Tennessee's TCAT system delivers affordable, high-quality LPN programs across the state
Tennessee's College of Applied Technology (TCAT) system provides practical nursing education at remarkably affordable costs — starting at just $4,680 in tuition. These are not cut-rate programs: TCAT Athens maintains a 95%+ five-year NCLEX-PN pass rate and 95% job placement rate. TCATs are specifically designed to prepare Tennessee's healthcare workforce with rigorous clinical training and strong outcomes. The Tennessee Lottery Scholarship can provide an additional $2,000 for eligible full-time students aged 18+.
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Tennessee
All programs below are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing with strong NCLEX-PN track records. TCATs offer the most affordable pathway in Tennessee.
- Textbooks/supplies~$1,393 additional
- FormatHybrid — flexible 12 or 16 months
- HESI examRequired for admission
- ApplicationsDue June — September start
- AidFinancial aid available
- NCLEX-PN pass rate95%+ five-year average
- Job placement95% rate
- Clinical hours500+ hours
- Lottery scholarship$2,000 available for eligible students
- BonusCNA eligible after 432 hrs
- Program length12 months
- Job placement95% rate
- LocationChattanooga — strong SE TN market
- AccreditationSACSCOC + TN Board of Nursing
- AidPell Grant eligible
- NCLEX-PN pass rate94% — 3-year average
- CampusesKnoxville (Parkside) + Nashville
- BridgeLPN-to-ASN pathway available
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- AidFinancial aid available
- Locations27 campuses — all regions of TN
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- Program length12 months typical
- ScholarshipTennessee Lottery Scholarship eligible
- NoteFind nearest at tncollege.edu
- LocationOak Ridge / Harriman area
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- BridgeRN pathway available
- AidPell Grant eligible
- AccreditationSACSCOC + TN Board of Nursing
⚠️ Tuition figures based on 2024–2025 published rates and IPEDS data. Tennessee has 27 TCAT campuses statewide — find your nearest at tncollege.edu. Always contact schools directly for current costs.
Find LPN Classes Near You in Tennessee
Enter your zip code to see accredited programs near you.
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
LPN Salary in Tennessee — What You Can Expect to Earn
Tennessee LPN salaries average $46,540/year statewide per BLS 2024 data. Nashville leads at $49,320/year, followed by Memphis at $46,960. Tennessee's cost of living is below the national average — making these salaries go further in real terms. Nashville's rapid growth is driving healthcare demand and pushing salaries upward.
| City / Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Nashville / Davidson County | ~$49,320 | ~$23.71 | Fastest-growing TN market — top salary |
| 🥈 Memphis | ~$46,960 | ~$22.58 | 2nd largest TN city — strong demand |
| 🥉 Knoxville | ~$46,000–$49,000 | ~$22.12–$23.56 | East TN hub — University of TN health |
| Chattanooga | ~$45,000–$48,000 | ~$21.63–$23.08 | SE Tennessee — near GA border |
| Statewide Average (BLS) | ~$46,540 | ~$22.38 | BLS May 2024 |
| Salary.com 2025 | ~$54,510 | ~$26.21 | Current market estimate |
Financial Aid & Free Money for Tennessee LPN Students
Tennessee has several powerful funding programs that can significantly reduce or eliminate LPN tuition costs.
Tennessee students aged 18+ enrolled full-time at eligible TCATs may qualify for a $2,000 Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship. At TCAT Crump's $4,680 tuition, this covers nearly half the cost. Apply through your TCAT's financial aid office — check current eligibility requirements at tn.gov/collegepays.
At TCAT programs costing $4,680–$8,500, a full Pell Grant covers most or all of tuition for eligible students. Combined with the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship, many students pay zero out of pocket. File FAFSA at studentaid.gov immediately.
Tennessee Promise covers two years of community college or TCAT for recent high school graduates. Tennessee Reconnect covers adults returning to college. Both programs can cover TCAT LPN tuition for qualifying Tennessee residents — check eligibility at tnpromise.gov.
HCA Healthcare is headquartered in Nashville and operates numerous facilities across Tennessee. HCA sometimes sponsors LPN training for employees. Contact HCA nursing recruitment directly — this is one of Tennessee's largest healthcare employers and sponsors nursing education.
