DNP Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee DNP Programs

For those nursing students who want to pursue a degree at the doctoral level, there are generally two different options. A PhD program is the more traditional route that many people associate with the world of medicine. This is usually based in research, and may prepare nurses for a teaching or research role. Another option is the Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP degree. DNP programs in Tennessee and elsewhere are geared towards clinical practice, as well as sharpening leadership and managerial skills, so that a nurse can take on new roles outside of the traditional realm of taking care of patients.

Admission Requirements

Students in Tennessee have many options when choosing a DNP program. All of these programs have different application requirements, but there are a lot of similarities between them. Some of the items students may have to submit are:

  • An application and application fee
  • Official nursing school transcripts showing that he or she graduated with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof that he or she holds a BSN or an MSN degree
  • A resume of CV
  • Proof that he or she has at least 2 years of work experience
  • Proof of licensure as a nurse
  • A writing sample
  • His or her GRE scores

Curriculum

Each DNP program offers different specializations that a student can pursue. For example, the University of Tennessee offers students the option to go into Acute Care Nursing, Family Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Acute Care/Family Nursing, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing/Family Nursing.

There are different application deadlines depending on which program a person chooses to attend. At East Tennessee University the application deadline for BSN to DNP applicants is June 1, and the deadline for MSN to DNP applicants is October 1.

Additional Resources

DNP Schools Near You & Online in Tennessee

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

  • 615 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37403
    Programs: BSN, DNP, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (423) 425-4111

East Tennessee State University

  • 807 University Parkway Johnson City, TN 37614
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (423) 439-1000

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

  • 920 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38163
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (901) 448-5500

Vanderbilt University

  • 211 Kirkland Hall Nashville, TN 37240
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Radiation Therapy, RN, RN to MSN
    (615) 322-7311