BSN Programs Nashville, TN

Nurses attend to the physical and spiritual needs of patients and are the backbone of the healthcare sector. Public opinion is unwavering in the recognition of the selflessness and nobility of nurse in the care of all patients. Apart from using their technical skills and understanding of the nursing process to restore and promote health, nurses inspire hope in patients and their families. The extra care and attention they provide are as important in the restoration of health as the medical treatments proffered. All the contributions of all nurses keep the healthcare system thriving. The healthcare community values every nurse, but acknowledges that the extra training that Bachelor of Science degree nurses receive leads to fewer patient deaths and readmission, greater patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stays, and better outcomes. As such, more hospitals, especially Magnet recognized hospitals, are more likely to hire BSN nurses. This is one of many reasons to consider enrolling in a BSN degree program today.

Galen College

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Galen College is a prelicensure program for adults who are new to nursing. Students will complete theoretical and experiential learning required for a BSN in just three years. No prerequisites are needed to enroll, but previous credits may be eligible for transfer. General education classes are included in the nursing curriculum. Graduates will be able to synthesize knowledge from the arts and sciences to form a foundation for professional nursing practice, provide holistic and culturally competent care to patients, families, and populations, use leadership skills to provide and improve delivery of safe, patient cantered care, and integrate effective communication and collaboration to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. They will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN.

Program Outline

Quarter Credits: 160

Clock hours: 2256
Duration: 36 months
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology I- Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Lab, English Composition, College Mathematics, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Developmental Psychology, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Principles of Communication, Fundamentals of Nutrition, Applied Ethics, Introduction to Pharmacology, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Practice I, Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Practice II, Health Assessment, Communication and Teamwork, Elective Course I, Nursing Practice – Adult Health I, Pathophysiology for Nurses I, Healthcare Policy and Finance, Nursing Practice – Mental Health, Nursing Practice – Community Health, Elective Course 2, Nursing Practice – Maternal Health, Nursing Practice – Children’s Health, Introduction to Applied Statistics, Nursing Practice – Adult Health II, Pathophysiology for Nurses II, Nursing Practice – Adult Health III, Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED diploma
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English
  • Must complete the Multilevel PAX entrance exam or submit equivalent entrance test scores – ACT, SAT, HESI A2, PAX-RN, and TEAS
  • Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Submit a completed application to the Nursing Program
  • Submit transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended if requesting evaluation of transfer credit
  • Attend an orientation prior to the first day of classes
  • Submit a medical packet that includes physical exam and immunization record documentation to the Office of Academic Records – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
  • Pass a criminal background screen before the start of classes
  • Must have completed a Basic Life Support administered by the American Heart Association
  • Students may be subject to drug screening requirements based on clinical affiliation agency policy
  • Must have current, private health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition for general education courses is $400 per quarter credit hour and nursing courses cost $445 per quarter credit hour. There is a clinical fee of $125 per course.

  • Website: https://galencollege.edu/
  • Address: 1100 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203
  • Phone: (615) 277-6363
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A

Tennessee State University

The Traditional B.S.N. Program at Tennessee State University provides an instructional environment to prepare students to deliver holistic, ethical and culturally sensitive care to clients across the lifespan. Theory and hands-on training will equip students with knowledge and skills to function as a manager/coordinator of care, make clinical decisions to deliver safe and effective nursing car for the health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of individuals, use current research to provide safe care, and demonstrate leadership through participation in professional and community-based projects. Students will participate in professional and community-based collaborative projects to build strong leadership skills. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 120
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – English Composition, English Sophomore Literature Course, Microbiology & Lab, Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, College Algebra, Public Speaking, Psychology, Pathophysiology Course & Lab, History, Introduction to Philosophy, Humanities Elective, Electives

Core courses – Service to Leadership, Introduction to Nursing I, Special Topics, Introduction to Nursing Informatics, Introduction to Nursing Practice, Pharmacology, Health Promotion, Maintenance and Restoration, Health Assessment, Professionalism in Nursing, Gerontological Nursing Concepts, Mental Health Nursing, Health Promotion, Maintenance and Restoration II, Nursing Research, Leadership and Management, Community Health Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Integration of Concepts, Health Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration III, Issues in Nursing and Healthcare

Admission criteria:

