Tennessee is home to six in-state AGACNP programs spanning public universities and private institutions, with total program costs ranging from roughly $12,826 (University of Memphis certificate, TN residents) to $129,591 (Vanderbilt BSN-DNP), and completion times ranging from 1 year to approximately 3.5 years.
Several nationally recognized online programs also accept Tennessee residents, expanding your options across every degree level.
Tennesse ACNP Program Summaries
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Tennessee nurses can advance their careers with Chamberlain University’s fully online MSN-AGACNP or Graduate Certificate programs, featuring personalized Practicum Commitment® assistance to secure preceptors anywhere from Memphis to the Tri-Cities region. The CCNE-accredited curriculum delivers 700 hands-on acute-care clinical hours, advanced training in critical care management, and two required on-ground skills immersions led by doctorally prepared faculty. This program prepares graduates to excel in Tennessee’s major trauma centers (Vanderbilt, Erlanger, and Regional One) as well as rural and Appalachian community hospitals facing provider shortages.
East Tennessee State University ACNP Programs
Johnson City | $672 cpc | BSN to DNP / DNP
ETSU’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathway offers two DNP entry points for BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. The BSN-DNP option spans approximately three years full-time, while the MSN-DNP option allows experienced APRNs to complete the degree in about two years. Tuition varies by residency status, with competitive in-state pricing and an eRate for fully online learners. The blended format, structured clinical support, and national certification eligibility make this program a strong choice for nurses seeking acute care leadership roles...read more.
Maryville University ACNP Programs
St Louis | $863 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Tennessee nurses can advance their careers through Maryville University’s fully online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs, featuring MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, and certificate options. The flexible curriculum offers local clinical placements throughout Tennessee, allowing working professionals to maintain balance while earning advanced credentials. Accredited by the CCNE, Maryville’s Tennessee-friendly AGACNP programs emphasize evidence-based care and strong clinical expertise in acute and critical care environments.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Tennessee registered nurses can advance their careers through South College's CCNE-accredited online AGACNP programs, which combine asynchronous didactic courses with hands-on clinical training at approved sites. The 79-credit BSN-MSN track requires 800 hours of prior acute care experience (ICU, step-down, trauma, or ER) and takes 21 months to complete, while the 53-credit Post-Graduate Certificate offers a streamlined path for master's-prepared nurses. Tennessee graduates are prepared to sit for national AGACNP certification exams and provide advanced nursing care to acutely ill patients in the state's diverse healthcare facilities, from rural hospitals to urban medical centers.
Tennessee Tech University ACNP Programs
Cookeville | $730 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Tennessee Technological University, in partnership with East Tennessee State University, offers four Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways through their joint program featuring online/blended hybrid format with required on-campus intensive sessions 2-3 times per year. The BSN to DNP requires 75 credits and 1,060 clinical hours over 9 semesters for $54,750-$65,250 (TN residents), preparing graduates for both advanced practice and doctoral-level leadership. The MSN to DNP designed for certified AGACNPs requires 31-35 credits and 500 DNP project hours over 7 part-time semesters for $22,630-$30,450. The MSN AGACNP requires 46 credits over 2-2.5 years for $33,580-$40,020, while the fully online Post-Graduate Certificate allows APRNs certified in other concentrations to add AGACNP certification through 22-23 credits and 500 clinical hours over 4 semesters for $16,790-$20,010, with all programs accredited by CCNE and eligible for national AGACNP certification examination...read more.
University of Memphis ACNP Programs
Memphis | $583 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The University of Memphis provides two focused pathways for nurses who want to work in high-acuity adult settings. The MSN track suits BSN-prepared nurses seeking a full graduate degree, while the certificate track fits experienced APRNs who want to add acute care certification. Both options include online coursework with limited campus visits and strong clinical preparation. Nurses with recent ICU or emergency experience will find this program aligned with acute care practice expectations...read more.
UTHSC ACNP Programs
Memphis | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers comprehensive Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner education through five pathways including Post-BSN DNP (59 credits, 1,020 clinical hours), Post-MSN DNP options for new or current AG-ACNP certification, an innovative Dual DNP combining AGACNP and FNP preparation (73 credits, 1,380 hours), and a Post-Graduate Certificate for certified APRNs (20 credits, 600 hours). All programs feature primarily online coursework with required on-campus sessions including 4 visits first semester for advanced health assessment and skills labs/simulation 3 times yearly, CCNE accreditation through 2034, and admission through NursingCAS with applications opening in August (certificate deadline March 1)...read more.
