Lincoln Memorial University BSN Programs

The Caylor School of Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University offers detailed Bachelor of Science in Nursing education through several pathways that fit different student needs. The BSN program requires 122 total credit hours, with 62 hours dedicated to general education and 60 hours to nursing-specific coursework. This structure will give students both broad foundational knowledge and specialized nursing expertise.

Students can choose from different schedules that make the program more accessible. The traditional BSN format takes four semesters with a summer break. Students looking to finish faster can take the fast track option that runs through summer. The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) option packs nursing education into three consecutive terms. This allows students with prior bachelor’s degrees to earn their nursing degree in just 12 months.

These programs share one goal: to prepare generalist nurses who can care for individuals, families, and community groups at any stage of health or illness. The curriculum helps graduates prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which they need to start their professional practice. Students also build a strong foundation that supports lifelong learning and career growth.

Hands-on experience is one of the most important parts of the BSN program. Students complete over 850 clock hours of clinical and laboratory instruction. This practical training starts in the first semester and continues throughout the program. Students get equal exposure to classroom learning and real-life application.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits all Lincoln Memorial University BSN programs. State nursing boards, including the Tennessee Board of Nursing, have approved these programs. This external validation proves the quality of the curriculum and its match with professional standards.

LMU makes nursing education accessible with six locations: Harrogate (main campus), LMU-Tower and LMU-Cedar Bluff in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tampa (Florida), and Lexington (Kentucky). Each campus delivers excellent education while meeting local healthcare needs.

Graduates consistently perform well on licensing exams and find jobs in healthcare settings of all types—from major medical centers to community hospitals. Many alumni work in specialized areas like neonatal intensive care, mental health, school health, and trauma nursing. This shows how well the program prepares versatile nurses ready for today’s complex healthcare environment.

Available Program Tracks

Lincoln Memorial University’s BSN programs match your background and career goals perfectly. Each pathway delivers the same quality education through different schedules and formats.

The Traditional BSN program follows a regular academic schedule spanning four semesters over two years with a summer break between years. Students can choose between the Harrogate main campus for fall admission and LMU Tower in Knoxville for spring admission.

Students looking to graduate sooner can choose the Fast Track BSN. This program takes just 17 months through four back-to-back semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall) without summer breaks. Students can attend classes at four convenient locations:

• Cedar Bluff in Knoxville, Tennessee
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Tampa, Florida (AdventHealth)
• Lexington, Kentucky

The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program offers the quickest way to become a nurse for students who already have a bachelor’s degree. Students can complete this intensive program in just 12 months (three consecutive terms: summer, fall, spring). The program requires 122 total credit hours, including 47 nursing-specific credits, just like other tracks. Cedar Bluff site in Knoxville exclusively offers this program.

The RN-BSN Option helps registered nurses with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or nursing diploma advance their careers. Students can complete this program entirely online or take optional in-person classes at three locations: Harrogate main campus, Cedar Bluff in Knoxville, and Tampa, Florida. This program helps nurses develop professional skills and qualifies them for graduate studies.

BSN graduates from all tracks can take the NCLEX-RN examination through their state Board of Nursing. The program opens doors to many specialties like critical care, emergency nursing, labor and delivery, oncology, psychiatric/mental health, and many other nursing fields.

Flexible Learning Formats

Lincoln Memorial University’s BSN education design puts flexibility first. The Caylor School of Nursing offers different learning formats that fit your specific circumstances and career goals.

Students who prefer standard academic scheduling can choose the traditional BSN format with its four-semester sequence and summer break. The accelerated format keeps the same curriculum but runs without summer breaks. This allows students to complete their degree in just 17 months. Working nurses can choose the RN-BSN program that’s completely online, making advanced education available whatever their work schedule.

Small class sizes create close-knit learning environments where faculty mentorship thrives. You’ll get individual guidance no matter which format you pick.

Students can choose from multiple locations and start dates. The BSN program starts at these sites:

• Harrogate (Main Campus): Traditional format with fall admission
• LMU Tower (Knoxville): Traditional format with spring admission
• Cedar Bluff (Knoxville): Accelerated format with fall admission
• Chattanooga: Accelerated format with fall admission
• AdventHealth (Tampa, Florida): Accelerated format with fall admission
• Lexington (Kentucky): Accelerated format with fall admission

Several programs offer online options. The RN-BSN program runs fully online, though students can take some seated courses at Harrogate, Cedar Bluff, and Tampa locations if they prefer face-to-face learning. Graduate nursing programs also offer online delivery, including the MSN with Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Administration concentrations.

Note that the Caylor School of Nursing believes hands-on, seated formats give the best learning experience for basic nursing education. All the same, the school understands working professionals just need flexible options. That’s why they’ve developed alternative delivery methods that keep educational quality high while fitting different lifestyles and career paths.

Entry Criteria & Prerequisites

Getting into Lincoln Memorial University’s BSN programs takes several steps. You’ll need university acceptance first, and then you must apply separately to the nursing program. Just getting into the university doesn’t guarantee a spot in the BSN program. The program selects students based on their cumulative GPA, standardized test scores, and how well they did in prerequisite courses.

You need a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher to qualify for the BSN program. This is a big deal as it means that the BSN program has higher standards than the ASN program’s 2.5 GPA requirement. Before you apply, you must pass these prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or better:

• Biology 100, 230, 261, and 262
• Chemistry 100
• Psychology 221
• Math 270
• Health 210

Your science courses must be less than eight years old when you apply. This rule ensures your knowledge stays up to date. The Admissions Committee takes a comprehensive look at your application materials. Some candidates might need to interview so the committee can get a full picture.

Once you’re accepted into the BSN program, you’ll need to complete these requirements before classes start:

• Negative chain of custody urine drug screen
• Comprehensive background check
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) certification
• Completed medical profile packet and Student Essential Functions form
• Proof of valid health insurance

The program also needs these health documents:

• Physical examination form
• Two-step TST or blood assay for tuberculosis with risk assessment
• Immunization records for MMR, Varicella, Flu, COVID, and Hepatitis B
• Evidence of Tdap booster within the past decade

The university uses rolling admissions, so it’s best to apply one to two semesters before you want to start. Later applications still get reviewed. It’s worth mentioning that any false information about previous BSN school attendance can get your application rejected or lead to program dismissal.

What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University’s BSN programs stand out with their unique educational approaches that prepare nurses for ground nursing challenges. Students blend extensive hands-on experience with academic rigor that creates well-rounded healthcare professionals.

LMU’s nursing education’s core lies in clinical training. Students gain over 850 clock hours of practical experience throughout their studies. Their journey starts in the first semester and continues until graduation. This gives them complete skills in healthcare settings of all types.

The program’s success shows in its results. Graduates consistently achieve high NCLEX-RN pass rates and secure positions in prominent healthcare facilities. LMU alumni advance to specialized nursing roles in critical care, emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and mental health facilities.

LMU’s experience stands out through its faculty’s steadfast dedication to student success. Instructors bring their vast clinical expertise to the classroom. They create an environment where theoretical knowledge connects directly to practical application. Their mentorship continues after graduation through a strong alumni network that supports professional growth.

LMU nursing students work in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories with high-fidelity mannequins that mirror complex patient scenarios. This innovative technology helps them practice critical thinking and clinical decision-making safely before working with actual patients.