600 direct patient care clinical hours
- About 1,000 total hours across the doctoral program
- Prepares for psychiatric mental health certification
- Leads to dual certification in pediatric primary and acute care
- Clinical rotations with faculty mentors
- Scheduled campus visits twice each semester
- 600 clinical hours
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- Clinical rotations with licensed preceptors
Pediatric Primary Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University sits in Murfreesboro, a short drive southeast of Nashville, and its School of Nursing prepares family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners at the master's level. The program arranges clinical rotations in the student's own community whenever it can, which makes it especially workable for nurses who cannot relocate. The psychiatric track is positioned around the region's shortage of mental health providers.
- 42 credit hours
- 630 direct patient care clinical hours
- Four or five semester completion options
- Clinical rotations arranged in the student's local area
- 42 credit hours
- 630 clinical hours
- Four or five semester options
- Preparation for national psychiatric certification
- Addresses mental health provider shortages in Middle Tennessee
- Built for nurses who already hold graduate preparation
- 630 supervised clinical hours minimum
- Builds on completed APRN core coursework
Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate — Online
Belmont University
Belmont University is based in Nashville and makes local clinical access a centerpiece of its pitch, pointing to simulation facilities and relationships with area health systems. The university prepares family nurse practitioners at the master's level and also offers a doctor of nursing practice with three concentration options. Students who want global health project work and interprofessional training will find both here.
- 41 credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum and a current RN license
- Must be completed within six years
- $500 non-refundable deposit on acceptance
- Application submitted through NursingCAS
- 800 clinical hours
- Three concentration options
- Interprofessional IMPACT lab and simulation center
- Global health project opportunities
- Three levels of academic advising
Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis serves West Tennessee through its Loewenberg College of Nursing, offering adult-gerontology acute care and family nurse practitioner routes along with post-master's certificates for practicing APRNs. The acute care track expects applicants to bring critical care or emergency experience, and clinical practicums are arranged near where students live. The college reports strong employment outcomes for its acute care graduates.
- Post-master's certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN
- Covers primary and acute care across the lifespan
- Health assessment, diagnosis, and medication prescribing
- Prepares for national family nurse practitioner certification
- Chronic illness management and differential diagnosis
- Post-graduate certificate for advanced practice nurses
- Focus on high-acuity hospital, intensive care, and emergency settings
- Clinical practicums required
- Builds advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology preparation
- 44 credit hours
- Two years of intensive care or emergency experience required
- Up to three short skills intensives
- Clinical practicums arranged in the student's local area
- 3.0 GPA minimum and an unencumbered Tennessee RN license
- Capstone required
Family Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech in Cookeville runs one of the more affordable graduate nursing paths in the state, with family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks plus a set of doctoral concentrations shared with East Tennessee State University. Post-graduate certificates let practicing APRNs add a population focus in about four semesters while taking two courses at a time. Per-credit costs and estimated totals are published clearly, which helps nurses compare the real price before applying.
- 45 credit hours, about two to three years
- Two courses per semester with flexible course loads
- Clinical hours completed with local preceptors
- 3.0 GPA required at both undergraduate and graduate level
- Life-span mental health care focus
- Prepares for national psychiatric certification
- Bridge option for RNs entering with an associate degree
- Post-master's route available for existing APRNs
- 23 credit hours
- 510 clinical hours
- Requires a master's degree in nursing and current RN licensure
- Administered by the College of Nursing
- 23 credit hours completed over four semesters
- Two courses per semester for working nurses
- About 140 clinical hours per clinical course
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment prerequisites
- 83 credit hours in the BSN to DNP path
- A shorter MSN to DNP option is also available
- Capstone or DNP project required
- Joint program offered with East Tennessee State University
- Prepares for family nurse practitioner national certification
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP entry options
- 12 credit hour DNP project
- Comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan
- Joint program with East Tennessee State University
- 79 credit hours in the BSN to DNP path
- 32 credit hour MSN to DNP path
- Prepares for women's health care nurse practitioner certification
- Joint program with East Tennessee State University
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP entry paths
- 12 credit hour DNP project required
- Eligible for adult-gerontology primary care certification
- About 75 credits in the BSN to DNP track
- MSN to DNP applicants complete roughly 31 to 35 credits
- Focus on acute care management
- Prepares for adult-gerontology acute care certification
- Roughly 89 to 92 credit hours in the BSN to DNP path
- Capstone project required
- Focus on care from birth through age 21
- Joint program with East Tennessee State University
Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Online
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care — Online
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is the state's academic health sciences campus, and its College of Nursing prepares nurse practitioners at the doctoral level in family, psychiatric mental health, and adult-gerontology acute care practice. Dual concentration options let students sit for two certification exams, and post-graduate certificates give practicing APRNs a path to a new population focus in about a year. Clinical placements are arranged with faculty assistance across the Mid-South.