  • Must apply for admission to Tennessee State University before consideration for admission to the BSN program
  • Must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 at the end of the semester prior to submission of application to the BSN program
  • Complete 61 hours of lower division required University and General Education and nursing prerequisite courses before entering upper division nursing courses
  • Must have a grade of C or higher in each course in the general education and pre-nursing courses
  • Complete the required basic science courses with a grade of C or above
  • Complete the pre-admission nursing entrance exam and obtain satisfactory scores as designated by the Nursing Department
  • Submit an application to the nursing program
  • Submit unofficial copies of all college transcripts and nursing entrance exam scores
  • Submit the required health forms by the published due date
  • Must submit a health exam report that indicates satisfactory health and includes the required immunizations, titers, and TB screening
  • Must provide evidence of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS Status certification
  • Must submit a current national criminal background report
  • Complete a 10-panel urine drug screen
  • Complete fingerprinting – if required by the clinical agency
  • Must have student nurse liability insurance and basic health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $358 per credit hour for resident students and $888 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Costs for books, supplies, medical, background check, and health insurance are additional. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Belmont University

The traditional BSN track at Belmont University is primarily open to Belmont freshman students but there are opportunities to transfer into the nursing program. The program is direct entry – so applicants must be admitted to the nursing program the same time as to the University. Faculty are committed to students’ success and provide a support learning environment for students to develop skills to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and conscientious nurses. The first year of the program will cover general education coursework with introduction and prerequisite courses in the nursing curriculum. Foundational and experiential coursework begin in the spring semester of the second year after students have completed prerequisite requirements. Graduates will be able to use knowledge of the arts, humanities and sciences in nursing practice, use leadership and management skills to improve healthcare outcomes, use effective communication and information technology to enhance practice, and communicate and collaborate with members of the healthcare team. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 120
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – First Year Writing, First Year Seminar, Introduction to Sociology, Bible Sequence – Old Testament and New Testament, Fundamentals of Speech, Quantitative Reasoning/Math, Junior Cornerstone, Third Year Writing, Humanities Course, Fine Arts Course, Wellness Activity, General Electives

Nursing prerequisites – Microbiology, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, General Chemistry, Statistics

Core courses – Perspective in Health Care, Diversity in Health Care, Wellness, Assessment, and Health, Foundational Skills Lab, Introduction to Pharmacology, Lifespan Nutrition, Nursing Research, Nurse as Scholar, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology, Therapeutic Nutrition, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II, Nurse as a Team Member, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology III, Populations, Nurse as a Leader, Senior Capstone, Foundations of Care Management, Foundations of Experiential Learning, Care Management, Experiential Learning, Care Management II, Experiential Learning II, Care Management III, Experiential Learning III, Focused Exp. Learning, Care Management IV, Preceptorship

Admission criteria:

  • Must apply for admission to Belmont University – admission is direct-admit so admittance to the University and Nursing Program happens at the same time
  • Must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 or above
  • Must have an ACT composite score of 23 or a SAT score of 1150 (Reading/Math)
  • Must have a high school GPA of 3.2 in math and science courses
  • Complete the health requirements – must be a good physical health
  • Submit record of required immunizations, titers, and TB screening – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza, Hepatitis B
  • Must provide evidence of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS Status certification
  • Must submit a current national criminal background report
  • Complete a 10-panel urine drug screen
  • Complete fingerprinting – if required by the clinical agency
  • Must have student nurse liability insurance and basic health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $19,000 per semester for full-time students completing 12 to 16 credit hours. Costs for books, fees, and supplies must be added. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.belmont.edu/
  • Address: 1900 Belmont Boulevard | Nashville, TN 37212
  • Phone: 615-460-6000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84%

South College

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at South College promotes a strong academic and clinical foundation covering the fundamental skills required of a nurse generalist. There will be an emphasis on the basics of medical care, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and technical competence. Students will learn how to function as a key part of the healthcare team providing collaborative care to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction will help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to deliver superior patient care. During the first two years, students will complete the general education and core prerequisite courses that provide a framework for core nursing courses. The upper division nursing courses are intensive and follows a rigorous schedule that includes 20 hours of class time per week. Graduates will be prepared to take the state licensure exam to become a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Quarter Credits: 180
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Effective Speaking, Computer and Information Literacy, Approved Humanities Electives, College Algebra, Statistics, College Management, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry I Lab, Nutrition in Health and Disease, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology, English Composition, English Composition with Research, Pathophysiology for Nursing, Physical Assessment, Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing Practice I, Fundamentals of Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing Practice II, Adult Health Nursing I, Maternal Infant Nursing Care, Nursing Research, Adult Health Nursing II, Pediatric Nursing Care, Policy and Politics in Nursing, Adult Health Nursing III, Community Nursing, Nursing Management and Leadership, Adult Health Practicum, Transition to Professional Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Meet the requirements for general admission to South College
  • Submit a School of Nursing application by the applicable deadline
  • Must take and pass the ATI TEAS Assessment score at the academic preparedness level of BASIC
  • Complete all the prerequisite courses
  • Complete the required general education courses with a grade C or higher
  • Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA for general education and core prerequisite courses
  • Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA for science prerequisite courses
  • Take the required drug test before the first day of class
  • Complete the background check application
  • Attend the nursing orientation on the scheduled date
  • Complete a health history and physical exam certifying ability to function in the required capacity
  • Must have immunity to common communicable diseases – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, HBV, Hepatitis B, annual flu immunization, annual TB screening
  • Complete an acceptable drug screen
  • Complete an acceptable criminal background check for a minimum of past 15 years
  • Provide proof of health insurance coverage
  • Complete annual training on blood-borne pathogens
  • Must have valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Course

