Distance Education (DE) programs in the College of Nursing that lead to professional licensure or that require clinical placements or clinical coursework must abide by board and state regulations in the state where the student resides and/or will be completing the clinical experiences.
Students who reside outside of Tennessee who plan to complete a clinical placement in a state other than Tennessee, will need to take additional steps to comply with the requirements of that state. Before applying to and beginning a program, you should become familiar with your state’s licensing and professional requirements and that of the state in which you plan to reside as a practitioner. You may also reach out to the College of Nursing and speak to an advisor by calling (865) 974-7606. The university cannot guarantee that its DE programs in the College of Nursing will meet all the requirements for licensure in any particular state. If the student moves from the state of Tennessee after admission to the program, continuation in the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state where the student physically resides. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the UTK College of Nursing of a change in physical residence.
Distance Education programs at the University of Tennessee cannot currently admit students from the state of California.
You can find additional information about pre-licensure distance education requirements in individual states, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): https://www.ncsbn.org/671.htm.
The College of Nursing offers certificates for nurses who need additional training. A master’s degree in nursing is required for admission. This graduate certificate prepares advanced practice nurses for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Advanced practice nursing involves the delivery of care, management of resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and application of technology, information systems, knowledge, and critical thinking. The total credit hours will vary depending on the student’s academic record, clinical experience, and objectives. Students must complete a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours. Certificate coursework must be completed within 2 years of admission. Contact the Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies for more information.
Campus Code
Distance Education
Graduate Certificate Type
Stand-Alone
Add-On (concurrently with another degree in rare cases)
Academic Standards
The College of Nursing will observe the following grading scale:
| A = 92 – 100 |
4 quality points |
| B+ = 88 – 91 |
3.3 quality points |
| B = 83 – 87 |
3 quality points |
| C+ = 78 – 82 |
2.3 quality points |
| C = 75 – 77 |
2 quality points |
| D = 67 – 74 |
1 quality point |
| F = 66 or below |
0 quality points |
Credit Hours Required
Minimum of 12 graduate credit hours; total credit hours may vary based on the student’s academic record, experiences, and objectives.
Required Courses
- NURS 659 (3 credit hours)
- NURS 660 (3 credit hours)
- NURS 661 (3 credit hours)
- NURS 662 (1 to 5 credit hours)
- Plus, additional credit hours as determined by the college and chosen in consultation with the certificate advisor
Non-Course Requirements
To receive the certificate, students must:
1) complete the Graduate Certificate Course Verification Form (located on the Graduate School webpage under the Forms Central tab) and
2) through MyUTK, apply to graduate from the certificate program.
