Why Major in Nursing at Belmont?
Belmont's Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing is a Christ-centered, student-focused community that embraces a culture of openness and mutual respect, teaching excellence and the privilege of service. We strive to provide an academically challenging education that enables individuals of all backgrounds to safely practice professional nursing with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.
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Nursing in Nashville
With more than 500 health care companies based in Nashville, Belmont nursing students train in one of the nation’s most active health care hubs. We offer 100% clinical placement, ensuring every student gains hands-on experience in real-world settings. Clinical sites include leading systems such as HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar Health and the Tennessee Department of Health. These partnerships offer hands-on experience in acute care, public health, specialty clinics and community-based settings—equipping students to step confidently into their nursing careers.
Direct Entry BSN
At Belmont, you don’t have to wait to become a nurse. We offer direct entry to the BSN program, meaning you're admitted to the College of Nursing before you even arrive on campus. From your very first semester, you’ll begin nursing coursework and build meaningful connections with faculty, peers and clinical partners.
Because of our direct-entry model, you’ll start hands-on clinical experiences as early as your sophomore year — giving you a strong foundation and a head start in your nursing career.
Not sure which nursing pathway is right for you? Compare our program options.
Compare our program options
National League of Nursing Center of Excellence
Belmont's Nursing program is one of only 95 institutions to be designated as a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence. This designation reflects the program’s proven ability to prepare graduates who are clinically competent, compassionate and ready to lead in today’s complex health care environment.
When Clinical Experience Begins
Students begin hands-on clinical experiences as early as their sophomore year and continue developing clinical skills throughout the program.
How Clinical Placements Work
The Inman College of Nursing coordinates placements with trusted health care partners across Nashville, ensuring every student receives meaningful, hands-on experience in diverse care settings. This structured approach allows students to progressively build clinical skills under the guidance of experienced faculty and practicing nurses.
Clinical Experience in One of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Health Care Hubs
Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation
Students benefit from Belmont’s 60,000 square-foot Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation, which provides cutting-edge facilities for clinical practice and collaboration across health care disciplines. This center enhances clinical skills through realistic, hands-on simulations in a controlled learning environment.
Where Belmont Nursing Students Train
Belmont nursing students complete clinical placements at leading health care organizations, including:- HCA Healthcare
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Ascension Saint Thomas
- TriStar Health
- Tennessee Department of Health
- Tennessee VA
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN
These partnerships allow students to learn directly from experienced professionals while building skills in real-world clinical environments.
Clinical Settings and Learning Environments
Students gain experience across a wide range of care settings, including:
- Acute care hospitals
- Public health departments
- Specialty clinics
- Community-based health organizations
These diverse clinical experiences prepare Belmont graduates to confidently enter professional nursing practice across health care settings.
Khadijah Faison
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
“I transferred to NROTC Vanderbilt on orders to obtain a BSN at Belmont, a cross-town affiliate University. The support that I received during the application, admission and advising process are a part of the reason why I chose Belmont!”
Gracie Watson
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
“Belmont nursing does not stop at providing nursing degrees. Belmont nursing nurtures good, strong, impactful nurses that are known in the Nashville community and beyond for their excellence and dedication.”
Curriculum and What You’ll Learn
Your nursing education at Belmont blends classroom study, laboratory simulation and hands-on clinical experience so you graduate confident in your skills and ready to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
Core Learning Outcomes
Students in the BSN program gain the ability to:
- Deliver patient-centered care using ethical, compassionate practice
- Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment in varied health care settings
- Communicate effectively with patients, families and health care teams
- Use current research to inform decisions and improve outcomes
- Advocate for the health and well-being of individuals and communities
Sample Four-Year Plan
The BSN curriculum is designed to build progressively from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical practice.
Year One: General education coursework and introductory nursing concepts
Year Two: Foundational nursing courses and initial clinical experiences
Year Three: Advanced nursing coursework and expanded clinical practice
Year Four: Clinical immersion and preparation for professional licensure and practice
Program Details
Curriculum
Students enrolled in the BSN program complete general education courses, prerequisite nursing courses and upper-level nursing coursework designed to prepare graduates to transition successfully into professional nursing practice.
Examples of coursework include:
- ENG 1010 First-Year Writing
- BEL 1015 First-Year Seminar
- NUR 1010 Perspectives in Health Care
- NUR 1020 Cultural Competence in Nursing
- BIO 2230 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- NUR 2240 Pathophysiology
- NUR 3340 The Art of Flourishing: Pathways to a Meaningful Life
- NUR 3010 Care Management I
- NUR 3500 Pharmacology I
Additional information is available in the Traditional BSN Program of Study and Undergraduate Course Catalog.