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $6,975 per quarter for full-time students completing 10 to 20 credit hours. Costs for books, fees, and supplies must be added. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.south.edu/
  • Address: 616 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214
  • Phone: (629) 802-3000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89%

Union University

The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Union University is designed for adults who plan to prepare for practice as a generalist nurse. The curriculum includes core nursing courses built on an excellence-driven, liberal arts framework. Expert faculty use their knowledge and skills to engage students every step of the way. Students will develop essential skills as they use state-of-the-art technology and dynamic clinical experiences to prepare for success in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Graduates are prepared for entry into the profession after passing the state licensure exam. They may also feel confident and motivated to pursue graduate-level nursing education.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 128
Duration: 8 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Old Testament, Written Composition I, Fitness for Health, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology II, New Testament, Written Composition, Developmental Psychology, Principles of Sociology, Arts in Western Civilization, Chemistry, World Literature I, World Civilization I, Introduction to Statistics, Survey of Microbiology, Pathophysiology, World Literature II, World Civilization II, Activity, Lower Level Elective, Foundations of Pharmacology, Foundations of Nursing, Skills Practicum, Health Assessment, Pharmacology I, Scientific Writing, Childbearing, Pharmacology II, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Upper Level Elective, Nursing Research, Childbearing (Pediatrics), Issues in Professional Nursing, Adult Health I, Adult Health II, Leadership/Management, Community Health Nursing, Senior Seminar

Admission criteria:

  • Must qualify for Unconditional Admission to Union University
  • Must have an ACT score of 22 (excluding Writing component), 1100 SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math), or 72 Classical Learning Test (CLT)
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C
  • Complete a satisfactory urine drug screen
  • Complete a health history and physical exam certifying ability to function in the required capacity
  • Must have immunity to common communicable diseases – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, HBV, Hepatitis B, annual flu immunization, annual TB screening
  • Complete an acceptable criminal background check for a minimum of past 15 years
  • Provide proof of health insurance coverage
  • Must have valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Course

Program Cost:

Tuition and fees cost $18,365 per semester for full-time students completing 10 to 20 credit hours. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.uu.edu/
  • Address: 205 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075
  • Phone: 615-447-2500
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93%

Lipscomb University

Students enrolled in the Traditional BSN program at Lipscomb University will learn from a Christian community of professionals whose emphasis will be on healing and nurturing both body and soul. They will learn one-on-one from professors who strive for their success. The school offers a spacious nursing building that is home to the region’s best-equipped Health Simulation Laboratory. The curriculum will include extensive studies in the humanities and social sciences as well as 32 credit hours of clinical placements during the program. Apart from the foundational studies in nursing, students will gain extensive hands-on learning in obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, critical care and medical/surgical. Graduates will have clocked hundreds of hours in various healthcare facilities and will be well prepared to transition to the complex health care environment after successful completion of the state licensure requirements.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 128
Duration: 8 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Nursing as Kingdom Vocation, Introductory Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Chemistry or Chemistry for Health Sciences, Principles of Nutrition, Introduction to Psychology, Life Span Development, Abnormal Psychology, Elementary Statistics, Health Assessment, Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology for Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing, Comprehensive Adult Health Nursing I, Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Theory, Family Nursing Infant to Adolescent, Family Nursing and Women’s Health, Pathophysiology Concepts of Disease, Comprehensive Adult Health Nursing II, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Management, Nursing Capstone, Community Health Nursing, Applied Christian Values in Nursing, Special Topics in Nursing

Admission criteria:

  • Must be admitted to Lipscomb University
  • Submit a separate application for admission to the School of Nursing
  • Must have a 3.0 high school GPA
  • Must have a 22 or higher cumulative ACT score
  • Complete the competitive application review
  • Submit to an evaluation prior to entering upper division BSN nursing courses
  • Submit health history documentation of appropriate immunization
  • Complete satisfactory drug screens and background checks – completed annually during enrollment through a third-party testing facility
  • Must have valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Course

Program Cost:

Tuition and fees cost $90,017 to complete the junior and senior year. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.lipscomb.edu/
  • Address: One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
  • Phone: 800.333.4358
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%

