Key Takeaways
Tennessee RN positions are projected to grow nearly 13% by 2032, adding about 4,200 openings annually, according to Projections Central.
From 2020–2024, Tennessee’s ambulatory care jobs rose 15.5% and hospital jobs grew 15.7% statewide, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Nashville hosts over 900 healthcare companies, making it a premier hub for nursing careers and advancement opportunities, according to the Nashville Health Care Council.
Nashville, Tennessee, is a growing hub for healthcare companies, and that is reflected in the employment data. As of March 2025, the largest employer in the Nashville metropolitan area was the healthcare and social assistance sector, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Joining the nursing workforce — the backbone of our healthcare system — is one of the best ways to launch a career in healthcare. Earning a nursing degree in Tennessee opens the door to a rewarding profession. Considering enrolling in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in Tennessee? See what it takes to succeed, and how you can benefit from this career path.
What Do You Learn in Nursing School?
Nursing school empowers students with the knowledge and skills to become registered nurses (RNs). The expertise that a nursing school offers will prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and then obtain RN licensure.
At the Fortis nursing school in Nashville, Tennessee, students can earn an ADN by taking courses in subjects such as the following:
Anatomy and physiology
Biology
Informatics
Pharmacology
Health assessment
Nutrition
Human growth
Students attending the Fortis Nashville nursing program also learn about the wide array of nursing specialities such as:
Medical-surgical nursing
Maternal-newborn nursing
Pediatric nursing
Community nursing
Mental health nursing
In addition to coursework, students gain laboratory experience and complete clinical hours where they provide care to patients in supervised real-world healthcare settings.
Outcomes of an Associate Degree in Nursing
The Fortis nursing school program in Tennessee equips students with skills that are vital to success in nursing. Graduates of the program are prepared to:
Analyze patient assessment data and offer patient-centered care
Follow the nursing process to make clinical decisions
Collaborate with patients, patients’ families, and members of the healthcare team
Provide safe nursing care
Comply with professional standards
Continue to pursue professional development and personal growth
5 Benefits of Attending Nursing School in Tennessee
Whether beginning their professional paths or launching a second career as a nurse, students who complete nursing school in Tennessee are well positioned to take advantage of a range of benefits.
1. The Job Outlook for Nurses in Tennessee and Nationally Is Bright
Employment prospects for nurses in Tennessee — and across the country — are attractive.
Positions for RNs in Tennessee are predicted to grow nearly 13% through 2032, with an average of 4,200 job openings for RNs each year, according to Projections Central, a federally sponsored workforce projections website.
Positions for RNs nationwide are expected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033, with an average of 194,500 job openings for RNs each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The Nashville metropolitan area could be particularly promising for nursing employment. The Nashville Health Care Council cites Nashville’s recognition as a global leader in healthcare, with more than 900 healthcare companies focusing on areas such as ambulatory care, hospital management, population health, pharmaceuticals, and long-term care.
2. The Healthcare Sector in Tennessee Is Growing
The Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development reports that Tennessee has become a hub for the healthcare sector.
According to a report from the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, from 2020 to 2024, the number of jobs in ambulatory care services increased by 15.5%, from 152,600 to 176,300, and the number of jobs in hospitals increased by 15.7%, from 108,900 to 126,000, all within the state of Tennessee.
3. Nursing Offers Career Advancement
As nurses progress in their careers, they can pursue opportunities for further education and career advancement.
Certifications allow RNs to specialize in areas such as cardiac nursing, pediatric nursing, or nursing case management.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree allows RNs to pursue leadership roles such as nurse manager.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree allows RNs to become nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), or certified nurse midwives (CNMs).
4. Nursing Offers Flexibility
The flexibility that nursing offers can help nurses achieve a healthy work-life balance. Nurses can work full or part time, and can choose to work day, evening, or overnight shifts. This helps nurses align their careers with their personal obligations.
5.Nurses Can Make a Positive Impact
Completing nursing school in Tennessee offers graduates the chance to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the lives of others. Nursing is a vocation that offers a significant sense of personal satisfaction.
4 Nursing Careers Open to Graduates with an ADN
Attending the Fortis nursing school in Nashville, Tennessee, to earn an ADN and become an RN opens the door to various careers.
1. Inpatient Nurse
Primary Function: Caring for patients who stay overnight in healthcare facilities
Core Duties: Inserting IVs; administering medications; monitoring vital signs; admitting and discharging patients
2. Ambulatory Care Nurse
Primary Function: Working in outpatient facilities such as physicians’ offices, outpatient surgery centers, and clinics, typically addressing patients’ needs
Core Duties: Assisting with medical procedures; performing exams and diagnostic tests; developing treatment plans
3. Public Health Nurse
Primary Function: Working for community clinics and local, state, and federal health departments, concentrating on promoting health and preventing disease
Core Duties: Administering vaccinations; providing health screenings; educating communities about specific health issues
4. School Nurse
Primary Functions: Assessing students’ injuries and illnesses, caring for students facing chronic health conditions, and offering mental health support services
Core Duties: Directing students and their families to local healthcare resources and implementing community health education and wellness programs
Nursing School in Tennessee Sets the Stage for a Rewarding Career
The ADN program that Fortis offers on its Nashville campus is a blend of online and on-campus courses and clinical experience, offering students a well-rounded education for entry-level careers in nursing.
Take your first step to becoming a nurse today.
Recommended Readings
5 Ways Nurses Are Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives
8 Nursing Certifications for RNs
Why Is Nursing the Most Trusted Profession?