Become an RN in Tennessee

There were thousands of nurses working in Tennessee both as Registered Nurses (63,330) and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (25,360), as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since the job duties of RNs and LPNs are different, the requirements to join their respective fields vary as well.

It is not easy being a nurse. Nurses have to stay vigilant and handle pressure regularly. Since they look after sick or injured human beings, there is no margin for error either in their line of work.

If you think you have what it takes to become a nurse in Tennessee, then read the following guide.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The career outlook for both Registered Nurses as well as Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is very positive. Between 2018 and 2028, it is predicted that Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will enjoy employment growth of 11%. The job growth for Registered Nurses will be 12% as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you want to become a nurse in Tennessee, you have to follow the following steps.

1. 1. Get the Educational Credentials

The educational requirements are different for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. For Registered Nurses, a bachelor’s degree is needed to enter the field as the minimum requirement. Licensed Practical Nurses can enter the field with a postsecondary nondegree award.

2. 2. Clear the Licensing Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination, also known as NCLEX, is a mandatory test that all nurses have to clear to apply for a license. Registered Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-RN test whereas Licensed Practical Nurses have to clear the NCLEX-PN.

3. 3. Get the License

Once you clear the NCLEX, you will have to apply to the relevant state board/authority to get your license. You will also have to go through some additional steps at this stage, like a background check and fingerprint enrollment. Once all the requirements have been met, you will be given your license to start working as a professional nurse.

It normally takes LPNs 1 to 2 years to get their licenses. As for RNs, the duration is increased to 4 to 6 years. The main difference in duration is because of the educational requirements.

You need to meet the following requirements to become a nurse in Tennessee:

Registered Nurses in Tennessee earned $62,570 (annual mean salary) in 2019 while the Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $41,270 (annual mean salary).