Visit our Complete Directory of Nashville Nursing Schools & Programs!

by Erin Hasinger
Nursing Schools.com Staff Writer
September 12, 2006

In 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was founded in Nashville, putting this modest southern city into the spotlight and soon helping to earn it the moniker Music City. In addition to landmarks such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and stunning, Athens-esque architecture, Nashville boasts a sizzling nightlife, one of the country's largest park systems, and numerous rivers and lakes to provide endless hours of recreation and entertainment.

Nashville may be known for its contributions to country music, but the major player here is the health care industry. More than 250 health care organizations make up the city's largest industry and employ a significant number of the metropolitan area's 1.5 million residents. The industry is estimated to generate $18.3 billion annually to the city's economy and is responsible for approximately 94,000 jobs. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 23% growth is expected for both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses through 2014.

Nashville's largest employer is Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, which has been lauded nationwide for its work in kidney disease, urology, respiratory medicine, cancer, and gynecology. St. Thomas Health Services is the city's fourth-largest employer, while Hospital Corporation of America is the city's sixth-largest employer, as well as the largest private hospital operator in the world. Nursing opportunities are plentiful at the many hospitals these organizations represent, as are internship and clinical opportunities, as well.

Students interested in earning a bachelor of science in nursing might consider the University of Phoenix http://www.education.org/University-Of-Phoenix/, which also offers a MBA in healthcare management.

Another option is Belmont University, which offers unique partnerships with Volunteer State Community College and Nashville State Community College where students complete an associate's degree program in nursing before transferring to Belmont to complete a BSN. Belmont also offers a four-year BSN program, an RN-to-BSN program, and an accelerated BSN program.

Tennessee State University's School of Nursing offers bachelor of science degrees in nursing, an RN-to-BSN program, and master's degrees with specialties in family care and holistic medicine.

Finally, those with a bachelor's degree might consider Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Vanderbilt offers master's level and PhD programs for nurses or those interested in changing careers. Specialties include geriatrics, forensics, neonatal, women's health, and emergency care.

In April 2006, Johnson and Johnson hosted the Promise of Nursing for Tennessee Gala, an event that raised more than $350,000 used to fund faculty fellowships, nursing school grants, and student scholarships throughout the state.

Several nursing scholarships are offered by Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. They are awarded based on financial need and/or academic merit.

St. Thomas Health Services offers nursing students scholarships in exchange for a one-year work commitment for each year funded.

Also, Tennessee residents who are studying to become nurse educators are eligible for the state's Graduate Nursing Loan-Forgiveness Program. To qualify, students must accept a teaching or administrative position in a nursing education program upon graduation.

For nurses, especially, the job market and opportunities in Nashville are seemingly endless and incredibly lucrative. Add that to a warm, temperate climate, exciting music scene, and lush surroundings, and it seems there isn't a good reason not to pursue an education and career in the city of Nashville.