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 spans a wide range of institution types, from the public Tennessee State University to private powerhouses like Vanderbilt and Belmont, along with regional campuses within a one- to two-hour commute in Murfreesboro, Cookeville, Clarksville, and beyond. Whether you are looking for an MSN, a DNP, or a post-master's certificate, the programs below cover every major NP specialty: FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, PNP, WHNP, NNP, and ENP. Tuition varies dramatically, from roughly $10,500 per year at public universities for Tennessee residents to nearly $58,000 at Vanderbilt before financial aid. Keep in mind that the graduation rates listed for each school are institution-wide figures and do not reflect completion rates for any specific nursing program.
- NP specialty breadth and depth
- Tuition and financial aid access
- Clinical hour requirements
- Program format flexibility
- Institutional academic quality
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt's School of Nursing offers one of the broadest NP specialty menus in the state, covering FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, PNP (primary and acute care), WHNP, NNP, ENP, and a dual Nurse-Midwifery/FNP track, all at the MSN or post-master's certificate level. The hybrid format pairs asynchronous online coursework with brief on-campus block-week intensives in Nashville, and a dedicated clinical placement team arranges sites across Tennessee and the Mid-South so students do not have to find their own preceptors. Published tuition is approximately $57,868 per year, but the median net price after aid drops to around $15,846, and the school-wide graduation rate sits at 93.5 percent with an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Hybrid format with 4 full-time semesters
- Over 600 required clinical hours
- Part-time plans available for working RNs
- Curriculum aligned with 2021 AACN Essentials
- Clinical placement team arranges all sites
- Certification pass rates above national averages
- Full-time completion in about 16 months
- 560 supervised clinical hours
- Lifespan focus including psychotherapy training
- Available as MSN or post-master's certificate
- Hybrid delivery with brief on-campus sessions
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- 4-semester hybrid program
- 500 clinical hours required
- 100% reported licensure pass rate
- Subspecialty certificates in dermatology and cardiology
- No entrance exam required
- Dual AGPCNP/WHNP option available
- 560 clinical hours with experienced preceptors
- Small cohort sizes for individualized attention
- Requires prior pediatric RN work experience
- Prepares for PNCB PNP-AC certification
- One of the earliest PNP-AC programs nationally
- Full-time and part-time scheduling
- Dual WHNP/AGPCNP specialty in one program
- 1,190 clinical practice hours
- Five semesters full-time or extended part-time
- Covers gynecologic and primary care across the lifespan
- Hybrid online and in-person format
- Small class sizes with faculty mentorship
- 4 full-time semesters, hybrid format
- 770 clinical practice hours
- Requires 2+ years of NICU experience
- Small collaborative class environment
- Prepares for NNP national certification
- Faculty-supervised clinical training
- Flexible full-time and part-time options
- Hybrid online and on-campus delivery
- Requires RN emergency department experience
- Dual certification potential
- Low faculty-to-student ratios
- Nationwide clinical placement opportunities
- 4 to 5 full-time semesters
- 500+ supervised clinical hours
- Requires MSN and current RN licensure
- Can combine with DNP completion
- 97% employment rate after graduation
- Individualized program of study
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN) — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care (MSN) — Hybrid
Women's Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN) — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — Hybrid
Belmont University
Located in the heart of Nashville, Belmont University brands itself as a gateway to the city's healthcare ecosystem. Its MSN FNP and BSN-to-DNP FNP programs leverage partnerships with major Nashville hospital systems and community clinics, reflected in a reported 100 percent clinical placement rate. Belmont's interprofessional IMPACT labs bring nursing, pharmacy, and health-science students together for team-based training. Graduate tuition is approximately $27,810 per year, and the university posts a 70.7 percent school-wide graduation rate with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- 41 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- 3.0 GPA and current RN license required
- Six-year maximum completion window
- Application through NursingCAS
- Core courses in theory, research, and statistics
- Clinical placements in Nashville-area systems
- 800 clinical hours with 100% placement rate
- Asynchronous online classes plus Nashville intensives
- CCNE accredited with three concentration options
- Global health project opportunities
- Interprofessional IMPACT Lab experiences
- Prepares for national FNP certification exam
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, is the closest public-university NP option for nurses in the metro area. Its MSN offers both FNP and PMHNP concentrations, plus a standalone PMHNP post-master's certificate. Coursework is delivered online, and clinical rotations can be arranged near the student's home. In-state tuition runs roughly $11,718 per year, making it one of the most affordable paths to NP practice in the region. The school-wide graduation rate is 53.7 percent, so prospective students should ask the nursing department about program-specific completion data.
