Tennessee Online NP Programs
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“Online nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee are held to the same rigorous academic and accreditation standards as in-person programs.”
Judy Rice, DNP, Tenured Associate Professor, East Tennessee State University College of Nursing
Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Tennessee offer a flexible and accessible path for those interested in advancing their nursing careers. These programs cater to working nurses by providing the option to complete coursework remotely, while still meeting the rigorous standards required for licensure and certification. Tennessee’s unique healthcare landscape, with its specific requirements for NPs, makes it a compelling place to pursue this career.
Tennessee requires nurse practitioners to maintain a supervisory or collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe medications, which can shape the way NPs practice in the state. This adds a distinct layer to the role of NPs compared to states where they enjoy full practice autonomy.
As of 2022, Tennessee was home to 13,620 nurse practitioners, and this number is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. CareerOneStop.org (2025) predicts a 58 percent increase, estimating that there will be 21,500 NPs in Tennessee by 2032. This rapid growth highlights the rising demand for primary and specialized care, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is often limited. As healthcare needs continue to expand, online NP programs in Tennessee are an excellent option for those seeking to meet this demand while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
Meet the Expert: Judy Rice, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Dr. Judy Rice is a tenured associate professor at East Tennessee State University College of Nursing. She has served the public and nursing profession by advancing practice, educating psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) students, and advocating for those who most often do not have a voice. She has published and presented her work widely.
Dr. Rice has devoted her career to the care of vulnerable persons with psychiatric disorders, and she has instilled this passion into her students. She instituted the first PMHNP program in 2001 to address the increasing community behavioral/mental health crisis. She practices as a PMHNP at the ETSU Johnson City Downtown Day Center (JCDDC), a rural Appalachia nurse-led primary care clinic. She applied for and received continuing funding for the PATH (Programs for Assistance to Transition from Homelessness) Program, providing an array of services and supports at the JCDDC that are not covered by mainstream mental health programs. She became the first regional provider of mental health services in two local county detention centers. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee?
Dr. Rice: I think there is a misconception that online nurse practitioner programs are less rigorous and require less clinical preparation. This could not be further from the truth. Online nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee are held to the same rigorous academic and accreditation standards as in-person programs.
Online nurse practitioner programs provide both high-quality didactic coursework and hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of health care settings. Faculty are present in the online classroom and provide robust support to students. Additionally, online nurse practitioner programs offer greater flexibility, which is an excellent option for a working nurse.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Rice: Online nurse practitioner programs require that students be self-disciplined and motivated. I would encourage all students to stay organized and manage their time well. During the first week of classes, I encourage students to place all assignment due dates on a calendar. Set a weekly study schedule and stay ahead on readings and coursework.
Online nurse practitioner programs don’t mean you are working in isolation. When classes start, reach out to the faculty and introduce yourself. Attend faculty virtual office hours. Reach out to your peers; they will be a huge support to you. Reach out to former students and ask them how they successfully navigated the program.
There will be challenging days, but stay focused on your goals. Take it one day at a time, and before you know it, you will be a nurse practitioner. All of the hard work and dedication are worth it.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Tennessee (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| East Tennessee State University |
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| King University |
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| Austin Peay State University |
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| Carson-Newman University |
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| Middle Tennessee State University |
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| Tennessee Tech University |
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| Tennessee Tech University/ETSU Joint |
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NP Practice Authority in Tennessee
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Tennessee?
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.