Middle Tennessee State University

The traditional BSN program at Middle Tennessee State University is open to freshman students who want to prepare for a role as a generalist nurse. Theory and practical instruction in the simulation lab and clinical rotations are designed to produce well-rounded graduates capable of delivering competent care in various healthcare facilities. Expert faculty will seek to cover the five core competencies – communication, critical thinking, personal and professional relationships, leadership, and the nursing process. All other concepts will be built on the framework of these competencies. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX to carry the Registered Nurse credential.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 120
Duration: 8 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – English Composition, English Sophomore Literature Course, Microbiology & Lab, Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, College Algebra, Public Speaking, Psychology, Pathophysiology Course & Lab, History, Introduction to Philosophy, Humanities Elective, Electives

Core courses – Service to Leadership, Introduction to Nursing I, Special Topics, Introduction to Nursing Informatics, Introduction to Nursing Practice, Pharmacology, Health Promotion, Maintenance and Restoration, Health Assessment, Professionalism in Nursing, Gerontological Nursing Concepts, Mental Health Nursing, Health Promotion, Maintenance and Restoration II, Nursing Research, Leadership and Management, Community Health Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Integration of Concepts, Health Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration III, Issues in Nursing and Healthcare

Admission criteria:

  • Must apply for admission to Middle Tennessee State University before consideration for admission to the BSN program
  • Must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 at the end of the semester prior to submission of application to the BSN program
  • Complete 61 hours of lower division required University and General Education and nursing prerequisite courses before entering upper division nursing courses
  • Must have a grade of C or higher in each course in the general education and pre-nursing courses
  • Complete the required basic science courses with a grade of C or above
  • Complete the pre-admission nursing entrance exam and obtain satisfactory scores as designated by the Nursing Department
  • Submit an application to the nursing program
  • Submit unofficial copies of all college transcripts and nursing entrance exam scores
  • Submit the required health forms by the published due date
  • Must submit a health exam report that indicates satisfactory health and includes the required immunizations, titers, and TB screening
  • Must provide evidence of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS Status certification
  • Must submit a current national criminal background report
  • Complete a 10-panel urine drug screen
  • Complete fingerprinting – if required by the clinical agency
  • Must have student nurse liability insurance and basic health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $9,472 per year for in-state students and $29,144 for students out-of-state. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,260 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.mtsu.edu/
  • Address: 1301 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
  • Phone: 615-898-2300
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%

Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a traditional BSN program in partnership with Belmont University. Students enroll at Trevecca Nazarene University where they complete general education and other required prerequisites for the Nursing program, participate in Belmont’s Nursing Curriculum, and graduate with a joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and Belmont University. The curriculum will cover liberal arts, sciences, and nursing to prepare students to commit to continuous learning to improve the quality of life for patients, families, and communities. Graduates will have the skills and competencies to practice in a variety of health care settings.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 120
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – General Biology I, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Nutrition, Microbiology, Financial Stewardship, General Chemistry I, Speech Communication, English Composition I, English Composition II: Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking, World Literature, World Cavillations: Ancient and Medieval World, Life/Calling/Purpose, Statistical Analysis for the Sciences, Fine Arts, Introduction to Philosophy, General Psychology, Introduction to Biblical Faith, Christian Tradition, Christian Life and Ministry

Core courses – Perspective in Health Care, Diversity in Health Care, Wellness, Assessment, and Health, Foundational Skills Lab, Introduction to Pharmacology, Lifespan Nutrition, Nursing Research, Nurse as Scholar, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology, Therapeutic Nutrition, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II, Nurse as a Team Member, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology III, Populations, Nurse as a Leader, Senior Capstone, Foundations of Care Management, Foundations of Experiential Learning, Care Management, Experiential Learning, Care Management II, Experiential Learning II, Care Management III, Experiential Learning III, Focused Exp. Learning, Care Management IV, Preceptorship

Admission criteria:

  • Must apply for admission to TNU
  • Submit an application for admission to the Nursing Program during the second year of enrollment at Trevecca
  • Must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Must have an ACT composite score of 22 or a SAT score of 1150 (Reading/Math)
  • Must have a high school GPA of 3.2 in math and science courses
  • Must complete an interview with the selection committee
  • Complete the health requirements – must be a good physical health
  • Submit record of required immunizations, titers, and TB screening – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza, Hepatitis B
  • Must provide evidence of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS Status certification
  • Must submit a current national criminal background report
  • Complete a 10-panel urine drug screen
  • Complete fingerprinting – if required by the clinical agency
  • Must have student nurse liability insurance and basic health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $13,650 per semester for full-time students completing 12 to 18 credit hours. Costs for books, fees, and supplies must be added. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.trevecca.edu/
  • Address: 333 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210
  • Phone: 615-248-1200
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 50%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.