- 61 credit hours
- About 1,140 clinical hours, including at least 500 in primary care
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP entry pathways
- Skills labs and simulation during scheduled campus sessions
- Capstone DNP project required
- Employer tuition reimbursement supported
- About 1,080 clinical hours, at least 500 in direct primary care
- Capstone project required
- Post-BSN and post-MSN entry options
- Dual concentration routes available
- Employer tuition reimbursement supported
- About 1,020 clinical hours
- Scheduled campus sessions three times per year
- BSN and MSN entry pathways
- Clinical experiences in acute care settings
- 73 credit hours
- Prepares for two national certification exams
- Capstone DNP project required
- 23 credit hours
- Requires a DNP degree plus national NP or CNS certification
- Coursework in psychotherapy approaches and psychopharmacology
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- One admission cycle each year
- 20 credit hours completed in about one year
- For licensed APRNs with a master's degree in nursing
- Clinical placements arranged near the student's home
- Prepares for adult-gerontology acute care certification
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health/Family Nurse Practitioner (Dual Concentration) — Hybrid
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Union University
Union University is a private Christian institution in Jackson that offers nurse practitioner preparation at the master's, post-master's certificate, and doctoral levels. Family and psychiatric mental health tracks run on rolling admissions with a single fall start, and the university publishes per-credit costs plus estimated total attendance so students can plan around work schedules. Programs are built around national nurse practitioner competencies.
- 46 credit hours and 560 clinical hours
- 16-month full-time program, admitted once a year in fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum and three recommendations
- Prepares for AANP and ANCC family certification
- Prerequisite coursework required
- 26 credit hours for nurses who already hold an MSN
- 560 clinical hours
- Advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology
- Priority deadline in October with a final April deadline
- 29 credit hours for nurses who already hold an MSN
- 560 clinical hours across varied mental health settings
- Coursework includes psychopharmacology
- Gap analysis tailors the plan to prior graduate work
- 36-month program with 73 credit hours
- About 1,220 clinical hours
- Capstone and DNP project required
- Rolling admissions with a fall start
- Requires RN licensure in Tennessee or a compact state
- 73 credit hours across 36 months
- About 1,220 clinical hours
- Prepares for psychiatric mental health certification
- Advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology in the curriculum
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga prepares family nurse practitioners at the master's and doctoral levels and offers post-graduate certificates for practicing nurse practitioners who want to add psychiatric mental health or acute care credentials. Certificate applicants go through a gap analysis so the plan of study reflects what they have already completed. Admission runs once a year, with a March deadline and a fall start.
- 48 to 53 credit hours
- 630 clinical clock hours
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- Advanced pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology included
- Thesis option available
- 25 credit hours across four semesters
- Open to nurses already prepared as nurse practitioners
- Covers adult, women's health, and pediatric primary care
- Clinical preceptorships run alongside didactic courses
- 28 credit hours across five semesters
- For nurse practitioners with prior practice experience
- Includes counseling, diagnosis, and management coursework
- Final practicum immersion
- 24 semester hours
- 630 clinical clock hours
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- 83 credit hours across eight semesters
- About 1,050 clinical hours
- Preceptorships in adult, women's, and pediatric primary care
- Final practicum immersion
- Applicants are discouraged from working full time
- 82 credit hours across eight semesters
- Preceptorships in a range of psychiatric settings
- Fall start with a March application deadline
Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Baptist Health Sciences University
Baptist Health Sciences University in Memphis builds its advanced practice programs around a clinical partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care. Its doctor of nursing practice prepares adult-gerontology acute care and primary care nurse practitioners in a cohort model, with both full-time and part-time options. Small classes and a faith-based environment shape how the program presents itself.