- 42 credit hours, fully online coursework
- 630 clinical hours in local settings
- 4- or 5-semester completion options
- CCNE accredited
- Holistic primary care focus across the lifespan
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- 42 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- 630 clinical hours
- Lifespan mental health focus
- CCNE accredited
- Addresses growing Middle Tennessee provider shortages
- 4 to 5 semester options available
- Online program format
- 630 minimum clinical hours
- Builds on existing graduate APRN coursework
- Meets national NTF standards
- Designed for working APRNs seeking a new population focus
- Supervised clinical experiences included
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University, Nashville's public HBCU, offers an online MSN with an FNP concentration and a post-graduate FNP certificate. The 49-credit MSN requires 750 clinical hours and can be completed in six to nine semesters on a full- or part-time schedule. Because TSU is a state institution, in-state graduate tuition is among the lowest in the Nashville metro. Program-level earnings data are not yet available for these tracks, but the university's overall median graduate debt is approximately $27,000.
- 49 credit hours, fully online delivery
- 750 clinical hours required
- Full-time and part-time scheduling
- Thesis or project capstone option
- Courses offered fall, spring, and summer
- Designed for working registered nurses
- 15 credit hours for MSN-prepared nurses
- 750 clinical hours required
- Online format for flexible scheduling
- Prerequisite courses must be within five years
- Holistic care across all age groups
- Prepares for national FNP certification
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Post-Graduate FNP Certificate — Online
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, roughly an hour northwest of Nashville, serves a large population of military-affiliated nurses from nearby Fort Campbell. Its MSN program offers FNP and PMHNP concentrations in a hybrid format with mostly online coursework and just two required on-campus visits. At approximately $10,518 per year for Tennessee residents, Austin Peay's graduate tuition is among the lowest in the state. The 45-credit FNP track takes about two and a half years, and both tracks require 750 clinical hours.
- 45 credit hours, primarily online
- 750 clinical hours with local preceptors
- Two on-campus visits over the full program
- Fall and spring start dates
- 2.9 minimum GPA for admission
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- 42 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- Primarily online with two campus visits
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Hands-on simulation during on-campus sessions
- Designed for working professional nurses
- About two years to complete full-time
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis offers NP education at the doctoral level with FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP concentrations, plus post-graduate certificates for APRNs adding a new specialty. Its hybrid DNP programs pair online coursework with on-campus intensives a few times per year and include over 1,000 clinical hours each. In-state graduate tuition is approximately $14,941 per year, and the school reports a 100 percent licensure pass rate across several NP tracks. A unique dual PMHNP/FNP concentration prepares graduates for two national certification exams.
- 61 credit hours with BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry
- 1,140 total clinical hours
- Hybrid format with on-campus intensives
- 100% reported licensure pass rate
- Clinical placements across the Mid-South
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- 1,080 clinical hours, hybrid delivery
- Post-BSN and post-MSN entry options
- Dual PMHNP/FNP concentration available (73 credits)
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Faculty assist with clinical site placement
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- 1,020 clinical hours in acute care settings
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways
- On-campus intensives three times per year
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- Dual concentration options available
- 20 credit hours, completable in one year
- Hybrid with on-campus sessions twice a year
- For licensed APRNs with an MSN
- Clinical placements near student's home
- Prepares for AG-ACNP certification
- CCNE accredited
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (DNP) — Hybrid
Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee Knoxville, roughly three hours east of Nashville, delivers its NP programs in a hybrid format with synchronous online classes and on-campus visits twice per semester. Concentrations span FNP, PMHNP, and PNP (primary, acute, and dual tracks) at the DNP level, plus post-master's certificates. In-state graduate tuition is about $15,972 annually. The campus features a high-fidelity simulation center and mentored clinical rotations, and the school-wide graduation rate is 73.9 percent.
