Carson-Newman University

Explore the enriching nursing programs at Carson-Newman University (C-N), a private Christian institution founded in 1851. Their tight-knit community and expert faculty pride themselves in every step of education, geared towards a rewarding nursing career.

Discover Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee

School Ranking: B
0 reviews

Carson-Newman University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Student Demographics

  • 20 Average Age
  • 44% Men
  • 56% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 87% White
  • 4% Hispanic
  • 9% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $164,400 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $25,350 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Carson-Newman University (C-N) is a private, Christian university that was established in 1851.

Undergraduate


Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This is an on-campus program. In the sophomore year, students begin the clinical portion of nursing courses. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become eligible for state licensure as Registered Nurses.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.75 or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a C or better
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the following science courses:  BIOL 207, 208, 316, and CHEM 101
  • Successful completion of criminal background check

Accelerated BSN

The degree can be completed in eight continuous semesters. Entry into the clinical nursing courses starts in August. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become eligible for state licensure as Registered Nurses.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.75 or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a C or better
  • Cumulative science GPA of 2.5 or higher including BIOL 207, BIOL 208, BIOL 316, and CHEM 101
  • Successful completion of criminal background check
  • No more than four general education/liberal arts courses remaining including a nursing elective course

RN to BSN (online)

Excluding clinicals, the RN to BSN program is completely online, using the identical program as the Traditional on-campus program. The current licensed RN is eligible to receive up to 30 hours of credit for previous credits earned in a basic nursing program. Based on transfer evaluation, the program can be completed in as little as 14 months.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing
  • Minimum 2.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PNE/ROTC)

A PNE (Partners in Nursing Education) / ROTC nursing student combines courses in military science with the baccalaureate nursing curriculum. It provides students with the opportunity to develop both leadership and nursing skills. At the completion of the program, graduates are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Graduates can then sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become eligible for state licensure as Registered Nurses.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.75 or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a C or better
  • Cumulative Science GPA 2.5 or higher including BIOL 207, BIOL 208, BIOL 316, and CHEM 101
  • Successful completion of criminal background check

Graduate


Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Graduates from all specialty areas meet the requirements of eligibility to write the national certification examination as appropriate.

Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (online) / Nurse Educator (Main/Hybrid)

This program prepares the graduate nurse for advanced practice in the roles of Family Nurse Practitioner and/or Nurse Educator.

The programs meet the requirements of eligibility for the graduate of the MSN program to write the national certification examination as a family nurse practitioner.

This MSN program with the specialty, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), is 100% online, excluding clinicals or practicum. It can be completed in as few as few as 32 months, taking twelve 15-week courses. There is a three-day, on-campus residency.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • BSN from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program
  • 3.0 minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Active RN license 
  • Letter of personal goals

Post-Master's Certificates

The post-masters certificate programs require a minimum of 16 semester hours to a maximum 36 semester hours. Non-practitioner post-master's students are required to complete a minimum of 500 clock hours of supervised clinical practice as part of their program.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Nurse Educator (NE)

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • MSN from an NLN or CCNE accredited program
  • GPA of 3.00 or higher in previous master's program
  • Official transcript from previous graduate college or university course work
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume or vitae
  • Current active RN license in the state of Tennessee
  • Equivalent of one year full-time professional nursing employment within the three-year period prior to admission
  • Letter of personal goals

Accreditation

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredited Carson-Newman University.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the nursing programs.

Rankings

US News & World Report

  • #76 (tie) in Regional Universities South (2019)
  • #12 in the South as a Best College for Veterans (2018)
  • #26 in Best Value Schools (2018)
  • Listed Carson-Newman as a Great School at a Great Price (2017)
  • Listed Carson-Newman among the Top 10 as Best value Schools (2017)

Niche (2019)

  • Most Conservative Colleges in America #317 of 725
  • Best Value Colleges in America #955 of 1,590
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Tennessee #19 of 28
  • Best Value Colleges in Tennessee #22 of 37
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Tennessee #25 of 37

Colleges of Distinction (2018-2019)

  • College of Distinction
  • Tennessee College of Distinction
  • Christian College of Distinction

Carson-Newman University ranks among the top 50 best Christian colleges in the nation, according to College Atlas (2018-2019).

Carson-Newman University earned the No. 8 spot in the ranking of the best four-year colleges in Tennessee, according to Schools.com (2018-2019).

Carson-Newman University secured the No. 4 spot for the top colleges in Tennessee that offer online degree programs. The recent ranking was announced by OnlineDegrees.com (2018-2019).

Princeton Review named C-N one of the "Best in the Southeast" for 2016.

DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click on a link.