Traditional BSN Program of Study
Partners in Nursing BSN Program of Study
Transfer Students
Transfer students will require careful evaluation of previous coursework by the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and admissions counselor. Some BELL Core requirements may be accepted through appropriate coursework completed elsewhere at a regionally accredited college or university; however, specific BELL Core requirements must be completed at Belmont. For additional information, please contact our Admissions Coordinator.
Belmont nursing graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to begin their careers as professional nurses.
- 99% of graduates achieve successful career outcomes within six months of graduation.
- Belmont’s Spring 2025 nursing graduates achieved a 98% first-time NCLEX pass rate, with 100% of graduates ultimately earning licensure.
- Belmont’s designation as a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence further reflects the program’s consistent ability to prepare clinically competent and compassionate nurses.
Belmont nursing students have opportunities to serve, lead and grow through a variety of academic and extracurricular experiences.
Service Learning, Mission Trips and Study Abroad
Students participate in health-related service projects locally and globally. Recent opportunities have included service experiences in Tanzania, Guatemala, India, Indonesia and Belfast.
Local service opportunities include:
- Room in the Inn
- Red Cross Blood Drives
- Health Fairs
- Remote Area Medical Clinics
- Vaccine Clinics
- Belmont’s Flourish Mobile Clinic
Student Organizations
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society recognizes academic excellence and leadership in nursing.
The Student Nurses Association connects students to the professional nursing community through service projects, mentorship, professional development and networking opportunities.
Nurses Christian Fellowship provides a faith-based community for nursing students to grow spiritually, encourage one another and explore the integration of faith and professional nursing practice.
Accreditation & Affiliations
The Baccalaureate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Belmont University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
Belmont University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Additional information may be found on Belmont University's Institutional Accreditation page.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Belmont University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Belmont University College of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing and the Southern Council of Collegiate Education for Nursing. The program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
The College of Nursing holds the charter for the Omicron Phi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Click here for full accreditation and state licensure information
Career Possibilities
Graduates from Belmont's BSN program are prepared for meaningful careers across health care settings.
Career paths include:
- Registered Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Labor & Delivery Nurse
- Surgical Services
- Public Health Nurse
- School Nurse
Graduates may also pursue advanced education, including Belmont’s BSN-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway.
Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP
Admissions & Next Steps
Belmont offers direct entry to the BSN program. Your application to Belmont is your nursing application — no separate nursing application required.
Keep in mind, meeting our minimum criteria does not guarantee admission to nursing.
If admitted, you begin nursing courses in your first semester.
Admission Requirements
First-Year Students
- 3.5 high school GPA
- 3.5 GPA in math and science courses (if not submitting ACT/SAT)
Transfer Students
- 3.25 college GPA
- 3.25 GPA in prerequisite courses
Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline for Nursing Scholarships:
First-Year Students: Dec. 1
Transfer Students: Feb. 1
Students who apply after these dates may still be considered for admission and general scholarships.
Final Deadline:
First-Year Students: March 1
Transfer Students: May 1
We strongly encourage early applications for the best opportunity for admission and scholarship consideration.
International Students
- Visit our International Education page for TOEFL requirements and transcript evaluation
- Contact the Office of Admissions with questions
All admitted students are automatically considered for Belmont scholarships — no separate application required. View all financial aid options.
Nursing-Specific Scholarships
Students admitted to the College of Nursing are automatically considered for these scholarships:
Lettie Pate Whitehead Endowed Scholarship
- For female nursing students with financial need
- Must be from AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN or VA
- Award: $2,000–$7,000
Joe C. Davis Endowed Nursing Scholarship
- Merit-based award for incoming nursing students
- Renewable for up to four years with 3.0 GPA
- Award: $2,000–$7,000
How Awards Are Determined
Selection is based on GPA, class ranking and community involvement.
Application Deadline
To be considered for nursing scholarships, submit your admission application by:
- First-Year Students: Dec. 1
- Transfer Students: Feb. 1
Learn more at Student Financial Services.
FAQ
No. The BSN program is designed for students beginning their nursing education. You'll receive hands-on training starting early in the program.
Clinical experiences begin during your second-semester sophomore year (semester 4), which is earlier than in most nursing programs, which typically begin in junior year.
Yes. Students admitted to the BSN program begin nursing coursework as part of their degree plan.
Belmont is known for small, supportive learning environments. You'll be known by name and learn alongside a close cohort.
Admission is selective. Strong academic preparation, a willingness to learn and consistent effort are key. We encourage you to apply early.
Yes. Nursing students participate in international clinical and cultural experiences, including faculty-led programs.
Yes. Nursing students have access to academic support, advising and peer mentorship.
Contact Us
Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
Tiffany Fincher
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.6120