Vanderbilt University ACNP Programs
Nashville | $2,057 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, ranked #4 nationally for MSN programs, offers four Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways featuring modified distance learning with primarily online/hybrid classes and intermittent in-person sessions. The MSN AGACNP requires 44 credits and 630 clinical hours, completable in 16 months full-time or 3 years part-time at $90,508. The BSN to DNP integrates 63 credits with minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours over 7 semesters for $129,591, with students eligible for certification upon DNP completion. The Post-Master's Certificate is individualized through gap analysis requiring minimum 12 Vanderbilt credits and 500 supervised direct patient care hours, starting at $24,684. All programs feature small collaborative classes, low faculty-to-student ratios, actively practicing expert faculty, and a dedicated clinical placement team ensuring robust specialty training with special options in trauma, oncology, cardiology, and other acute subspecialties...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Tennessee nurses can pursue Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner education at Walden University through flexible online DNP, MSN, or post-master’s certificate tracks. Clinical requirements are supported through structured field placement services, virtual training, and online Grand Rounds that help students build confidence in acute and critical care. Graduates are academically prepared to pursue national AGACNP certification and serve acute care needs across Tennessee.
West Coast University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Tennessee nurses are eligible for West Coast University’s online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs, which fulfill the Tennessee Board of Nursing’s educational requirements for APRN licensure with certificate of fitness in adult-gerontology acute care. The programs offer multiple entry pathways (MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate), dedicated clinical placement coordinators, two mandatory skills intensives, and pacing options designed for working professionals. Graduates with recent ICU experience are prepared to obtain national certification and practice as AGACNPs in Tennessee’s hospitals and critical care settings.
TL;DR — Which Program Is Right for You?
Choose University of Memphis if you’re a Tennessee resident with at least two years of acute care or emergency RN experience and want the lowest in-state tuition for either a certificate (~$12,826) or MSN (~$25,652).
Choose UTHSC if you want faculty-guided clinical placement support, a high clinical hour volume (up to 1,380 hours), or the state’s only dual AGACNP/FNP DNP track at an affordable in-state rate.
Choose ETSU or Tennessee Tech University if you want an affordable DNP through the joint ETSU-TTU program; TTU also adds an MSN and certificate track if you’re not yet ready for a doctoral program.
Choose Vanderbilt University if national ranking and subspecialty clinical depth matter — the AGACNP MSN is ranked #4 in the U.S. and can be completed in as little as 16 months.
Choose South College if you’re an experienced ICU nurse who wants a fast 21-month BSN-MSN with a fully asynchronous, Tennessee-chartered program.
Choose Maryville University if you want 100% online delivery with no campus visits required, no GRE, and multiple yearly start dates across all four AGACNP tracks.
Choose Chamberlain University if you want the highest clinical hour volume among online-only programs (700 hours) or need active preceptor placement support through the Practicum Commitment®.
Choose Walden University if you don’t have a BSN (RN-to-MSN track available), are a licensed FNP or AGPCNP who wants to add acute care via a 1-year Fast Track certificate, or need the widest pathway selection with no application fee.
Choose West Coast University if you have at least one year of recent ICU experience and want flexible 8-week terms with multiple yearly start dates and a dedicated clinical coordinator assigned to you.
ACNP DNP Programs for Tennessee
Tennessee’s public universities make the DNP exceptionally accessible for in-state nurses — the ETSU/TTU joint MSN-to-DNP program starts at roughly $20,832 (TN residents), making it one of the most affordable DNP completions in the nation.
For those entering from a BSN, UTHSC’s Post-BSN DNP (~$40,686 TN) delivers the highest clinical hour volume at 1,020 hours and includes a unique dual AGACNP/FNP option — the only program of its kind among those listed here.
Vanderbilt’s BSN-to-DNP is the premium option at ~$129,591 but integrates AGACNP specialization with full DNP coursework in 7 semesters.
Quick Summary Table
| School | Program / Track Details | Clinical Support |
|---|---|---|
| ETSU ⭐ | MSN-DNP — $21K • 2 yrs • 500 hrs BSN-DNP — $50K • 3 yrs • 1,060 hrs | College-assisted placement |
| TTU ⭐ | MSN-DNP — $23K–$30K • 7 sem (PT) • 500 hrs BSN-DNP — $55K–$65K • 9 sem • 1,060 hrs | Clinical coordination support |
| UTHSC ⭐ | Post-MSN DNP (Same Cert) — $28K • 2 yrs • Project hrs Post-MSN DNP (New Cert) — $28K–$41K • 2–2.5 yrs • 500+ hrs Post-BSN DNP — $41K • 3 yrs • 1,020 hrs Dual DNP AGACNP/FNP — $41K • 3 yrs • 1,380 hrs | Structured clinical placement support |
| Maryville University | DNP AGACNP (MSN Entry) — $56K–$61K • 3 yrs • Embedded hrs BSN-DNP — $61K–$67K • 3.3 yrs • Embedded hrs | Placement assistance provided |
| Walden University | MSN-DNP — $58K • 2.5 yrs • 1,000+ hrs BSN-DNP — $65K • 3 yrs • 1,000+ hrs | Practicum Pledge® |
| Vanderbilt University | BSN-DNP — $130K • 7 sem • 1,000+ hrs | Dedicated clinical placement team |
⭐ = Tennessee-based institution. TN resident rates shown where applicable; out-of-state eRates are higher. ETSU and TTU run a joint DNP program — applicants apply through either institution.
