Nurses, Nursing - As enacted, requires the board of nursing to permit a student to enroll in a practical nursing program offered by a public institution of higher education governed by the Tennessee board of regents if the student meets the qualifications for a high school diploma or its equivalent and meets other requirements; requires the board of nursing to permit a student enrolled in a practical nursing program to sit for the national council licensure exam for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN) upon completion of a practical nursing program. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 63.

SB 644 modifies Tennessee's nursing regulations to expand access to practical nursing programs at public colleges. It requires the Board of Nursing to allow students meeting high school diploma or equivalent qualifications to enroll in these programs and permits them to take the NCLEX-PN exam upon completion. The bill also mandates a minimum of 1,296 clock hours for practical nursing programs and requires public colleges to offer pre-nursing courses starting in high school. These changes directly affect prospective practical nurses and public institutions of higher education governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.