Nashville is one of the strongest healthcare markets in the United States, which makes it a top location for ABSN programs. The city offers several private university options with access to large hospital systems, strong clinical placement networks, and high post-graduation employment potential. Most Nashville ABSN programs run between 12 and 16 months and use hybrid or campus-based formats.
Explore ABSN Programs in Nashville
Quick Picks: Nashville ABSN Programs
- Choose Marian University → hospital-based learning inside Ascension Saint Thomas
- Choose South College → structured program with multiple campus options
- Choose Lipscomb University → hybrid format with strong employment outcomes
- Choose Union University (Hendersonville) → private program with strong NCLEX results
Compare Nashville ABSN Programs
| School | Location | Length | Format | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nashville | ~16 months | Hybrid | Confirm with school | |
Nashville | 6 quarters | Campus | ~$50,520 | |
Nashville | 16 months | Hybrid | ~$69,738 | |
Hendersonville | 15 months | Campus | ~$47,000 |
Featured Nashville ABSN Programs
Marian University ABSN – Nashville
Marian University offers a Nashville ABSN program with a hybrid format and a learning center located inside Ascension Saint Thomas West hospital. Students complete labs, simulation, and coursework within the hospital environment, which creates early clinical exposure and strong employer connections.
Key Facts
- Location: Nashville
- Format: Hybrid (online + in-person labs and clinicals)
- Start dates: Multiple cohorts each year
- Clinical partner: Ascension Saint Thomas
- GPA: 2.8 minimum
Why Marian Stands Out
- Learning center is physically located inside a major hospital
- Multiple start dates reduce wait time
- Direct connection to one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S.
View Marian University ABSN Program
South College ABSN – Nashville
South College offers a structured ABSN program with a six-quarter format and multiple campus options, including Nashville. The program is known for strict academic progression standards and consistent employment outcomes.
Key Facts
- Location: Nashville
- Length: 6 quarters
- Format: Campus-based
- Estimated cost: ~$50,520
- GPA: 2.5 minimum
Why South College Stands Out
- Multi-campus system provides flexibility
- Structured, fast-paced quarter system
- Strong outcomes and national rankings
View South College ABSN Program
Other Nashville-Area ABSN Programs
Lipscomb University ABSN – Nashville
Lipscomb offers a hybrid ABSN program that combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations across Nashville’s healthcare network. The program runs 16 months and includes about one clinical day per week.
Key Facts
- Location: Nashville
- Length: 16 months
- Format: Hybrid
- Cost: ~$69,738
- GPA: 3.0 required
Why It Stands Out
- Hybrid schedule limits required on-campus days
- Clinical placements across Nashville’s hospital network
- 100% employment reported at 12 months post-graduation
Union University ABSN – Hendersonville (Nashville Area)
Union University offers a 15-month ABSN program at its Hendersonville campus near Nashville. The program uses a cohort model and evaluates GPA based on the last 60 credit hours, which may benefit applicants with strong recent academic performance.
Key Facts
- Location: Hendersonville (Nashville area)
- Length: 15 months
- Format: Campus-based
- Cost: ~$47,000
- GPA: 3.0 (last 60 credits)
Why It Stands Out
- Unique GPA calculation based on recent coursework
- Strong NCLEX outcomes and employment rates
- Small class sizes with close faculty support
View Union University ABSN Program
Why Choose Nashville for an ABSN Program
Nashville offers one of the strongest clinical environments in the Southeast.
- Large hospital systems including HCA Healthcare and Ascension
- High concentration of healthcare jobs
- Strong clinical placement availability
- High likelihood of post-graduation employment
Cost of ABSN Programs in Nashville
Nashville ABSN programs are primarily private, so costs are higher than public Tennessee options.
- Lower range: ~$47,000
- Mid-range: ~$50,000–$60,000
- Higher range: ~$70,000+
Students who prioritize cost may want to compare statewide options like Tennessee Tech, ETSU, or UofM.
Nashville vs Other Tennessee ABSN Locations
- Nashville → strongest clinical network and job access
- Knoxville → mix of public and private options
- Memphis → lowest-cost public programs
See all Tennessee ABSN Programs
Final Take
Nashville is one of the best locations in Tennessee for ABSN students who want strong clinical access and job placement opportunities. Marian University and South College stand out as sponsored options with structured entry points, while Lipscomb and Union provide additional private university pathways.