- 66 credit hours over three years
- More than 1,000 clinical hours
- Clinical settings include intensive care, emergency, and hospitalist services
- Cohort structure with full-time and part-time options
- Rolling admissions with a spring start and a priority September deadline
- Work experience required
- Three-year cohort program with full-time and part-time options
- Rolling admissions and a spring start
- Prepares for advanced practice certification
- Clinical partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University runs one of the broadest graduate nursing portfolios in the state, spanning family, psychiatric mental health, adult-gerontology, pediatric, and women's health nurse practitioner preparation at master's, certificate, and doctoral levels. Tuition is broken out separately for Tennessee residents, out-of-state learners, and a middle eRate, which makes cost comparisons unusually clear. The college frames its mission around rural and underserved care, and several doctoral concentrations are run jointly with Tennessee Tech.
- 51 credit hours
- No GRE required
- Five semesters of full-time study
- Fall or spring start terms
- RN to MSN option available
- 46 credit hours
- Focus on rural and underserved populations
- Entrance exam required, with test-optional consideration
- Full-time study begins only in the fall
- Written comprehensive exam required
- 48 credit hours
- No GRE required
- Fall start for the psychiatric mental health concentration
- Clinical experiences with preceptors
- Bridge pathway for RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree
- 12 credit hour bridge sequence
- Fall admission only for the psychiatric mental health track
- No BSN is awarded to bridge graduates
- Applicants should confirm their state board's requirements
- 24 credit hours across four semesters
- Open to nurses who already hold an MSN
- Tennessee resident and eRate pricing published
- No GRE requirement
- 24 credit hours across four semesters
- Prepares for national psychiatric certification
- Local clinical placements available
- No GRE requirement
- 32 credit hours across four semesters
- Requires a DNP degree and RN licensure
- Cover letter and resume required
- Prepares for adult-gerontology primary care certification
- Four semesters of full-time study
- No entrance exam required
- Prepares for family nurse practitioner certification
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- Four semesters of full-time study
- No entrance exam required
- Prepares for psychiatric mental health certification
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways
- Full-time BSN to DNP completed in nine semesters
- No entrance exam required
- Rural focus in the curriculum
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- Nine-semester program
- Prepares for adult-gerontology acute care certification
- Clinical placement coordinator assistance
- No entrance exam required
- Nine-semester program
- Small classes with individual attention
- Joint program with Tennessee Tech University
- Prepares for women's health care certification
- About 83 credit hours
- DNP project required
- Focus on pediatric primary care for rural and underserved populations
- Joint program with Tennessee Tech University
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways
Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Online
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Online
RN to MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Online
Post-DNP Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care — Hybrid
Lee University
Lee University in Cleveland offers a doctor of nursing practice with a family nurse practitioner concentration, structured for nurses who intend to keep working while they study. The curriculum pairs evidence-based practice and translational research with rural, global, and disaster health training, and the university helps coordinate local practicum placements. A simulation lab supports hands-on skills development.
- Prepares for family nurse practitioner board certification
- 3.0 GPA minimum and three letters of recommendation
- Fall start
- Curriculum includes rural, global, and disaster healthcare
- Local practicum placement assistance
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University's Caylor School of Nursing prepares family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners at the master's and post-master's certificate levels. The family track runs about 17 months full time, while the psychiatric track offers a part-time route of roughly 28 months. Rolling admissions lets nurses start without waiting through a full annual cycle.
- 17 months full time with 43 semester hours
- 750 clinical hours minimum
- Rolling admissions
- Directed scholarly project and comprehensive exam
- Up to six transfer credits accepted
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- 17 months full time or 28 months part time
- 44 credit hours and 750 clinical hours
- Rolling admissions with a spring start option
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Post-master's certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN
- 44 credit hours and 750 clinical hours
- Gap analysis of prior graduate coursework
- Rolling admissions
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Online
Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University offers a single focused credential in this space: a post-master's family nurse practitioner certificate for nurses who already hold a graduate degree. The program carries a flat published total cost, charges no application fee, and can be finished in about two years of part-time study. Clinical placement support and a board certification review are built into the experience.