- 840 clinical hours, hybrid delivery
- Synchronous online class meetings
- High-fidelity simulation center access
- BSN-to-DNP pathway available
- Mentored clinical rotations
- Primary care across the lifespan
- 600+ direct patient care clinical hours
- BSN-to-DNP program of study
- Synchronous online with twice-semester campus visits
- Licensed preceptor mentorship
- Total 1,000 hours for DNP degree
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Dual certification in primary and acute PNP
- Synchronous online classes with campus visits
- High-fidelity simulation center
- Addresses national PNP shortage
- Clinical rotations with mentors
- Two concentration options
- 840 clinical hours required
- Hybrid with mandatory on-site visits
- APRN certification and MSN prerequisite
- Gap analysis of prior coursework
- Holistic admissions with essay priority
- Competency-based curriculum
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Pediatric NP, Primary/Acute Care Dual (DNP) — Hybrid
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, about 80 miles east of Nashville, runs one of the state's most cost-transparent NP programs. Its fully online MSN covers FNP and PMHNP concentrations, and a joint DNP with East Tennessee State University adds PNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and WHNP tracks. In-state tuition is roughly $12,386 per year, and the PMHNP post-graduate certificate lists a total estimated cost of $17,000 to $21,000. Clinical hours are completed with local preceptors in your own community.
- 45 credit hours, 100% online
- 2 to 2.5 years to complete
- Two courses per semester
- Local clinical preceptors
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
- Prepares for advanced practice FNP licensure
- Fully online, CCNE accredited
- Lifespan mental health care focus
- RN-to-MSN bridge option available
- Post-master's certificate also offered
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- Collaborative healthcare team approach
- Concentrations in FNP, PNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, WHNP
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry tracks
- Capstone DNP project required
- Prepares for corresponding national certification
- Hybrid format with online coursework
- Joint program between two state universities
- 23 credit hours, fully online
- Four semesters at two courses per semester
- In-state tuition around $730 per credit hour
- Local clinical preceptors
- Estimated total cost $17,000 to $21,000
- 3.0 GPA and MSN required for admission
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Joint TTU-ETSU DNP (multiple NP concentrations) — On-Campus
PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis offers MSN and post-master's certificate options in FNP and AGACNP through its Loewenberg College of Nursing. The hybrid MSN AGACNP program requires 44 credit hours and two years of ICU or ER experience. While the campus is in West Tennessee, online and hybrid delivery makes it accessible to Nashville-area nurses willing to attend a few on-campus intensives. In-state tuition is approximately $11,628 per year, one of the lower rates among Tennessee public universities with NP programs.
- 44 credit hours, hybrid online and campus
- Requires 2 years ICU or ER experience
- Up to three on-campus intensives
- 100% reported employment rate
- Competitive admission with rolling deadlines
- Fall and spring start dates
- Hybrid format for MSN-prepared nurses
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Primary and acute care across the lifespan
- Hands-on clinical experience included
- Addresses growing FNP demand
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Hybrid delivery for advanced practice nurses
- Focus on high-acuity clinical settings
- Clinical practicums in hospitals, ICUs, EDs
- National certification eligible upon completion
- Builds on existing NP knowledge base
- 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 two hours west of Nashville, delivers FNP and PMHNP education across MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels. The 16-month MSN FNP program uses a blended format with campuses across Tennessee and costs $739 per credit hour. The BSN-to-DNP track spans 36 months with 1,220 clinical hours. Union integrates a Christian worldview throughout the curriculum and offers rolling admissions with a fall start.
- 46 credit hours, 16-month program
- Blended online and campus delivery
- $739 per credit hour
- 560 clinical hours required
- Annual fall start with rolling admissions
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- 73 credit hours over 36 months
- 1,220 total clinical hours
- Blended online and campus format
- DNP project completion required
- FNP certification exam eligibility
- Full-time enrollment, fall start only
- 29 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- 560 clinical hours required
- $739 per credit hour
- Focus on lifespan mental health
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Rolling admissions with fall start
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City anchors the eastern end of the state's NP pipeline. Online and hybrid programs span FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, PNP, and WHNP at both MSN and DNP levels, plus multiple post-master's certificates. ETSU charges Tennessee residents about $672 per credit hour and offers an eRate for out-of-state online learners. Curricula carry a rural-health focus, and clinical placement coordinators help students find preceptors in underserved communities across Appalachia and beyond.
