KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — As hospitals and healthcare systems across Tennessee work to address workforce shortages, the University of Tennessee’s College of Nursing is growing enrollment, expanding partnerships and increasing opportunities for future nurses.
The college reports enrollment has increased by 45% during the past five years, reflecting strong demand for nursing education and healthcare careers. Interest in the program continues to grow, with more than 5,000 students applying last year for just 325 seats in the college’s direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
College leaders say the growth is helping prepare the next generation of nurses, nurse scientists and healthcare leaders.
“Students, healthcare partners and supporters are investing their confidence in our ability to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders,” said Dean Vinciya Pandian. “Through exceptional teaching, innovative research and strategic partnerships, we are expanding our impact and helping meet evolving healthcare needs in Tennessee and beyond.”
The College of Nursing maintains more than 200 research and community partnerships throughout Tennessee and beyond. Among the most significant is its partnership with UT Medical Center, which supports several nursing scholarship and training programs. The college also works with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital through specialized pediatric nursing initiatives.
Officials say those partnerships are helping strengthen Tennessee’s nursing workforce. The BSN Scholars Program alone aims to prepare 432 nurses for employment with UT Medical by the end of 2028. More than 66% of nursing graduates remain in Tennessee after graduation, helping address local healthcare needs.
The college has also earned national recognition. Nurse.org recently ranked UT among the nation’s top nursing programs for consistent success on the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX. Between 2023 and 2025, the college posted a 97.3% first-time pass rate, ranking third nationally.
In addition to educating future nurses, researchers at the College of Nursing are advancing work in areas including precision health, artificial intelligence, telehealth, mental health and healthcare policy. The college has secured more than $30 million in research funding over the past six years.
To accommodate continued growth, UT Medical partnered with the college on a new 117,000-square-foot UT Medical Nursing Building, which opened in 2025. Donors have also contributed more than $57 million over the last 15 years to support scholarships, faculty development and facility improvements.
University leaders say the continued investment positions the college to play a major role in strengthening Tennessee’s healthcare workforce for years to come.
