10 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Tennessee RNs

• Tennessee RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• Tennessee tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $10,000 per year at public institutions. 
• Check out these 10 scholarships for Tennessee nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Tennessee – the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Memphis! This state is known for its country music scene, barbecue, and hot chicken, making it a great destination spot for travel nurses. But Registered Nurses (RNs) who already live in the state may have good reason to stay and advance their careers.  

Tennessee RNs studying to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) might find work fairly easily after graduation, particularly if working in Davidson, Shelvy, Knox, Hamilton, and Williamson counties.  

For tuition assistance, the workplace might be a great place to start, but why stop there? Many organizations offer scholarships to RNs pursuing graduate degrees. This applies to RNs with an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to go back for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Ph.D., or other nursing-related graduate degree.  

If you’re an RN pursuing an advanced degree, learn about APRN salary and job outlook in Tennessee, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Tennessee APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

Some APRN specialties in Tennessee are growing in popularity, like clinical nurse specialists. However, fewer Tennessee RNs are returning to school to become Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and nurse anesthetists. Salary may be a deterrent, as the state’s NPs and nurse anesthetists make an average yearly salary of $103,700 and $194,800, respectively – both much less than the national averages. The average APRN salaries in the U.S. include $126,000 for NPs, $213,000 for nurse anesthetists, and $130,000 for nurse midwives. 

This doesn’t have to be discouraging though. Tennessee is among the Top 5 in the nation with the highest-employed NPs and nurse anesthetists. In general, APRN jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 40% by 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of most jobs. 

Keep in mind that not every graduate nursing degree is an APRN degree. APRNs serve in advanced clinical roles and diagnose patients. Nurse educators, administrators, informaticists, researchers, clinical nurse leaders, and public health nurses may also hold graduate nursing degrees, but are not considered APRNs. Scholarships are available to Tennessee RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Tennessee APRN Tuition Costs

Finances can play a role in a nurse’s decision to return to school. Although Tennessee is among the Top 10 most affordable states to live, the state’s tuition for graduate nursing programs can run around $10,000 per year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a Tennessee resident, tuition costs can be even higher.  

These numbers do not reflect tuition costs at private institutions. Neither does it include costs for books, uniforms, and equipment for clinical training like stethoscopes, second-hand watches, and pen lights.  

While these numbers can be intimidating, scholarships can cover some, if not all, costs of returning to school, especially if you apply for multiple. Keep in mind that some scholarship sponsors might require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other membership benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, retailer discounts, and more. 

10 Scholarships for Tennessee RNs 

As with many other states, Tennessee offers its RNs the option to choose from four APRN license types: NP, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialist. If you’re interested in attending graduate school (or are already enrolled) and want to save on tuition, explore these 10 scholarships for Tennessee RNs.  

Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually, so mark your calendars. 

Warrick Dunn Charities’ Hearts for Community Service Scholarship

• Sponsor: Warrick Dunn Charities’ Hearts for Community Service 
• Award: $5,000 
• Deadline: July 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or to be attending) a college degree program (including graduate degrees). Must have at least a 2.75 GPA, volunteer in the community, and reside in either Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Wisconsin. 
• Details: https://wdc.org/hearts-for-community-scholarships/  

Maureen Nalle Memorial Graduate Nursing Scholarship

• Sponsor: Tennessee Nurses Foundation 
• Award: $5,000 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For nursing applicants seeking a higher education. Must be a member of the Tennessee Nurses Association.  
• Details: https://tnurses.care/Grants-&-Scholarships  

Northeast Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association (NETNPA), Nurse Practitioner Student Scholarship

• Sponsor: NETNPA 
• Award: $1,000 (offered twice a year) 
• Deadline: June and December 
• Eligibility: For Tennessee RNs enrolled in an NP program (MSN or DNP). Must intend to work as an advanced practice nurse in Northeast Tennessee after graduation. Must be a resident of one of the following Tennessee/Virginia counties: Washington, Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Scott (VA), or Washington (VA). 
• Details: https://netnpa.enpnetwork.com/page/26621-netnpa-scholarship-information  

National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Graduate Scholarship

• Sponsor: National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. 
• Award: (amount not specified) 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing graduate studies in which they will work directly with children and youth with special needs (fields can include counseling, psychology, mental health, special education, speech pathology, or hearing impaired). Graduate students in administrative roles or general education programs do not qualify. Must be a permanent resident of a state with a National Association Junior Auxiliary Chapter (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee). 
• Details: https://www.najanet.org/naja-scholarship  

Ruby A. Brown Memorial Scholarship

• Sponsor: East Tennessee Foundation 
• Award: $3,500 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants studying nursing. Preference given to public health nurses (or nurses pursuing a career in public health). No minimum GPA required. Must demonstrate financial need and live in one of the following counties: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, or Union. 
• Details: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/scholarships/ruby-a-brown-memorial-scholarship-fund/  

Patty Cornwell Stewardship and Advocacy Scholarship

• Sponsor: Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA), American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program in Tennessee. Must write an essay on activities that demonstrate nurse anesthesia advocacy, political involvement, leadership qualities and/or service to the professional organizations. Must submit two letters of recommendation (one from a current TANA Board member). Additional scholarships are available.  
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship  

National CPR Association

• Sponsor: National CPR Association 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a health-related degree program (includes graduate nursing programs). Must write a compelling essay. 
• Details: https://www.nationalcprassociation.com/scholarship/  

Nurses Educational Funds Scholarships

• Sponsor: Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. 
• Award: (unspecified amount) (multiple) 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in master’s and doctoral nursing programs who have completed at least 12 to 45 credits of schooling and have at least two semesters of study left. Must have at least a 3.6 GPA and submit three references. 
• Details: https://www.n-e-f.org/about-us/nef-scholarships.html  

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Scholarships 

• Sponsors: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Institute 
• Award: up to $2,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For NACNS members enrolled in either a CNS graduate program or a critical care CNS graduate program. Applicants enrolled in a CNS program must have a passion for quality, safety, and clinical excellence. Applicants enrolled in a critical care CNS program must have a background in critical care, preferably holding critical care RN (CCRN) certification. Must submit two letters of recommendations. 
• Details: https://nacns.org/career-education/awards/  

Nurse I Am Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Cherokee Uniforms 
• Award: $3,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a nursing program (includes graduate programs).  
• Details: https://www.anurseiam.com/  

The Bottom Line

For Tennessee RNs, advancing your career is an excellent move, as the nursing industry has many areas of need. If finances are a determining factor for returning to school, consider applying for multiple scholarships. If lack of time is an issue, many nursing schools offer online, part-time programs, many of which are more affordable than traditional full-time programs. 

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