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Nurses with higher degrees such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree are highly appreciated in Tennessee and other states.
MSN programs are available for nurses who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and those who have an Associate’s degree, but the number of courses might be different from them.
Nurses can choose an online or on-campus, full-time, or part-time program that meets their needs and expectations.
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RN to MSN Admissions Requirements in Tennessee
Ambitious nurses in Tennessee need to meet several admission requirements to start an MSN program.
Even though the requirements can change and depend on the school, typical requirements include holding a valid RN license and having a minimum GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate work.
Also, students need to submit a resume with proof of clinical experience and a professional letter of recommendation.
Some schools also require personal statements and completion of certain prerequisite courses.
For example, Austin Peay State University admits only students who completed undergraduate statistic course.
Additionally, some schools require GRE scores submission.
RN to MSN Courses
In Tennessee, there are three categories of RN to MSN programs.
The first kind is for nurses who have an Associate’s degree in Nursing.
The programs for these nurses allow them to earn a BSN degree and MSN degree simultaneously.
Next, the second kind is accelerated courses for nurses who hold Bachelor’s in a field other than nursing.
The last type of course is suitable for BSN-prepared nurses, and they can complete only the MSN courses of the program.
Also, students can choose the specialization track after they complete core nursing courses on their MSN program.
In Tennessee, schools offer specializations such as Nurse Educator, Nurse Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and others.
The typical MSN program curriculum includes courses such as Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Health Policy, Nursing Research, etc.
The typical length of the RN to MSN program depends on the program type and student’s status.
For example, part-time students need more time to complete all courses, because they have fewer courses per semester.
Also, specialization and the decision on online or traditional classroom studying will affect the number of years you need to complete your degree.
Online programs
Online education is very convenient and flexible.
Very often, online courses cost less than traditional ones.
It is why online MSN programs are the first choice for plenty of working nurses in Tennessee.
For example, East Tennessee State University has a fully-accredited online program with a comprehensive curriculum.
The program is suitable for nurses who have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or some other discipline.
It also has several specializations for the nursing students including Nursing Administration, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and the Family Nurse Practitioner.
Clinical hours as part of the program requirements can often be completed in the student’s local area.
The Costs
Each school in Tennessee has different rates for tuition and fees.
There are differences in costs on online and on-campus programs.
For example, if you choose Carson-Newman University, expect to pay around $600 per credit hour.
For comparison, e tuition for the MSN program at Vanderbilt University is around $1.500 per credit hour.
Before you decide which program to apply for, make sure to check whether the tuition covers expenses for books and mandatory fees.
Schools in Tennessee
Nurses in Tennessee have a lot of options for RN to MSN programs, both online and on-campus.
For example, East Tennessee State University offers campus programs and has an excellent curriculum and various specializations.
Union University, on the other hand, has both online and classroom courses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University | 365 Stout Drive Johnson City, TN 37614, (423) 439-7051 |
| Union University | 1050 Union University Dr Jackson, TN 38305 |
| Vanderbilt University | 461 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37240, (615) 343-8876 |
Salary
An average yearly salary of registered nurse level 2 in Tennessee is $69,030, which is six by thousand lower than the national average.
Bear in mind that salary depends on location, healthcare facility, certificates, experience, etc.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $70,410 |
| Nashville | $70,460 |
| Knoxville | $70,250 |
| Chattanooga | $68,500 |
| Clarksville | $68,300 |
| Murfreesboro | $69,930 |
| Jackson | $69,880 |
| Johnson City | $66,130 |
| Kingsport | $66,380 |
| Franklin | $70,210 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 1,310 | $101,510 | $48.8 | $128,170 | $50,090 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 280 | $102,160 | $49.11 | $132,280 | $48,580 |
| Cleveland, TN | 180 | $82,970 | $39.89 | $118,990 | $42,580 |
| Jackson, TN | 230 | $105,460 | $50.7 | $125,090 | $80,160 |
| Johnson City, TN | 470 | $89,230 | $42.9 | $121,040 | $36,720 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 500 | $95,280 | $45.81 | $127,800 | $47,390 |
| Knoxville, TN | 1,830 | $93,810 | $45.1 | $124,840 | $43,860 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,820 | $102,690 | $49.37 | $137,640 | $47,470 |
| Morristown, TN | 120 | $96,440 | $46.37 | $125,210 | $46,690 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 5,030 | $103,580 | $49.8 | $135,270 | $52,740 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
RN to MSN Programs by State