UT Southern Named #1 Nursing School in Tennessee

RegisteredNursing.org Recognizes UT Southern’s Perfect NCLEX Pass Rate

PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern has been ranked the Best Nursing School in Tennessee by RegisteredNursing.org for 2026, achieving the top spot with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate across multiple years. The ranking highlights the exceptional preparation UT Southern provides its nursing students as they launch careers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing professions.

RegisteredNursing.org’s methodology focuses exclusively on NCLEX pass rates, the national licensing exam required of all registered nurses, to evaluate program quality. UT Southern’s consistent record of student success underscores the program’s rigorous academics, personalized instruction, and strong faculty-to-student support system.

“This recognition affirms the strength of our nursing program and the dedication of our faculty and students,” said Dr. Gennifer Moon, Associate Professor & Chair of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UT Southern. “Our graduates are entering the workforce fully prepared to meet the healthcare needs of communities across Tennessee and beyond.”

The ranking comes at a pivotal moment, as demand for registered nurses in Tennessee is projected to grow by 17% by 2030, fueled by the nationwide nursing shortage and increasing opportunities in healthcare. UT Southern’s program offers:

  • A four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum, including summer session
  • Personalized faculty attention through a low faculty-to-student ratio
  • 100% career placement rate for graduates
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Financial aid opportunities, including potential free tuition for Tennessee residents

UT Southern’s nursing graduates consistently secure employment across diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to advanced practice pathways.

Other top-performing schools in Tennessee include Lee University, Jackson State Community College, Tusculum University, and Cumberland University, which also reported strong NCLEX outcomes.

For more information on UT Southern’s nursing program, visit utsouthern.edu.

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