- 36 credit hours delivered as eight 15-week courses
- 600 clinical hours
- Complete in about 24 months part time
- 3.0 GPA minimum, active RN license, and three recommendations
- Includes a board certification review session
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
King University
King University in Bristol prepares family nurse practitioners at the master's level and offers doctor of nursing practice tracks for nurses aiming at advanced practice, leadership, or academic roles. A post-master's certificate lets existing nurse practitioners add psychiatric mental health credentials without repeating a full degree. The university emphasizes small classes and guarantees admission to its own BSN graduates.
- 45 semester hours and 600 clinical practicum hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum and an unencumbered RN license
- Statistics, research, and health assessment prerequisites
- No thesis or capstone required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- Individualized plan of study for each applicant
- Focus on mental health across the lifespan
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Eight-semester BSN to DNP pathway
- 3.0 GPA minimum and three letters of recommendation
- No entrance exam required
- Clinical experience in a range of settings
- Eight-semester BSN to DNP pathway
- No entrance exam required
- Small classes with high interaction
- Research-to-practice curriculum
- Eight-semester BSN to DNP pathway
- Small class sizes
- Prepares for acute care advanced practice roles
- Eight-semester BSN to DNP pathway
- Prepares for chief nursing officer and hospital leadership roles
- Guaranteed admission for King BSN graduates
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Online
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Nurse Leadership and Administration — Hybrid
Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University in Collegedale offers nurse practitioner preparation at the master's and doctoral levels, including adult-gerontology primary care, acute care, and family tracks. The doctor of nursing practice admits students both with and without a prior master's degree, and a post-master's certificate serves nurses who want acute care credentials. The program is campus-centered, faith-based, and requires an annual doctoral seminar.
- 50 to 56 credits
- Two to two and a half years of full-time study
- Prepares for psychiatric mental health certification
- $50 application fee
- Completed in about two years of full-time study
- Post-master's entry for nurses who already hold a graduate degree
- Annual DNP seminar required
- Clinical placements available across NC-SARA states
- Three-year BSN to DNP pathway
- 77 credit hours
- Requires 4,000 hours of nursing experience
- Dual emphasis option available
- 77 credit hours in the BSN to DNP path
- Three-year full-time completion
- Work experience required
- 20% tuition discount for recent alumni
- 42 to 50 credits depending on emphasis
- Two start dates each year in fall and winter
- Capstone required
- Skills and assessment labs on campus
- Classes meet one day a week
- Master's degree in nursing and a 3.0 GPA required
- Two years of nursing experience, critical care preferred
- $40 application fee
- Accelerated RN to MSN pathway
- No intermediate bachelor's degree awarded
- Prepares for acute care advanced practice
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
RN to MSN, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville prepares family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners at the master's level, with a course load designed around working nurses. Both tracks take roughly two to three years at two courses per semester, and admission requirements are relatively accessible, with a 2.9 GPA minimum and a small application fee. Graduates are eligible for national certification in either specialty.
- 45 credit hours and 750 clinical hours
- About two and a half years at two courses per semester
- 2.9 GPA minimum with an RN license
- Statistics prerequisite required
- Capstone project required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- 42 credit hours
- About two years at two to three courses per semester
- 2.9 GPA minimum and an unencumbered RN license
- Covers mental health care across the lifespan
- Capstone project and clinical hours required
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
South College
South College offers a wide set of master's-level nurse practitioner tracks, including family, psychiatric mental health, adult-gerontology acute care, and pediatric practice, plus post-graduate certificates for nurses who already hold a graduate degree. Several tracks can be finished in about 18 to 21 months, among the shorter timelines available in Tennessee. Students generally locate their own clinical preceptors with faculty guidance.