If you work in healthcare at major TN employers like Vanderbilt UMC, Ascension Saint Thomas, or Regional One Health, ask HR about tuition reimbursement before enrolling in your LPN program.
Veterans and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover full LPN tuition at Tennessee TCATs plus a monthly housing allowance. Fort Campbell near Clarksville creates significant veteran population in middle Tennessee.
Tennessee WIOA programs help displaced workers, single parents, and low-income adults enter high-demand healthcare careers. Contact your local Tennessee Career Center for current training grant programs.
With Tennessee Promise/Reconnect + Pell Grant + Lottery Scholarship potentially covering full tuition, loans should rarely be needed at TCATs. Complete FAFSA to access if required.
Smart Tips for Tennessee Moms Considering an LPN Career
Here's what experienced Tennessee nursing students wish they had known before starting their LPN journey.
- 🎸 TCATs are Tennessee's best-kept nursing secretTennessee's College of Applied Technology system provides LPN training at $4,680–$8,500 in tuition — dramatically cheaper than private nursing schools charging $15,000–$25,000 for the same credential. TCAT Athens has a 95%+ NCLEX pass rate. Choose TCAT first and only pay more if there's a compelling reason to.
- 🎟️ Tennessee Promise + Reconnect = possibly free tuitionTennessee Promise covers two years of TCAT or community college for recent TN high school graduates. Tennessee Reconnect covers adult returning students. Combined with a Pell Grant and the $2,000 Lottery Scholarship, many Tennessee students can complete their TCAT LPN program at zero cost. Check eligibility at tnpromise.gov before doing anything else.
- 🌆 Nashville is Tennessee's LPN salary leader — and growingNashville's explosive population growth is driving up healthcare demand and LPN salaries. HCA Healthcare alone employs thousands of nurses in the Nashville area. If you can live in or commute to Nashville, target employment there for Tennessee's highest LPN salaries at ~$49,320+.
- 🏥 HCA Healthcare is Nashville's nursing employer powerhouseHCA Healthcare — the nation's largest for-profit hospital chain — is headquartered in Nashville and operates dozens of facilities across Tennessee. HCA actively recruits LPNs and sometimes sponsors training for employees. If you're working at any HCA facility as a CNA or aide, ask HR about LPN tuition sponsorship before enrolling.
- 📋 Complete HESI exam before applying to TCATsMost Tennessee TCAT programs require a passing score on the HESI entrance exam for admission. Take the HESI seriously — study with HESI prep books (available at most libraries) and take practice tests before sitting for the exam. A good HESI score also strengthens your application at competitive programs.
- 🎓 TCATs offer CNA certification partway through LPN programAt TCAT Athens, completing 432 hours of the LPN curriculum makes you eligible for CNA certification. This means you can earn your CNA credential partway through your LPN program — allowing you to start working in healthcare sooner while you finish your LPN training.
LPN to RN in Tennessee — Should You Skip Straight to RN?
One of the most important career decisions you'll make. Here's an honest breakdown for Tennessee students.
LPN first, or go straight to RN?
Tennessee LPN salaries average $46,540/year statewide with Nashville reaching $49,320. With TCAT programs as low as $4,680 in tuition and Tennessee Promise potentially covering full costs, starting as an LPN in Tennessee carries very low financial risk. If you need income quickly, Tennessee's strong healthcare market — particularly in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville — ensures consistent LPN employment.
If time and money are not immediate barriers, going directly to an ADN or BSN program is worth considering. Tennessee RNs earn significantly more per year than LPNs. Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee, and multiple community colleges offer strong RN programs. South College offers a specific LPN-to-ASN bridge for those who want to advance.
Our sister site lpn-rn.com covers every Tennessee LPN-to-RN bridge program in detail.
Explore LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee →Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions
Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in Tennessee. Our sister site offers 50 free practice questions covering pharmacology, patient care, ethics, and more.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Frequently Asked Questions — LPN Programs in Tennessee
What is the cheapest LPN program in Tennessee?
How much do LPNs earn in Tennessee?
What is Tennessee Promise and who qualifies?
Is Tennessee part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Ready to Find LPN Programs Near You?
Enter your zip code and compare accredited LPN programs in Tennessee.
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.