Best Tennessee LPN Programs – 2023
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
You've decided that you want to become a licensed practical nurse, but you may not know exactly all that you must do to reach your goals. Well, you've come to the right place. You'll want to choose from the available LPN programs in Tennessee one that will help you to gain the training and expertise that you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain your license. We've ranked some of the practical nursing programs that are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing so that you can choose the coursework that will fit your budget while allowing you to succeed.
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LPN Program Length in Tennessee
You will need to spend at least 12 months in classes and complete hands-on training to get your certificate or a diploma. If you'd like to get a degree, it will take two years at a minimum.
Type | Length |
Certificate / Diploma | 12 to 18 Months |
Associate Degree | 2 Years |
(Source: In-House Research) |
LPN Program Cost in Tennessee
It will cost you anywhere from $2,150 to $34,500 to obtain your diploma or certificate. Because you'll spend more time in school for a degree, you can expect to pay more for the education.
Type | Cost |
Certificate / Diploma | $2,180 - $34,600 |
Associate Degree | $6,670 - $49,680 |
(Source: In-House Research) |
Why NCLEX-PN Pass Rate is an Important Factor While Selecting an LPN Program in this State?
When you choose a school with a high passing rate for the NCLEX-PN, you can feel confident that you will be taught the appropriate skills and techniques that will be beneficial to your future patients and your employer. Those institutions with higher passing rates are typically favored by employers. Educational institutions with lower passing rates for the NCLEX may not offer the quality of education to pass the exam and get your license. This does not mean these programs are no good, it simply means that you may have to work harder independently to ensure you learn what you need to know for the NCLEX.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates |
Year | Tennessee | National |
Taken | % Passed | Taken | % Passed |
2013 | 1,454 | 89.61% | 58,575 | 84.63% |
2014 | 1,312 | 88.72% | 55,491 | 82.16% |
2015 | 1,367 | 87.56% | 50,979 | 81.88% |
2016 | 1,443 | 86.69% | 47,345 | 83.70% |
2017 | 1,327 | 87.49% | 46,948 | 83.85% |
2018 | 1,311 | 89.86% | 47,044 | 85.93% |
2019 | 1,449 | 91.79% | 48,228 | 85.63% |
2020 | 1,307 | 88.60% | 45,656 | 83.09% |
2021 | 1,314 | 86.07% | 46,353 | 79.60% |
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How to Obtain My LPN License in Tennessee?
First, you will want to complete the coursework you will need to get your diploma, a certificate, or a degree. Then, you will have to undertake the following tasks to become licensed to work as an LPN in TN.
• Apply for your license with the
Tennessee Board of Nursing.
• Register with
Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN.
• Receive your ATT, or authorization to test, and schedule your examination.
• Pass your exam and get your license.
How Much Will I Earn?
LPNs in the state of Tennessee tend to make about 17 percent less than the national average, though the cost of living is lower in the state as well. You could earn up to $57,000 annually though the LPN salary in TN can start as low as $36,300. Hourly pay typically ranges from $17 to $27 per hour.
Type | Salary Range | Average Salary |
Hourly | $17.48 - $27.47 | $22.38 |
Monthly | $3,030 - $4,760 | $3,880 |
Annual | $36,360 - $57,140 | $46,540 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
LPN Earnings in this State vs. National Average
Tennessee | National | Difference |
Number | % |
$46,540 | $55,860 | -$9,320 | -16.68% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Job Outlook for LPN Graduates in Tennessee
With people living longer combined with an increase in chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, this means that there will be an increased need for medical caregivers. In fact, job growth for LPNs is expected to increase by 16.5 percent by the year 2030. Between the creation of new jobs and positions opening-up due to retirements, your chances are excellent of landing the job that you want. This makes now a great time to get started training for the job market.
Employment | 10 Year New Job Growth Projection (2020-2030) |
2020 | 2030 | Number | % |
25,620 | 29,860 | 4,240 | 16.55% |
(Source: careeronestop) |
Projected LPN Annual Job Openings in Tennessee (2023-2027)
Year | New Jobs | Replacement Jobs | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) |
2023 | 424 | 2,096 | 2,520 |
2024 | 446 | 2,118 | 2,564 |
2025 | 480 | 2,152 | 2,632 |
2026 | 520 | 2,192 | 2,712 |
2027 | 540 | 2,212 | 2,752 |
Total Job Openings in the Next 5 Years | 13,180 |
(Source: In-House Research) |
6 Best Metro Areas in Tennessee to Work as an LPN
We are providing you with information on the top six metropolitan areas where you can find a lot of jobs to work as an LPN in TN. If you live in the Nashville region, you might want to consider working at a nursing home, such as at
The Lodge at Natchez Trace, Adam's Place, or Maristone of Franklin. If you are more interested in home-health care, there are no shortage of jobs available in this niche. You may want to consider
Preferred Care at Home, or All Heart Home Care.
Memphis and Knoxville are the next major regions where you can expect to find a lot of choice employment opportunities to work. Ave Maria St. Clare Health & rehab or
Shannondale may be good choices for you. For home health care, opportunities exist at places like
Functional Independence Home Care and Visiting Angels.
There are also plenty of jobs to seek in Chattanooga, Johnson City, and the Kingsport-Bristol areas. Places include
Life Care Center of Hixson, The Waters of Johnson City, and
Sycamore Trace. When it comes to taking care of patients in the comfort of their own homes, you might look for employment with 5 Star Home Care,
Home Instead Senior Care, or Camellia Home Health.
Rank | Metro Area | Current Employment | Average Salary |
Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
1 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 5,540 | $23.71 | $4,110 | $49,320 |
2 | Memphis | 3,190 | $22.58 | $3,910 | $46,960 |
3 | Knoxville | 2,400 | $22.34 | $3,870 | $46,470 |
4 | Chattanooga | 1,520 | $22.85 | $3,960 | $47,520 |
5 | Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol | 950 | $20.89 | $3,620 | $43,440 |
6 | Johnson City | 850 | $20.74 | $3,600 | $43,140 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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