MSN Programs
The University of Memphis offers the lowest-cost MSN for Tennessee residents at ~$25,652, though it requires two years of acute care or emergency RN experience.
Vanderbilt’s 16-month full-time MSN is the fastest completion on this list and is the only nationally ranked (#4) program in the state, though at ~$90,508 it carries a significant premium.
For nurses without a BSN, Walden and West Coast University are the only programs offering RN-to-MSN pathways.
| School | Tracks — Cost • Duration • Clinical Hours | Placement Support |
|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis ⭐ | MSN AG-ACNP — ~$26K (TN) • 2–2.5 yrs • 750 hrs | College-supported placement |
| TTU ⭐ | MSN AGACNP — $34K–$40K (TN) • 2–2.5 yrs • Embedded hrs | Clinical coordination support |
| Vanderbilt University | MSN Full-Time — ~$91K • 16 mos • 630 hrs MSN Part-Time — ~$91K • 3 yrs • 630 hrs | Dedicated clinical placement team |
⭐ = Tennessee-based institution. WCU RN-to-MSN and Walden RN-to-MSN are the only pathways available to nurses without a BSN. South College requires 800 hours of ICU/acute care RN experience prior to the first practicum. WCU requires 1 year of ICU experience within the past 5 years for all MSN tracks.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
The University of Memphis offers the lowest-cost certificate at ~$12,826 for Tennessee residents — though it carries a firm two-year acute care experience requirement and delivers on value with 750 clinical hours.
UTHSC’s certificate is also deeply affordable at ~$14,240 TN and is the fastest completion at 1 year, but it requires existing APRN certification in another specialty.
Walden’s Fast Track certificate is the fastest option for licensed FNPs or AGPCNPs specifically, completing in 1 year with only 500 clinical hours required thanks to up to 20 transfer credits.
| School | Cost • Duration • Clinical Hours • Notable Requirement | Placement Support |
|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis ⭐ | ~$13K • 1–1.5 yrs • 750 hrs | College-supported placement |
| UTHSC ⭐ | ~$14K • 1 yr • 600 hrs | Structured faculty-guided placement |
| TTU ⭐ | $17K–$20K • 4 sem • 500 hrs | Clinical coordination support |
| Vanderbilt University | $25K+ (gap analysis) • 1–2 yrs • 500+ hrs | Dedicated clinical placement team |
⭐ = Tennessee-based institution. UTHSC’s Post-Graduate Certificate is currently pursuing CCNE accreditation — verify current status before applying. All other programs listed hold CCNE accreditation.
Clinical Placement Support and Preceptor Resources
Securing a qualified preceptor is one of the most challenging aspects of any NP program, particularly in smaller Tennessee markets. Four programs offer structured, proactive placement support worth highlighting:
Vanderbilt University — Full-Time Clinical Placement Team
Vanderbilt employs a full-time team dedicated to building clinical practicums for students. Nashville-area students access VUMC and surrounding centers; distance students are matched to equivalent sites near home. Specialty rotation options include trauma, cardiology, cardiac surgery, oncology, neurology, transplantation, and intensivist roles.
UTHSC — Faculty-Guided Preceptor Selection
UTHSC faculty are integrally involved in the preceptor selection and placement process — a notable benefit given the program’s proximity to Tennessee’s highest-level acute care facilities in Memphis. Faculty conduct site visits or video conferencing with students and preceptors throughout clinicals.
ETSU / TTU — Site Agreement Assistance
The joint ETSU-TTU program assists students with clinical site agreements and local preceptor placement, with clinical experiences arranged near the student’s residence when possible.
Note on clinical placement outside Tennessee: ETSU and TTU currently allow clinical placements in North Carolina and Virginia only, outside of Tennessee. Students planning to complete clinicals in other states should confirm eligibility with their program prior to enrollment.
Admissions at a Glance
All programs require an active, unencumbered RN license. GRE is not required by any program listed except ETSU and TTU (required only if GPA falls below 3.2). Application deadlines vary significantly — particularly at Tennessee public universities, which use term-specific admission windows.
Admissions Quick Summary Table
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | GRE Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | 3.0 (2.75–2.99 conditional) | Fall: July 1 • Spring: Dec 1 | No |
| UTHSC | 3.0 (3.2 recent degree) | DNP: Opens Aug (NursingCAS) • Certificate: Mar 1 | No |
| ETSU | 3.0 | BSN-DNP: May 1 (pref) / June 1 final • MSN-DNP: Feb 1 | Only if GPA < 3.2 |
| TTU | 3.0 | MSN: Rolling • Cert: Nov 1 • DNP: May 1/June 1 (Fall) • MSN-DNP: Feb 1 | Only if GPA < 3.2 |
| Vanderbilt University | 3.0 (B- avg) | Fall 2026 open now | No |