Undergraduate Programs
Find your pathway to becoming a Vol nurse.
An undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prepares you to thrive. Whether you’re a first-time college student, a career changer, a military veteran, or a working parent returning to school, our programs are designed to meet you where you are, equipping you with the clinical skills, leadership training, and compassionate mindset needed to make a difference in every corner of health care.
Explore our degree programs and partnerships
Click through each of our programs to learn more about why you should study any one of our majors in nursing.
Traditional BSN
Our top-ranked, direct admit, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a strong foundation in nursing science, clinical practice, and compassionate care. Ideal for first-time college students or those changing majors during their academic journey.
Accelerated BSN
Designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this fast-paced, 12-month program prepares graduates for licensure and a successful nursing career in just one year.
RN to BSN online
Created for licensed registered nurses who want to advance their careers, this flexible, fully online program allows you to earn your BSN while balancing work and life responsibilities.
BSN Scholars
A competitive, hospital-based pathway in partnership with The University of Tennessee Medical Center, this program offers scholarships, clinical training adjacent to the region’s academic medical center, and a guaranteed post-graduation job opportunity for qualified students.
ABSN Scholars
This pathway is a part of the ABSN program. In partnership with the University of Tennessee Medical Center, ABSN Scholars receive scholarship support, complete clinical training within an academic medical center, and commit to working at UTMC after graduation.
Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital PRN
The Pediatric Registered Nurse (PRN) Enhancement Program offers rising senior nursing students the opportunity to gain specialized experience in pediatric care while completing their undergraduate degrees.
Which Program is Right for me?
| Traditional BSN (First-Year, Direct from High School) | Traditional BSN (Transfer) | BSN Scholars* (Transfer) | Accelerated BSN | RN to BSN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Education Requirements | High school diploma | High school diploma | High school diploma | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) |
| Intake Terms | Fall | Spring | Spring | Summer | Fall and Spring |
| Seats Available | 325 | Variable | 102 | 72 | 50 |
| Application Deadline | December 15 | October 1 | October 1 | January 15 | July 1 and December 1 |
| GPA | Varies based on applicant pool | 3.2 GPA | 3.2 GPA | 3.0 GPA | 2.0 GPA |
| Prerequisites | Review admissions requirements for first years | Human Anatomy Human Physiology Microbiology Human Development 44 Credits of VolCore | Human Anatomy Human Physiology Microbiology Human Development 44 Credits of VolCore | Human Anatomy Human Physiology Microbiology Human Development | N/A |
| Application Required | UTK app | UTK app NursingCAS app | UTK app NursingCAS app | UTK app NursingCAS app | UTK app |
| Program Length (Full-Time) | 4 years | 2.5 years | 2 years | 12 months | 12 months |
| Part-Time Option | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Modality | In-person | In-person | In-person | In-person | Fully online |
| Clinicals | Various locations | Various locations | UT Medical Center | Various locations | Virtual |
| Completion/Graduation | May | May | December | May | August or December |