- 51 credit hours, asynchronous online
- No GRE required, 3.0 GPA minimum
- Five semesters full-time
- $672 per credit for TN residents
- High FNP certification pass rate
- RN-to-MSN option available
- 48 credit hours, asynchronous online
- Fall start for PMHNP concentration
- High PMHNP certification pass rate
- Rural-focused curriculum
- Clinical placement assistance
- Full-time and part-time options
- CCNE accredited, hybrid delivery
- BSN-to-DNP completable in four semesters full-time
- 100% reported licensure pass rate
- $672 per credit in-state
- Online classes with in-person intensives
- Clinical placement coordinator support
- 24 credit hours, four semesters online
- $672 per credit for TN residents
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- Local clinical placement available
- No GRE required
- Designed for working APRNs
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers NP pathways in FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP through BSN-to-DNP tracks and post-master's certificates, all in a hybrid format. The BSN-to-DNP FNP requires 83 credit hours and 1,050 clinical hours over eight semesters, and the program reports a 100 percent first-time FNP certification pass rate. In-state graduate tuition is roughly $11,110 per year. Chattanooga is about two hours southeast of Nashville, making the campus reachable for periodic intensives.
- 83 credit hours, 8-semester hybrid program
- 1,050 clinical hours
- 100% first-time FNP certification pass rate
- CCNE accredited
- Didactic and clinical courses run concurrently
- Application deadline March 1, fall start
- 82 credit hours, 8-semester hybrid program
- Above 96% first-time certification pass rate
- Preceptorships in varied psychiatric settings
- CCNE accredited
- Hybrid format with online courses
- Full-time enrollment required
- 25 credit hours over 4 semesters
- Hybrid delivery
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Clinical preceptorships in adult, pediatric, and women's health
- For MSN- or DNP-prepared nurses
- Fall semester start
- 24 credit hours, 630 clinical hours
- Hybrid online and campus format
- National certification eligible
- Focus on adult-gerontology acute care
- Master's degree required for admission
- Clinical practicum parallels didactic courses
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Lee University
Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, roughly 2 hours southeast of Nashville, offers a CCNE-accredited BSN-to-DNP with an FNP concentration. The hybrid program combines flexible online coursework with annual on-campus intensive sessions and provides simulation lab access and clinical placement coordination. The curriculum includes specialized training in rural, global, and disaster healthcare, all grounded in a Christian worldview.
- Hybrid online coursework with annual campus intensives
- Three concentration options available
- Prepares for FNP board certification
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Rural, global, and disaster healthcare focus
- Local practicum coordination assistance
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City offers a fully online post-master's FNP certificate at a flat total tuition of $23,400 with no application fee. The 36-credit program takes 24 months or less and includes a two-day live board certification review. Clinical placement support and a dedicated student success advisor are included. Carson-Newman is CCNE accredited and focuses on holistic care across the lifespan.
- 100% online, completable in 24 months
- $23,400 total tuition, no application fee
- 36 credit hours, eight 15-week courses
- 600 clinical hours with placement support
- One 3-day on-campus residency
- Includes 2-day board certification review
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — Online
Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate offers MSN-level FNP and PMHNP programs as well as a PMHNP post-master's certificate, all available online or in a seated format. The 17-month FNP track requires 43 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, and the PMHNP programs can be completed full-time (17 months) or part-time (28 months). Rolling admissions and both spring and fall start dates add flexibility for working Tennessee nurses.
- 43 credit hours, 17-month completion
- 750 clinical hours minimum
- Online or seated format
- Rolling admissions, multiple starts
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Maximum 6 transfer credits accepted
- 44 credit hours, online delivery
- 750 clinical hours minimum
- 17 months full-time or 28 months part-time
- Lifespan mental health focus
- ANCC PMHNP certification eligible
- NONPF standards compliant
- Online format with rolling admissions
- 750 clinical hours
- Gap analysis for MSN holders
- Culturally competent care emphasis
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (MSN) — On-Campus
PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, about two hours southeast of Nashville, offers MSN and DNP programs across FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, and AGACNP concentrations, plus a post-master's AGACNP certificate. Campus classes typically meet on Tuesdays, and the DNP can be completed in roughly two years of full-time study. The program operates within a Christ-centered learning environment and provides a 20 percent tuition discount for recent alumni.
