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East Tennessee State University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program is one of the best programs in the nation and, according to RegisteredNursing.org, the top such program in Tennessee.

In its 2025 ranking of the “Best Online MSN Programs in Tennessee,” RegisteredNursing.org named ETSU’s as the state’s best, citing its focus on hands-on learning, innovative research and commitment to providing compassionate patient care.

RegisteredNursing.org is a nursing advocacy organization that provides future and current nurses with education and employment resources. Its rankings are based on a number of factors, including cost, variety of programs, and acceptance and graduation rates.

The Princeton Review, a respected resource for prospective college students that ranks universities and programs, also recently named ETSU’s online MSN program to its list of “Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2025.”

“We are incredibly proud of the recognition our nursing programs continue to receive for their outstanding work training the next generation of nurses, including this most recent acknowledgment from RegisteredNursing.org and The Princeton Review,” said ETSU’s Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

As the largest college of nursing in Tennessee, ETSU is training more nurses to enter the workforce than any other institution in the state and is committed to providing future nurses with the education and skills necessary to succeed upon graduation.

It’s the latest recognition of the ETSU College of Nursing’s MSN program, which in October was ranked by Intelligent.com—a longtime resource for higher education rankings and educational planning—as the 13th-best online MSN program in the nation.

The ETSU College of Nursing offers a variety of program concentrations, including family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. The college also provides part-time options, making it easier for practicing nurses to pursue a graduate degree while working.

“I am thrilled to announce that our master’s programs have been recognized for their exceptional quality,” said Dr. Dena Evans, dean of the ETSU College of Nursing. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our clinical and academic faculty, who are unwavering in their commitment to student success.

“As the largest nursing program in the state of Tennessee, we take immense pride in our faculty’s ability to provide top-tier education and hands-on clinical experience, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to excel in their nursing careers,” Evans continued.