College of Nursing

Excellence and Innovation in Nursing

The East Tennessee State University College of Nursing is committed to improving the health of our region through excellence and innovation in nursing education, research, service, and practice.

As one of the largest colleges of nursing in the southeast, ETSU is playing a critical role in addressing the healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities in Tennessee and beyond. 

Illustration of a nurse holding a trophy

#1 Best RN to BSN Program in Tennessee

(NursingProcess.org)

Illustration of a student sitting at a desk looking at a laptop

#1 Best Online MSN Program in Tennessee

(RegisteredNursing.org)

 

Illustration of two nurseing students side hugging and holding a trophy

#2 Top Ranked Tennessee Online NP Program

(NursePractitionerOnline.com)

 

Illustration of three medical professionals standing together

#2 Best Online RN to BSN Program in Tennessee

(RegisteredNursing.org)

 

Nursing Programs Offered at ETSU

An ETSU student checking a patient's blood pressure

GRADUATE


Master of Science in Nursing*
Doctor of Nursing Practice*
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing*










 

* denotes a program offered mostly or fully online

Two ETSU nursing students engaged in a discussion during a seminar

CERTIFICATES
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate 
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner




Health Care Genetics and Genomics Post-Baccalaureate
Post-Graduate Nursing Administration Certificate

 

Hands-On Nursing Experience 

At ETSU, nursing students get more than a degree — they gain real-world skills through various hands-on experiences. 

Aaron Fregoso, a first-generation nursing student at ETSU, has dedicated his college journey to serving others. Through ETSU’s College of Nursing, he gained hands-on experience in clinical rounds, working alongside experienced healthcare professionals and learning to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.


 

 

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Student Outcome Data

The College of Nursing provides students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success upon graduation, with exceptional pass rates year after year. 

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (First Time Takers)

    2024 = 93%

    2023 = 90%

  • Certification Pass Rates (2024)
    ANCC PMHNP
    MSN
    100%
    ANCC FNP
    MSN
    84%
    AANP FNP
    MSN
    89%
     
    Post Grad
    89%

 

 

Outside of Nicks Hall in the fall

Message from the Dean

I am extremely honored to serve as Dean of the ETSU College of Nursing. Having dedicated my career to advancing nursing education and addressing health equity, I am truly inspired by the college's commitment to serving the needs of our region. Growing up in rural North Carolina, I deeply understand the critical role nurses play in underserved communities, and I am eager to contribute to ETSU's legacy of excellence.

The College of Nursing is dedicated to training the next generation of nurses. We aim to further enhance our programs, expand our reach, and ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving health care demands of our communities.

Dr. Dena Evans
Dean of the ETSU College of Nursing

CCNE logo The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at East Tennessee State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Click here to open in a new window or copy and paste this link: http://www.ccneaccreditation.org to an Internet browser of your choice.

The ETSU College of Nursing programs are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.  Tennessee Board of Nursing, 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243 Telephone 1.615.532.5166


Notice: Regulatory requirements governing student clinicals vary by state and are subject to change. Clinical placement outside of Tennessee is contingent upon approval by the appropriate regulatory bodies and will be evaluated on an individual basis upon admission to the program.


2025.04.16.01 v. 847 | Office of the Dean