- As few as 18 months of full-time study
- RN to MSN and BSN to MSN entry tracks
- Supervised clinical practicum hours with approved preceptors
- Prepares for AANP and ANCC certification
- Designed for working nurses
- As few as 18 months full time
- Coursework in psychopharmacology, psychiatric theory, and psychotherapy
- Supervised practicum experiences
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- 75 total credits
- 38 credits of MSN core and 37 concentration credits
- 510 clinical hours in the specialization
- Capstone project required
- About 21 months full time
- Covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Students locate their own clinical sites with faculty guidance
- Prepares for national certification
- 44 credits
- Focus on pediatric primary care
- Includes clinical practicum courses
- Not currently accepting new students
- Post-graduate certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN
- Practicum experiences focused on primary care
- Emphasis on rural populations
- Prepares for national certification
- Post-graduate certificate for nurses with a graduate degree
- Psychopharmacology, psychiatric theory, and psychotherapy coursework
- Practicum experiences required
- Prepares for certification
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
BS to MSN, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate — Online
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate — Online
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is Nashville's public option, and its School of Nursing prepares family nurse practitioners through a master's program built for working registered nurses. A post-graduate certificate serves nurses who already hold a master's degree and want to add family practice credentials. Courses run sequentially across fall, spring, and summer, and the degree closes with a thesis or project.
- 49 credit hours and 750 clinical hours
- Six to nine semesters with full-time and part-time options
- Advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics
- Primary care across adult, pediatric, and women's health populations
- Thesis or project required to finish
- Courses offered sequentially across fall, spring, and summer
- 15 credit hours plus 750 clinical hours
- For nurses who already hold an MSN
- Advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology prerequisites
- Prerequisites must be completed within five years
- Full-time and part-time options
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Tusculum University
Tusculum University in Greeneville offers a family nurse practitioner track with three entry points, including an RN to MSN bridge that lets nurses with an associate degree earn the master's without first completing a BSN. The GRE is not required, and clinical placements may require travel of up to a few hours. A scholarly project and comprehensive exam complete the program.
- Three entry tracks: BSN, RN to MSN, and post-master's
- RN to MSN bridge does not require earning a BSN first
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum with three letters of recommendation
- Clinical placements may require travel of up to three hours
- Scholarly project and comprehensive exam required
Family Nurse Practitioner, RN to MSN — Hybrid
FNP Programs in Nashville: Tuition, Format, and Outcomes
The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration remains the most popular NP pathway in Tennessee, and Nashville-area schools offer a range of options that differ sharply in cost, delivery method, and time commitment. Understanding these differences can help you choose a program that fits both your budget and your work schedule.
Nashville-Based FNP Programs
Two universities in Nashville proper offer FNP tracks at the master's level. Vanderbilt University's hybrid MSN program carries tuition of approximately $57,868, though the university's net price after typical aid packages drops to around $15,846 for many students. The program can be completed in four full-time semesters and requires more than 600 clinical hours. Vanderbilt's FNP track has earned a national reputation, with certification pass rates running about 10% above the national average.
Tennessee State University provides a more affordable option for Nashville residents. In-state tuition for the online FNP program runs around $11,188, while out-of-state students pay approximately $23,808. The 49-credit-hour curriculum includes 750 clinical hours and can be completed full-time or part-time. As a historically Black university, Tennessee State may appeal to students seeking a diverse academic community.
Regional Programs Within Commuting Distance
Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, offers a fully online FNP program. Tuition sits at roughly $11,718 for Tennessee residents and $29,700 for out-of-state students. The 42-credit-hour degree requires 630 clinical hours and can be finished in four or five semesters depending on your course load.
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, about an hour northwest of Nashville, runs a hybrid FNP program at $10,518 in-state and $15,702 out-of-state. The 45-credit-hour curriculum requires 750 clinical hours and only two on-campus visits over the 2.5-year program. Nurses commuting from southern Kentucky may also want to explore nurse practitioner programs in Kentucky for additional options close to the state line.
Format Differences That Matter
Program format varies considerably across these options. Tennessee State, Middle Tennessee State, and East Tennessee State all deliver coursework entirely online, letting you study from home while completing clinical rotations locally. Vanderbilt, Austin Peay, and Belmont University use hybrid models that blend online coursework with periodic on-campus sessions. Belmont's Nashville-based hybrid MSN requires 41 credit hours and carries tuition around $27,810.
