Tennessee RN Programs

With the current state of the economy, it can be difficult for those starting college or struggling to begin a new career. Unlike other jobs, registered nursing is resistant to the recession because people are always in need of medical care.

There are many different RN programs in Tennessee, so potential students have a lot to choose from. Tennessee RN programs are a great start for those who want a challenging and rewarding career.

Becoming an RN in Tennessee

In Tennessee, one can become licensed either by examination or by endorsement, depending on whether or not he or she already holds a license. In order to be eligible for licensure, one must have completed an approved education program and passed the NCLEX-RN.

Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensing Compact, which means that a nurse licensed in another compact state can practice in Tennessee without becoming licensed there. An individual who is licensed in a non-compact state but wishes to practice in Tennessee can apply for licensure by endorsement, as well as those who have held a license in any other state but consider Tennessee to be a primary state of residence.

Renewing an RN License

Once licensed, there is a 2 year renewal period. An RN who wishes to renew his or her license and continue practicing in Tennessee must submit 2 of the following items:

• Copy of satisfactory evaluation completed by employer
• Peer letter of satisfactory nursing performance
• Copy of position renewal contract
• Written self-evaluation
• Evidence of initial or continuing national certification
• Document identifying 2 nursing goals and how they were met
• Document from nursing school stating applicant participated in nursing student education
• Evidence of 5 continuing education contact hours
• Copy of published nursing-related article
• Letter of satisfactory nursing refresher course completion
• Letter of satisfactory nursing orientation program completion
• Official transcript showing 2 or more nursing credits
• Proof of re-passing the NCLEX

Additional Resources

• Tennessee Board of Nursing

The Best RN Schools in Tennessee

By offering the most complete directory of nursing schools, NurseGroups.com helps Tennessee residents find the best local RN programs, as well as the best online RN schools whose accreditation is accepted by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Why Online RN Classes?

Being a registered nurse is a great career. But many working adults who want to become an registered nurse have an extremely busy schedule - balancing a full-time job, family commitments and other personal responsibilities. The traditional classroom setting offered by most local nursing schools doesn't offer the same flexibility as taking their RN classes online.

Online nursing programs allow each student to fit their education into his or her already busy schedule. Online students can participate in discussion forums and take exams when it's convenient for them. RN nursing students can access their virtual classroom 24 hours per day / seven days per week.

Also, taking RN courses online saves students even more time, as online students don't need to commute to school. Online schools enable busy people to get an RN degree, without interfering with their current professional and personal life.

Tennessee RN Resources

• Tennessee Department of Health