- 50 to 56 credits, online or hybrid delivery
- Two to two and a half years full-time
- Campus classes on Tuesdays
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- Fall and winter entry terms
- ACEN accredited
- BSN-to-DNP and post-master's entry paths
- Approximately two years full-time
- Annual DNP seminar required
- High-tech simulation labs on campus
- Clinical placements across NC-SARA states
- 20% tuition discount for recent alumni
- 42 to 50 credits depending on emphasis
- Full-time and part-time options
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Campus-based and online course mix
- Designed for working professionals
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Campus-based with Tuesday class meetings
- Full- or part-time scheduling
- Requires MSN with 3.0 GPA and 2 years RN experience
- Clinical placements in Tennessee
- Critical care experience preferred
- $40 application fee
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (MSN) — On-Campus
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
AGACNP (DNP) — On-Campus
Post-Master's AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Baptist Health Sciences University
Baptist Health Sciences University in Memphis provides a BSN-to-DNP with concentrations in AGACNP and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP. The hybrid program blends online learning with on-campus experiences across 66 credit hours, with full-time (3-year) and part-time (4-year) tracks. Rolling admissions with January cohort starts and a small 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio distinguish this option.
- 66 credit hours, hybrid format
- 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
- Rolling admissions with January start
- BSN or MSN entry accepted
- CCNE accredited, TN Board approved
- Focus on unstable chronic and critical conditions
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways
- Hybrid delivery for working professionals
- Evidence-based practice and leadership emphasis
- 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
- Priority application deadline September 1
- Prepares for AGPCNP certification exams
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (DNP) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (DNP) — On-Campus
King University
King University in Bristol, in far northeast Tennessee, offers an MSN FNP in a flexible HyFlex format that lets students attend in person, live online, or asynchronously. It also has BSN-to-DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP, plus a post-master's PMHNP certificate. The 45-credit MSN requires 600 clinical hours and is CCNE accredited. In-person intensives take place in Abingdon, Virginia, just across the state line.
- 45 credit hours, HyFlex or online format
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- In-person intensives in Abingdon, VA
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP exams
- Service-learning project included
- Eight-semester hybrid program
- Three concentration options
- CCNE accredited
- Small class sizes with faculty mentorship
- 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Designed for working nurses
- Online with some synchronous sessions
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- Individualized plan of study
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- For MSN-prepared nurses
- Lifespan mental health focus
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP (FNP, PMHNP, or AGACNP) — Hybrid
PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
South College
South College, based in Knoxville, delivers fully online MSN programs in FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP, along with post-graduate certificates in FNP and PMHNP. Programs can be completed in as few as 18 to 21 months full-time. Students are responsible for securing their own clinical sites, though faculty provide guidance. South College is CCNE accredited and accepts both BSN and ASN holders through an RN-to-MSN pathway.
- Online, completable in as few as 18 months
- RN-to-MSN and BSN-to-MSN tracks
- Supervised clinical practicum hours
- Prepares for AANP and ANCC certification
- CCNE accredited
- Designed for working nurses
- Online, 18 to 21 months full-time
- Psychopharmacology and psychotherapy coursework
- BSN or ASN entry accepted
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Online, completable in 21 months
- Focus on acute care across adult populations
- Students find own clinical sites with faculty support
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Prepares for national AGACNP certification
- CCNE accredited
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (MSN) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (MSN) — Online
Tusculum University
Tusculum University in Greeneville offers a hybrid MSN FNP with three entry tracks: BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, and a post-master's certificate. The 40-credit program requires 540 clinical hours and focuses on primary care, health promotion, and acute and chronic illness management. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license. Tusculum's format has transitioned largely to online delivery for didactic work, making it feasible for nurses across East and Middle Tennessee.
- 40 credit hours, hybrid transitioning to online
- 540 clinical hours
- BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, and post-master's tracks
- 3.0 GPA and RN license required
- Evidence-based practice and health promotion focus
- Comprehensive exam and scholarly project required
Family Nurse Practitioner (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.2