For working nurses, the fully online programs offer maximum flexibility, while hybrid formats provide more structured faculty interaction. Either way, you will need to arrange clinical placements in the Nashville area or your home community. If you are interested in psychiatric mental health rather than primary care, Nashville-area schools also offer PMHNP programs in Tennessee worth comparing.
Earnings and Value
Program-level earnings data for these FNP programs is not yet available through federal reporting. However, comparing total tuition costs against career earning potential helps frame the investment. With Nashville-area FNP salaries typically ranging from the mid-$90,000s to over $110,000 annually, even higher-tuition programs can pay off relatively quickly for graduates who enter full-time practice.
PMHNP, AGACNP, and Other NP Specialties in Nashville
Vanderbilt University is the only Nashville-based school that offers the full range of NP specialty concentrations, spanning Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP), Women's Health NP (WHNP), Pediatric NP (PNP), and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP tracks.1 If you are searching for a non-FNP specialty and want to study locally, Vanderbilt is essentially your sole in-city option.
Why PMHNP Demand Matters for Nashville Students
PMHNP programs are among the most sought-after NP pathways nationwide, and Nashville is no exception. The region's growing behavioral health needs have pushed demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners well beyond the current supply. Vanderbilt offers a PMHNP concentration at both the MSN and DNP levels, making it the primary local pipeline for nurses who want to prescribe psychiatric medications and deliver psychotherapy. Beyond Nashville, the ETSU and Tennessee Tech joint DNP program also offers a PMHNP track, though that program is based in east Tennessee and requires a doctoral-level commitment.2 For nurses who already hold a DNP, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis offers a post-doctoral PMHNP certificate, a 23-credit pathway that prepares candidates for the ANCC certification exam.3
AGACNP, WHNP, and PNP Options
Nurses interested in acute care, women's health, or pediatric nurse practitioner programs face a similar landscape. Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Trevecca Nazarene University all focus their NP offerings on the Family Nurse Practitioner track and do not currently offer AGACNP, WHNP, or PNP concentrations.1 Vanderbilt covers all of these, and the ETSU-Tennessee Tech joint DNP program provides additional AGACNP, WHNP, and PNP pathways at the doctoral level for students willing to study outside the Nashville metro.2
Southern Adventist University near Chattanooga offers a post-master's certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, and South College in Knoxville has an MSN-level AGACNP concentration. These are viable options for Nashville nurses open to hybrid or online formats paired with regional clinical placements.
When Specialties Push You Toward a DNP
One practical consideration: several non-FNP specialties in Tennessee are only available through DNP-level programs, particularly outside Vanderbilt. If your goal is a PMHNP, AGACNP, or PNP credential and Vanderbilt's MSN track is not the right fit, you may find that the remaining in-state options require committing to a longer doctoral pathway rather than a shorter master's program. That is worth factoring into your timeline and budget planning. Students exploring these specialties should verify current availability directly with each school, as programs occasionally add or pause concentrations between admission cycles.
Related Articles
Online vs. Hybrid vs. On-Campus NP Programs in Nashville
How you earn your NP credential matters almost as much as where you earn it, and Nashville-area programs offer genuine variety across delivery formats. For a broader look at the trade-offs, our guide to online vs on-campus NP programs breaks down the research.
Hybrid Programs: The Dominant Model
Most established programs in the Nashville metro lean toward a hybrid structure, blending online coursework with scheduled on-campus intensives and in-person clinical rotations. Vanderbilt's Family Nurse Practitioner program is a clear example: didactic content is delivered online, while students complete more than 600 clinical hours in practice settings.1 That structure lets working nurses keep their jobs and manage family obligations without relocating, while still gaining the hands-on supervision that shapes clinical judgment. Vanderbilt's program also reports that its graduates pass national certification exams at a rate roughly 10 percentage points above the national average, which suggests the hybrid model does not compromise preparation.1
Fully Online Options
Some nurses prioritize maximum scheduling flexibility, especially those commuting from Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Columbia, or further out in Middle Tennessee. Fully online NP programs, often from regional universities or large nursing-focused institutions, allow students to complete all lecture and seminar content remotely. The trade-off is that students typically arrange their own clinical placements, which requires more self-advocacy and local professional networking.
