University of Tennessee

What you'll study

This Bachelor of Science in Nursing is typically delivered over a sequence of foundational prerequisites followed by upper-division nursing coursework and supervised clinical experiences. Early study covers the natural and behavioural sciences, academic skills and introductory nursing concepts. Core nursing modules include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment and fundamentals of clinical nursing.

Upper-level study emphasises clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice and professional roles. Typical modules and learning areas include:

• Advanced clinical practice: adult health, maternal and child nursing, paediatric nursing, mental health nursing and gerontological care.
• Community and public health: population health, health promotion and care across diverse settings.
• Leadership and administration: healthcare systems, quality improvement, financial and staff management for those following the Nursing Administration pathway.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, statistics, critical appraisal and project design for the Nursing Research pathway.
• Clinical specialism: advanced assessment, clinical reasoning and specialty practicum opportunities for the Clinical Nursing pathway.
• Professional practice components: ethics, legal aspects of care, interprofessional teamwork, nursing informatics and a culminating capstone or practicum project.

Clinical learning is carried out in simulation labs and in affiliated hospitals, community clinics and long-term care settings under faculty supervision. Placements progressively increase in complexity to prepare students for entry-level registered nursing practice and for further postgraduate specialisation.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record in science and maths. Typical preparation includes biology (with laboratory), chemistry and algebra or statistics. Universities in the Tennessee system may expect completion of a package of prerequisite courses before progression to upper-division nursing subjects.

Selection to the nursing programme is competitive and may take into account overall grade point average, prerequisite course grades and supporting statements. Many cohorts also require one or more of the following:

• Standardised test scores or admissions assessments (where used by the campus, for example a nursing admissions test).
• Evidence of relevant health experience or volunteering (recommended, not always mandatory).
• Current basic life support (BLS) certification prior to clinical placements.
• Successful completion of health requirements such as immunisations, drug screening and criminal background checks as part of clinical clearance.

Applicants with prior college credit, an associate degree in nursing or international qualifications should consult the University of Tennessee admissions and nursing admissions offices for advice about transfer credit and licensure eligibility. Meeting minimum entry expectations does not guarantee admission due to limited cohort sizes.

Career prospects

Graduates receive the academic preparation required to sit for national registration/licensure as a registered nurse. Early career roles include staff nurse positions across acute care, community health, primary care and long-term care settings. The programme’s pathways support a range of career directions:

• Clinical Nursing pathway: prepares graduates for specialist bedside roles, fast-track clinical skill development and competitive hospital nursing positions.
• Nursing Administration pathway: equips graduates for supervisory and management roles, unit coordination, quality improvement and health service administration.
• Nursing Research pathway: provides grounding for roles in clinical research, quality and outcomes analysis, and supports progression to graduate research degrees.

Graduates often pursue postgraduate study (Master of Nursing, DNP or PhD) to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, health service managers or researchers. The programme’s clinical and research training also supports roles in public health, policy, education and healthcare consultancy.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee offers nursing programmes with strong clinical partnerships across hospitals, community services and research units, providing diverse placement opportunities. Students benefit from dedicated simulation facilities, experienced clinical faculty and structured pathways that allow focus in administration, research or advanced clinical practice.

As a comprehensive state institution, the University of Tennessee emphasises applied learning, interprofessional collaboration and connections with regional healthcare employers, which can support clinical experience and employment routes after graduation. The curriculum is designed to meet the academic and clinical standards required for professional registration and to prepare graduates for lifelong career development in nursing.