Key Takeaways
- Memphis is home to a major medical hub anchored by Methodist Le Bonheur, Baptist Memorial, and Regional One Health -- creating strong RN demand throughout the metro.
- The BLS Occupational Outlook for Registered Nurses projects 6% national job growth through 2032, with Tennessee experiencing strong demand tied to healthcare expansion.
- Memphis-area nursing programs range from 2-year ADN programs at community colleges to accelerated BSN and MSN programs at the University of Memphis and Union University.
- Tennessee requires all RNs to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and hold a license through the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
- Memphis RNs earn median annual wages above $65,000, with specialty nurses in critical care, oncology, and neonatal units earning significantly more.
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are distinctive Memphis employers offering specialized pediatric and oncology nursing careers.
Why Memphis Is a Strong Market for Nursing Graduates
Memphis, Tennessee sits at the intersection of several major healthcare systems and is home to one of the most distinctive medical research institutions in the world: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The city's healthcare sector is a major economic driver, employing tens of thousands of workers across Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Regional One Health (the area's Level I trauma center), and the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This concentration of hospital infrastructure creates consistent and growing demand for registered nurses at all experience levels.
According to the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, Tennessee registered nurses earn a median annual wage in the $65,000-$72,000 range, with Memphis metro wages on the higher end of that scale due to the concentration of major academic and research medical centers. Nurses with specialty certifications and graduate-level education can earn substantially more. The BLS RN employment outlook projects 6% national job growth through 2032, and Tennessee's healthcare expansion driven by population growth and aging demographics suggests the state will match or exceed that pace.
Nursing Programs at the University of Memphis
The University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing is the flagship nursing school in the city, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college awards Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees through a traditional four-year program as well as an RN-to-BSN completion program for working nurses who hold an associate degree. At the graduate level, the Loewenberg College offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs with tracks including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, and Nursing Education.
Loewenberg Accelerated BSN
The University of Memphis also offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This intensive program compresses nursing education into approximately 15-18 months through an accelerated schedule. ABSN programs are popular with career-changers who want to enter nursing quickly, and graduates are generally well-regarded by Memphis-area hospital employers. Tuition for the ABSN program varies; prospective students should contact the Loewenberg College directly for current cost information.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Student Outcomes
The University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing publishes NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates as required by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Prospective students should review these rates -- available through the Tennessee Board of Nursing website -- as an indicator of program quality. High first-time NCLEX pass rates suggest strong preparation and curriculum alignment with examination requirements.
Baptist College of Health Sciences
Baptist College of Health Sciences (BCHS) is a private institution affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care -- one of Memphis's largest hospital systems. This institutional affiliation gives nursing students direct access to clinical placement in Baptist Memorial facilities, which is a significant practical advantage. BCHS offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
The tight integration with Baptist Memorial means BCHS graduates often have strong pathways to employment within the Baptist system, including Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, and affiliated specialty clinics. For students seeking a direct pipeline to employment in one of Memphis's major healthcare networks, BCHS represents a compelling option.
ADN vs. BSN in Tennessee: Career Considerations
Tennessee healthcare employers, like those across the country, are increasingly preferring BSN-prepared nurses. Many Memphis hospitals -- particularly the larger academic and research medical centers -- have goals of having 80% or more of their RN workforce hold a BSN, consistent with Magnet Recognition Program standards. While ADN-prepared nurses can absolutely find employment, those who want access to the full range of advancement opportunities should plan to complete BSN education, either at entry level or through an RN-to-BSN completion program after obtaining their license.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Nursing Program
Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC) offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at a substantially lower tuition cost than four-year institutions. For students who want to enter the nursing workforce as quickly and affordably as possible, the STCC ADN program provides a cost-effective pathway. Students can then complete an RN-to-BSN program -- offered online by numerous Tennessee and national institutions -- while working as a licensed RN.
STCC's nursing program is competitive for admission, requiring prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other sciences. Prospective students should begin prerequisite courses as early as possible and maintain strong GPAs to maximize their chances of nursing program admission.
Union University (Memphis Campus)
Union University, a private Christian institution with a Memphis campus, offers nursing programs through its School of Nursing. Union has a strong regional reputation for producing clinically competent, ethically grounded nursing graduates. The university offers both a traditional BSN program and an Accelerated BSN for degree-holders. Union's nursing program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care that resonates with the faith-based healthcare organizations that are significant employers in the Memphis market.
St. Jude and Le Bonheur: Specialty Nursing Opportunities in Memphis
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is one of the world's leading pediatric oncology research and treatment centers, and it is Memphis's most distinctive healthcare employer. Nursing positions at St. Jude are highly competitive and typically require a BSN and relevant clinical experience. Nurses at St. Jude work in a research-oriented environment that involves participation in clinical trials alongside direct patient care. Compensation is competitive with Memphis market rates, and the mission-driven nature of the work attracts nurses who want to contribute to pediatric cancer research and treatment.
Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center
Le Bonheur Children's is Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare's dedicated pediatric hospital and is a Level I pediatric trauma center. It offers specialty nursing positions in pediatric ICU, pediatric cardiac care, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and pediatric hematology/oncology. These specialty units offer premium pay above standard RN rates and provide nurses with highly specialized clinical experience that is transferable to pediatric nursing positions nationally.
Regional One Health: Trauma and Underserved Care
Regional One Health serves as the Memphis region's safety net hospital and Level I trauma center, providing care to patients regardless of ability to pay. Nursing at Regional One involves high-acuity trauma, burn, and critical care work. Nurses who thrive in fast-paced, high-acuity environments often find Regional One's clinical environment among the most demanding and rewarding in the Memphis market. Trauma nursing experience from Regional One is highly respected by employers nationally.
Tennessee Nursing Licensure Requirements
All registered nurses in Tennessee must hold a current license from the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON). To obtain initial licensure, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN examination and submit a licensure application to TBON with documentation of nursing program completion, background check results, and applicable fees. Tennessee participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses holding a compact license to practice in other member states without obtaining additional state licenses -- a valuable benefit for nurses who may want to work in multiple states or pursue travel nursing careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best nursing schools in Memphis, TN? Memphis's leading nursing programs include the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing (offering BSN, ABSN, and MSN programs), Baptist College of Health Sciences (offering ASN and BSN with direct ties to Baptist Memorial Health Care), Southwest Tennessee Community College (offering an affordable ADN pathway), and Union University's School of Nursing. Program selection should consider tuition cost, NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement access, and post-graduation employment pathways in Memphis's major health systems.
How much do registered nurses earn in Memphis, Tennessee? Memphis RNs earn median annual wages in the $65,000-$72,000 range, based on BLS occupational wage data for the Memphis metro area. Specialty nurses -- particularly in neonatal ICU, pediatric oncology at St. Jude, critical care, and trauma nursing at Regional One Health -- often earn above the median. Nurses with BSN education and specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, etc.) consistently earn more than floor nurses without those credentials.
Does Tennessee offer a compact nursing license? Yes. Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means Tennessee RNs who meet compact requirements receive a multistate license valid in all other NLC member states. This is particularly valuable for Memphis nurses who may work across the Tennessee-Mississippi state line or pursue travel nursing positions. Compact license eligibility requires meeting specific requirements -- contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing for current compact license criteria.
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