Nursing requires a genuine interest in people combined with the ability to incorporate knowledge from several disciplines and the physical stamina necessary to meet fast-paced demands. The wide variety of practice options including direct patient care, teaching, administration, research, case management, and marketing in hospital, community, education, government, industrial, and expanded practice settings allows great flexibility and mobility for graduates.

The department of Nursing at UT Martin has a proud and successful history in nursing education. The University offers West Tennessee's only basic baccalaureate program in nursing at a public institution outside of the Memphis area. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is a four-year program which combines general education and nursing. Clinical nursing courses begin in the sophomore year. The program is open to all who satisfy the entrance requirements of the University and the department of Nursing. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree by The University of Tennessee and becomes eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for licensure as a registered professional nurse.