UTK Nursing Acceptance Rate And Requirements (2025)

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is one of the most respected public universities in the South, and its College of Nursing stands out as one of the most competitive and nationally recognized programs in the United States. Every year, thousands of students apply to UTK with dreams of joining its prestigious Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs.

If you’re considering nursing at UTK, understanding the acceptance rate, admission requirements, and strategic application tips can make a big difference. This in-depth guide breaks down everything you need to know about UTK’s nursing program, including its competitiveness, GPA expectations, prerequisite courses, and steps to strengthen your application.

UTK Nursing Acceptance Rate

When applying to nursing at UTK, it’s essential to understand that admission into the nursing program is far more selective than general admission into the university itself.

1. General UTK Admission vs Nursing Admission

UTK is a moderately selective public research university. For Fall 2024, UTK reported an overall acceptance rate of about 23.7% for out-of-state students and a slightly higher rate for in-state students. However, the nursing major operates under a separate and more competitive admission process within the College of Nursing.

While UTK as a whole may accept roughly one out of four applicants, the nursing program accepts far fewer. According to estimates and applicant reports, the freshman direct-entry nursing acceptance rate may be as low as 6–10%, depending on the year and applicant pool.

In other words, if 3,000 students apply to the nursing major, only about 200 are admitted. This makes UTK’s nursing program one of the most competitive majors in the university and across the Southeast.

2. Why the Nursing Acceptance Rate Is So Low

Several factors contribute to UTK’s nursing program being highly selective:

Limited seat availability: Nursing requires hands-on clinical training, and hospital partnerships can only accommodate a certain number of students.
High demand: Nursing is one of the most popular and stable career paths, leading to large applicant numbers every year.
Academic standards: UTK’s nursing program maintains rigorous academic expectations to prepare students for the NCLEX and clinical practice.

3. What This Means for Applicants

Applicants should not assume automatic admission even with excellent grades.
To be competitive, aim for a GPA well above the minimum and build a strong, healthcare-focused application.
Direct-entry freshman admission is the most difficult route, so transfer or internal change-of-major options can be strategic alternatives.

In summary, while the overall UTK acceptance rate may hover around 25–30%, the nursing program acceptance rate is significantly lower, likely between 6–15%, depending on the applicant type and entry year.

UTK Nursing Requirements

UTK’s College of Nursing offers several pathways:

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) for those with a previous degree
RN-to-BSN for registered nurses
Graduate nursing programs (MSN, DNP, Nurse Anesthesia)

Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements for each route.

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program is UTK’s traditional undergraduate pathway. Students can enter as freshmen (direct admission) or as transfer/internal change-of-major students.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.2 or higher (competitive applicants often exceed 3.5)
Prerequisite Courses:
- Human Anatomy with Lab (EEB 250/251, ANTH 250/251, or NURS 250/251)
- Human Physiology (BCMB 230)
- Microbiology (MICR 210 or BIOL 220/229)
- Human Development (HDFS 210, PSYC 300, or equivalent)
Coursework Deadlines: Anatomy and Physiology must be completed by the end of the Fall semester before admission; one remaining prerequisite can be taken in the Spring.
Volunteer Core (VolCore): At least 44 credit hours completed by Fall for spring admission consideration.
Testing: Standard ACT or SAT scores required for freshman applicants.
Application Platforms: Applicants must apply through both UTK Undergraduate Admissions and NursingCAS.

Other Important Notes

Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission—admission is competitive.
Applicants are reviewed holistically, considering academics, healthcare exposure, leadership, and communication skills.
UTK maintains a waitlist system for qualified applicants who may be offered a seat later.

2. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

The ABSN program is designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree but wish to pursue a career in nursing.

Admission Requirements

A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum combined GPA of 3.0 or higher across all coursework.
Completion of at least three of the four prerequisite courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Human Development) with grades of “C” or better before applying.
The remaining prerequisite must be completed before the program start date.
Proof of satisfactory academic standing and official transcripts from all institutions.

The ABSN program is highly intensive and typically completed in 12–15 months. It is one of the most competitive nursing options at UTK, often admitting fewer than 50 students per cycle.

3. RN to BSN Program

This program serves licensed registered nurses (RNs) who wish to complete their BSN degree.

Eligibility and Requirements

An active RN license or eligibility to obtain one in Tennessee or a compact state.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Transfer of at least 60 credit hours into UTK.
Proof of U.S. History credit (per Tennessee law).

This program is flexible, often offered partially online, and allows working RNs to complete their BSN within one to two years.

4. Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN, DNP, Nurse Anesthesia)

UTK offers multiple graduate programs for those pursuing advanced nursing roles, such as Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist.

General Graduate Admission Requirements

A BSN degree from an accredited program.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Current unencumbered RN license.
Submission of a resume/CV, professional references, and personal statement.
Interview and background check (for certain specialties).
English proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Nurse Anesthesia tracks are among the most competitive and prepare nurses for leadership, clinical, and research roles.

