Tennessee nursing programs are competitive — Nashville-area programs fill fastest.
Fall 2026 applications due February 15, 2026

TEAS Score Requirements for Tennessee Nursing Schools (2026)

80+ nursing programs reviewed • 77% average competitive score

Quick Answer for Tennessee

Tennessee nursing programs range from 52% minimums at community colleges to holistic review at Vanderbilt. UT Knoxville accepts ACT/SAT or TEAS for traditional BSN. UTHSC does not require entrance exams for its accelerated BSN. Lee University also does not require the TEAS.

About This Data

Score requirements shown reflect published program minimums. Competitive admit averages are typically 5–12 points higher than minimums.

77%
State Average
80+
Nursing Programs

Tennessee Nursing Schools TEAS Requirements

Compare minimum TEAS scores for 80+ nursing programs across Tennessee

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

BSN
Nashville, TN
Minimum TEAS ScoreHolistic review
Acceptance Rate12%

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

BSN
Knoxville, TN
Minimum TEAS ScoreACT 22+ or TEAS 72%
Acceptance Rate28%

Belmont University

BSN
Nashville, TN
Minimum TEAS Score75%
Acceptance Rate32%

East Tennessee State University

BSN
Johnson City, TN
Minimum TEAS Score52%+
Acceptance Rate38%

Volunteer State Community College

ADN
Gallatin, TN
Minimum TEAS Score62%
Acceptance Rate42%

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Note on TEAS Requirements

Minimum TEAS scores are the baseline requirements for Tennessee nursing programs. Competitive applicants typically score 75-82% higher than minimums. Programs also consider GPA, prerequisite courses, healthcare experience, and essays in admissions decisions. Requirements are updated annually, so verify with specific programs before applying.

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ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS

Allied Health Program Requirements in Tennessee

The TEAS 7 is required for admission to most allied health programs in Tennessee — not just nursing. Here are typical score benchmarks by program type.

🩻

Radiologic Technology

12+ programs in Tennessee

60–72%
Typical TEAS range
69%
Competitive target

Chattanooga State and Vol State offer AAS rad tech. Vanderbilt Medical Center and St. Thomas provide clinical rotations.

🫁

Respiratory Therapy

6+ programs in Tennessee

58–68%
Typical TEAS range
66%
Competitive target
🦷

Dental Hygiene

6+ programs in Tennessee

62–72%
Typical TEAS range
70%
Competitive target
⚕️

Surgical Technology

10+ programs in Tennessee

56–66%
Typical TEAS range
64%
Competitive target
🔊

Sonography

4+ programs in Tennessee

64–74%
Typical TEAS range
72%
Competitive target

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Tennessee TEAS FAQs

Common questions about nursing school requirements in Tennessee

Tennessee has wide variation. Vanderbilt uses holistic review. UT Knoxville accepts ACT 22+ or TEAS 72%+. ETSU requires minimum 52%. Community colleges typically accept 58-68%. UTHSC and Lee University don't require entrance exams at all.

Tennessee nursing students typically study 6-8 weeks. StudyBuddy's AI-powered study plans help TN students target their weakest TEAS sections.

Vanderbilt is top-ranked nationally. UT Knoxville and UTHSC offer strong public options. Belmont and Carson-Newman provide solid private BSN programs. For ADN, Vol State and Nashville State offer affordable pathways with Vanderbilt Medical Center clinical access.

Yes. ATI allows three attempts per 12-month period with a 30-day wait. Most TN schools accept your highest score.

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Tennessee nursing programs are competitive — Nashville-area programs fill fastest.

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