On-Campus and Cohort-Based Programs
A smaller number of programs still anchor students to a physical campus on a regular schedule. These formats appeal to nurses who prefer face-to-face interaction with faculty and cohort peers, and who can arrange their work schedules accordingly. Employer perception of format varies. Anecdotally, hiring managers in Tennessee focus more on certification status and clinical experience than on whether coursework was delivered online or in a classroom, but contacting alumni networks or admissions offices directly will give you the most accurate, current picture for specific employers.
How to Compare Your Options
Before committing, visit the official websites for each program you are considering and note how they describe clinical placement support, synchronous session requirements, and technology expectations. The Tennessee Board of Nursing and the Tennessee Nurses Association can also point you toward enrollment trends and certification pass-rate data. For salary and employment context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes state-level NP data, though Nashville-specific breakdowns are not always available at the program level.
How Long It Takes to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee
The timeline from BSN to practicing nurse practitioner in Tennessee ranges from about two years on an accelerated full-time MSN track to five or more years for part-time DNP students. Here is the typical sequence, including Tennessee-specific licensure requirements.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and DNP Pathways Across Nashville NP Programs
Tuition for NP programs across Tennessee varies dramatically depending on whether you attend a public university as an in-state student or enroll at a private institution. The most affordable in-state options start around $10,500 per year at Austin Peay State University, while Vanderbilt University's tuition reaches roughly $57,900. Keep in mind that net price after financial aid narrows this gap considerably: Vanderbilt's average net price drops to about $15,846, and Tennessee State University, Nashville's public HBCU, averages roughly $15,796. Nashville-area employers also help offset costs. HCA Healthcare offers $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement plus monthly student-loan assistance, and its Galen College of Nursing partnership covers the full RN-to-BSN and offers MSN credits at $350 per credit hour. On the degree-level side, an MSN is sufficient for NP licensure in Tennessee, but the DNP is the terminal practice doctorate and increasingly preferred by employers. Vanderbilt offers both BSN-to-DNP and post-master's DNP tracks, while Baptist Health Sciences University provides a BSN-to-DNP pathway in its AGACNP program (66 credit hours, hybrid format). Several public universities in the region currently award the MSN for NP preparation, so students interested in the DNP should confirm whether their school of choice offers a BSN-to-DNP entry point or a post-master's completion option.
Clinical Placement and Nashville's Healthcare Market
Nashville's healthcare ecosystem is one of the nation's most robust, giving NP students a distinct advantage when it comes to securing high-quality clinical placements. HCA Healthcare, headquartered in Nashville, operates more than 180 hospitals across the United States and maintains a strong presence in Middle Tennessee. Vanderbilt University Medical Center anchors the academic medical landscape, while Ascension Saint Thomas Health runs multiple hospitals and specialty clinics throughout the metro area. Meharry Medical College's network of community clinics and federally qualified health centers like Neighborhood Health and Siloam Health serve underserved populations and offer students valuable exposure to primary care and community health.
How Clinical Placement Works in Nashville Programs
Clinical placement policies vary significantly across Nashville-area NP programs. Vanderbilt School of Nursing maintains a full-time clinical placement team that arranges practicum sites for its FNP students and accommodates geographic preferences where possible.1 This hands-on support can be a major relief for working nurses juggling school, clinical hours, and their current job. Other programs, including some hybrid and fully online options, require students to identify and secure their own preceptors. That model offers flexibility but demands more networking effort up front. Students interested in acute care rotations at Nashville's Level I trauma centers may want to explore AGACNP programs in Tennessee for specialty-specific clinical requirements.
Nashville's Density Advantage
Compared to rural Tennessee, where NP students may drive 90 minutes each way to reach a clinical site, Nashville students benefit from geographic density. Multiple teaching hospitals, outpatient networks, urgent care chains, and specialty practices operate within a 30-minute radius of downtown. That density translates into more preceptor options, shorter commutes, and the ability to rotate through diverse settings without relocating. For students still working part-time or full-time, that proximity can be the difference between sustainable clinical scheduling and burnout.
Nashville's role as a healthcare hub continues to grow. The International Council of Nurses selected the city to host its 2026 NP/APN Network conference, underscoring the region's reputation as a center for advanced practice nursing education and innovation.