What Makes a Strong Nursing Applicant at UTK?

Since UTK’s nursing admission is extremely selective, meeting minimum requirements is just the starting point. Here’s what successful applicants typically do differently:

1. Maintain a High GPA

For BSN applicants, target at least a 3.5 GPA or higher.
For ABSN candidates, the average admitted GPA is around 3.45–3.6.
Strive for strong grades in science courses—these weigh heavily in the decision.

2. Complete All Prerequisites Early

Finishing Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology early shows readiness for upper-division work. Avoid taking multiple science labs in the same semester if it could hurt your GPA.

3. Gain Healthcare Experience

Volunteer or shadow in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. UTK values applicants who demonstrate clear commitment to healthcare and patient care.

4. Submit a Professional Resume and Essay

While the freshman BSN process may not always require a full essay, ABSN and graduate applicants should submit polished, well-written statements that explain:

Why nursing is your calling
How UTK aligns with your goals
What experiences have shaped your healthcare interests

5. Apply Early and Accurately

UTK uses NursingCAS for nursing applications, and missing transcripts or deadlines can disqualify you. Double-check that your application is complete and accurate.

6. Develop a Backup Plan

Because of the competitive nature of the program, consider backup majors like Public Health, Biology, or Health Sciences, then apply for internal transfer into Nursing later.

UTK Nursing Application Timeline

Stage	Recommended Timeline
Start Research	Junior year of high school or 1 year before intended transfer
Take SAT/ACT	Fall of senior year (for freshmen)
Submit UTK Application	October–December (priority deadlines apply)
Submit NursingCAS	Before February (check current deadlines)
Complete Prerequisites	By end of Fall before entry
Interview/Resume Review	Spring (if required)
Admission Decisions	Typically released March–April
Classes Begin	August (Fall start) or May (ABSN Summer start)

Tips for Out-of-State and International Applicants

If you are applying from outside Tennessee or internationally, keep the following in mind:

Out-of-state acceptance rates are slightly lower than in-state, and tuition costs are higher.
Verify that all transcripts and course equivalencies meet UTK’s regional accreditation standards.
International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language.
Plan to arrive early to complete clinical clearance, immunizations, and background checks.

Out-of-state students still have strong chances if they demonstrate academic excellence and fit within the UTK nursing culture.

Why Choose UTK’s College of Nursing?

The UTK College of Nursing combines academic excellence with hands-on experience. Here’s why it stands out:

National Recognition: UTK’s nursing program ranks among the best in Tennessee and is respected nationwide.
Clinical Partnerships: Students train at top hospitals in Knoxville and East Tennessee, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: UTK offers modern simulation labs, clinical training centers, and small student-to-faculty ratios.
Strong Job Outcomes: Graduates consistently score well on the NCLEX-RN exam and enjoy high job placement rates within months of graduation.
Pathways for Advancement: From BSN to DNP, UTK provides a full pipeline for nurses to advance their education and career.

UTK’s nursing graduates are known for their clinical readiness, critical-thinking skills, and compassionate care—qualities that make them highly sought after nationwide.

FAQs About UTK Nursing Admission

Q: Does being admitted to UTK guarantee a seat in the nursing program?
No. Admission to UTK and admission to the nursing program are separate. The nursing program is much more selective.

Q: What GPA should I aim for to be competitive?
Aim for at least 3.5 or higher to stand out.

Q: Can I transfer into nursing from another UTK major?
Yes, but it’s competitive. You’ll need to meet GPA and prerequisite requirements before applying to switch majors.

Q: Are online courses accepted for prerequisites?
Yes, if they are from a regionally accredited institution and include lab components where required.

Q: How many students are accepted each year?
Exact numbers vary, but reports suggest roughly 150–200 BSN students and 40–50 ABSN students per intake.

How to Increase Your Chances of Admission

To maximize your odds of acceptance:

Apply early – submit all materials before the priority deadline.
Achieve top grades – especially in science and math.
Show leadership – volunteer in hospitals or community programs.
Prepare for interviews – if required, practice professional communication.
Seek strong recommendations – from teachers or supervisors who can attest to your dedication.
Write a persuasive essay – showing genuine passion for nursing and alignment with UTK’s values.

Conclusion

The UTK Nursing program is a premier and competitive pathway for aspiring nurses in the South. With acceptance rates likely below 10% for direct-entry applicants, you’ll need excellent academics, strong science preparation, and clear motivation for the profession.

Still, thousands of successful nurses have started their journey at UTK. With early planning, consistent effort, and a well-crafted application, you can join their ranks and build a rewarding nursing career.

If you’re serious about nursing at UTK, start early, aim high, and approach the process strategically—you’ll be setting yourself up for success in one of the top nursing schools in the nation.