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Nursing Program Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse Instructor - Full Time (Monday through Friday) Essential Functions: * Providing ... Perform other duties as required by the program director, program dean, or campus administration ...

Nurse Instructor

Cleveland, TN ยท On-site

$50/hr

Jersey College has positions available in our Nursing Program and is looking for Registered Nurses ... Motivated, self-directed * Team player * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Ability ...

Our residential program focuses on adolescent males experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or ... The Director of Nursing is a key member of the McDowell Center leadership team who will integrate ...

Our residential program focuses on adolescent males experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or ... The Director of Nursing is a key member of the McDowell Center leadership team who will integrate ...

Showing results 21-40

Nursing Program Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$84.8K

$145.7K

How much do nursing program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for nursing program director in Tennessee is $84,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nursing program director?

Nursing Program Directors are senior administrators responsible for overseeing and managing nursing education programs at colleges, universities, or healthcare institutions. They develop curriculum, ensure compliance with accreditation standards, supervise faculty, and support student success. Nursing Program Directors also handle budgeting, staffing, and often represent their programs to external stakeholders. Their leadership is crucial to maintaining high educational standards and preparing students for nursing careers.

What are some common challenges faced by a nursing program director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Nursing Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with the need to stay engaged in curriculum development and student support. Managing faculty workloads, ensuring accreditation standards are met, and keeping up with evolving healthcare practices can also be demanding. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, clear communication with faculty and administration, and ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends. Building collaborative relationships within the institution and fostering a supportive team environment are key strategies to successfully navigate these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nursing program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nursing Program Director, you need advanced clinical knowledge, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or nursing education. Familiarity with accreditation standards, curriculum development software, and learning management systems is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills help foster faculty development and student success. These skills are vital for ensuring the quality and compliance of nursing programs and for guiding both faculty and students toward excellence.

What is the difference between Nursing Program Director vs Nursing Educator?

AspectNursing Program DirectorNursing Educator
CredentialsRN license, advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, DNP)RN license, often MSN or higher
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, overseeing nursing programsHospitals, colleges, or training settings, teaching students
Primary FocusProgram administration, curriculum oversight, accreditationTeaching, student assessment, clinical instruction
Employer & IndustryUniversities, colleges, nursing schoolsHospitals, colleges, vocational schools

The Nursing Program Director primarily manages nursing education programs, focusing on administration and accreditation, while the Nursing Educator concentrates on teaching and mentoring students. Both roles require nursing credentials and are vital in nursing education but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What does a nursing program director do?

A nursing program director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education programs. They manage faculty, ensure curriculum compliance with accreditation standards, and coordinate clinical placements, often requiring a nursing license and advanced degree. Their role involves leadership, administrative duties, and ensuring students meet professional competencies.

What qualifications do you need to be a nursing program director?

A nursing program director typically needs a registered nurse (RN) license, a master's degree in nursing or a related field, and extensive experience in nursing practice and education. Leadership skills, curriculum development knowledge, and often a doctoral degree or higher are also preferred for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Nursing Program Director jobs in Tennessee?

For Nursing Program Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nursing Program Director jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Nursing Program Director jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Nursing Program Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Nursing Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Nursing Program Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,827 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF NURSING

Universal Hospital Services Inc.

Dyersburg, TN โ€ข On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Director of Nursing Opportunity

McDowell Center for Children is a 28-bed residential treatment facility located in Dyersburg, Tennessee. Our residential program focuses on adolescent males experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues. The newer outpatient program supports both boys and girls. Our well-tenured team is comprised of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and counselors who offer 24-hour support for our patients. We provide young men with the skills they need to improve their thinking patterns, make healthier choices, and create new futures with improved outlooks and outcomes.

Responsibilities

The Director of Nursing is a key member of the McDowell Center leadership team who will integrate and coordinate a patientโ€‘centric nursing strategy with a handsโ€‘on approach and keen focus on patient care; ensuring that delivery of highโ€‘quality and costโ€‘effective health care is consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Universal Health Services and in accordance with government regulation, licensing, and accreditation requirements. The DON participates in the hospitalโ€™s strategic planning and contributes to the achievement of institutional goals and objectives. The Director of Nursing will focus on five key areas: People, Service, Quality, Growth, and Finance.

Benefits
  • Inโ€‘house Psychiatric Nurse Residency Transitionโ€‘toโ€‘Practice Orientation (Could earn 20 CEUs)
  • Career development opportunities across UHS and its 300+ locations!
  • Diverse programming to expand your experience and energize your career
  • HealthStream online learning catalogue with plenty of free CEU courses
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
Qualifications

Current license or permit to practice professional nursing in TN. Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a CCNE accredited nursing program required; Master of Science in Nursing is strongly preferred. Three or more years of progressive nursing management experience.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.

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