Find the Nursing Path That Fits You
Whether you're starting your undergraduate journey, transferring from community college, or looking for a career change, Belmont offers three distinct pathways to become a registered nurse. Each program leads to RN licensure and prepares you to deliver exceptional patient care in Nashville's thriving health care community.
Program Comparison
| Feature | Direct Entry BSN | Transfer BSN | MEPN (Master's Entry) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | High school students or those starting college who know they want to be nurses | Students transferring from community college or other institutions (two pathways available: 2+2 partnership with all prerequisites completed, or traditional transfer) | Career changers with non-nursing bachelor's degree |
| Degree Earned | BSN | BSN | Master's (MEPN) |
| Program Length | 4 years (traditional undergraduate) | 2 years (2+2 partnership) or longer (traditional transfer path) | 4 semesters (accelerated) |
| Prerequisites Required | High school diploma; admitted to College of Nursing before arriving on campus | 2+2 partnership: All general education and prerequisites completed before enrollment. Traditional transfer: Prerequisites not required to start, but must be completed during the program |
Non-nursing bachelor's degree plus specific prerequisite courses |
| Partner Colleges | N/A |
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N/A |
| Clinical Experience Begins | Sophomore year | Upon enrollment at Belmont | Integrated throughout program |
| NCLEX Pass Rate | All programs: 98% first-time for Spring 2025 | ||
| Career Outcomes | 99% career outcomes rate | 99%+ employed within 6 months | Advanced generalist nurse with graduate-level preparation |
| Special Features |
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| Clinical Sites | All programs: 100% clinical placement at leading Nashville systems including HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar Health, Tennessee Department of Health | ||
| Simulation Facilities | All programs: Access to 60,000+ sq. ft. Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation with state-of-the-art facilities | ||
| Graduate School Pathway |
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| Tuition Benefits | Standard undergraduate tuition | Discounted tuition for Volunteer State and Nashville State students | Graduate program tuition; financial aid available |
| Best If You Want | Traditional college experience with early nursing focus | Flexibility to transfer with 2+2 partnership (faster) or traditional transfer path (more flexible timing) | Fast track to RN with advanced degree for career change |
What All Programs Share
Important Notes:
- All programs are accredited and prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam
- Belmont's College of Nursing is designated as a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence
- Nashville is a major health care hub with 500+ healthcare companies and 330,000+ healthcare jobs
Explore Nursing
Learn more about any of our nursing programs.