UT Knoxville Nursing Enrollment Grows as Demand Surges

A nursing student checks blood pressure in a lab inside the UT Medical Nursing Building. As Tennessee hospitals and health systems work to build a stronger workforce, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Nursing is expanding the pipeline of practice-ready nurses, nurse scientists, and healthcare leaders through growing enrollment, clinical partnerships and high-demand academic programs. Enrollment has increased 45% over the past five years, and more than 5,000 students applied last year for 325 seats in the direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which admits first-year students who are entering the university immediately after high school.

“Students, healthcare partners and supporters are investing their confidence in our ability to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders,” said Vinciya Pandian, dean of the college. “Through exceptional teaching, innovative research and strategic partnerships, we are expanding our impact and helping meet evolving healthcare needs in Tennessee and beyond.”

Summary of the outlet's own feed. From UT News (Knoxville), November 9, 2026.