Nashville is not just about country music; there is more to the ‘Music City’ than melody. Healthcare, publishing, banking, transportation and more, are some of the thriving industries in Tennessee’s capital city. The city boasts a number of colleges and universities as well that offer a wide range of learning opportunities for students coming from all backgrounds and having diverse educational and professional goals. Those who seek careers in healthcare may enroll in non-degree and degree programs offered at the various nursing schools in Nashville. The information reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that demand for nurses in the state of Tennessee is expected to increase in future.
What do nurses do?
Nurses hold a number of job titles such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse midwives and more. Registered nurses are entry-level healthcare workers who offer nursing care to patients in different medical settings while licensed practical nurses assist RNs. As is the norm in the rest of the country, prospective nurses in Tennessee also need to complete an approved and accredited nursing training program, along with passing the nurse licensure examination, in order to practice.
Nursing Schools in Nashville TN
Aspiring nurses in Nashville can pursue degree programs that enable them to become familiar with the nursing theory and practices. Students learn how to care for the patients with different medical conditions and also find out about a number of administrative tasks that nurses are required to perform. In addition to classroom-based learning, nursing degree programs also include a practical component where students get a chance to gain hands on experience in clinical settings.
Prospective RNs can enroll in the nursing diplomas or undergraduate degrees such as Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The bachelor’s degree typically takes 4 years to complete while the associate degree and diploma generally takes 2 to 3 years to complete. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a bachelor's degree or higher is often required for administrative positions, consulting, research, and teaching.
Advanced degree programs in nursing, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), allow students to specialize in a particular area within nursing such as critical care nursing, ambulatory care nursing, advanced practice nursing and more.
What courses are covered in the nursing programs?
Nursing students, irrespective of their nursing program take courses in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry and nutrition. Classes are also available in psychology and other social and behavioral sciences, in addition to liberal arts. BSN students may also study courses in the physical and social sciences as well as leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
What are the career prospects for nurses in Nashville?
In 2012, there were about 56,400 registered nurses in Tennessee, according to the data published by O*NET OnLine. The state is likely to require 1880 RNs between 2012 and 2022. There will also be demand for LPNs, about 1000 a year, during the same time period.
Potential pay for Nashville nurses
In 2012, the median annual wage for RNs in the state of Tennessee was $56,100, while LPNs earned $35,800. (O*NET OnLine)