Nashville healthcare growth accelerates with TriStar expansion
Writer: Eleana Teran
August 2025 — A $25 million rehabilitation facility expansion at TriStar Centennial Medical Center is the latest indication of steady healthcare growth in Nashville. Filed with the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission earlier this month, the letter of intent outlines plans for a 15-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Midtown campus, part of TriStar’s ongoing investment in the region.
The move is part of a larger pattern. TriStar, a division of HCA Healthcare, has been accelerating its expansion across Middle Tennessee. It recently received approvals for a $286 million hospital in Clarksville, a $17.8 million freestanding ER in Pleasant View, and another in Lebanon valued at $18 million. It also plans to convert an inpatient rehab facility in Lebanon into an ambulatory surgery center. The company is also exploring a potential acquisition of Williamson Health.
These projects come on the heels of HCA Healthcare reporting $70.6 billion in 2024 revenue — up from $64.9 billion the year before.
In Nashville, the expansion reflects the scale and depth of the region’s healthcare ecosystem, one that has become a national benchmark for innovation, collaboration, and growth. “Nashville is rapidly becoming a healthcare tech hub,” said Christopher Goggin, co-managing director of global design firm Gensler. “It emphasizes the need to maintain Nashville’s leadership in healthcare innovation, especially for future generations. That kind of work embodies our priorities: small in scale, big in impact.”
The city is home to more than 900 healthcare companies, including major providers like HCA Healthcare, Community Health Systems, and Ardent Health Services. Of those, about 500 deliver direct patient services, while the rest support related functions.
Healthcare activity in the region contributes an estimated $97 billion annually and 550,000 jobs to the state’s economy. Growth has drawn interest from outside players; for example, Oracle moved its global headquarters to Music City after acquiring Cerner, citing access to healthcare talent and business leadership.
“Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee in particular, continues to be one of the best places in the country for healthcare and innovation. We’re lucky to share this space with institutions like Vanderbilt, HCA, Tristar, Ascension, and others. There are hundreds of healthcare startups and long-established companies operating here,” said Michael Bailey, President & CEO of American Health Partners, to Invest:. “We’re proud to be part of this ecosystem. For American Health Partners and the region more broadly, the future is bright.”
That optimism is supported by several underlying factors. Nashville offers a business-friendly environment, no state income tax, and a professional culture that encourages collaboration. Local universities are also expanding to meet workforce needs. Belmont University opened the Thomas F. First Jr. College of Medicine in 2024, adding to the presence of Vanderbilt and Meharry in training future physicians.
“We admitted and welcomed our first class of 50 students,” President Greg Jones of Belmont University said in an interview with Invest:. “Given both the healthcare needs in the country and Nashville’s role as a healthcare city, we are now developing healthcare professionals in medicine to complement our work in nursing and pharmacy.”
Healthcare activity in the region spans more than hospitals and universities. Companies supporting innovation, infrastructure, and life sciences are playing a growing role. “We’re currently seeing the highest demand in the data center and healthcare sectors,” said Carrie Stokes, president and CEO of Barge Design Solutions. “We held a thought leadership session with several partners to discuss certificate of need requirements in Tennessee, how those are evolving, and how we can adapt by learning from other states. So, we’re seeing a lot of opportunities.”
That activity is being matched by business groups. The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently launched Industry Advisory Councils to bring more focus to key sectors. Healthcare and infrastructure are the first two areas of attention. “These groups will help companies share challenges, best practices, and opportunities. We’re in the early stages of developing this structure, but it’s a strategic move forward,” said Chamber President Josh Brown.
He also pointed to broader momentum in life sciences. “Life sciences is another high-potential sector, though it’s less visible to the broader public. Coming from that industry, I’ve seen a wide range of activity, from startups to established firms. It includes pharmaceuticals, biotech, diagnostics, and medical devices. Tennessee is a growing hub for med tech, and this sector is gaining traction and investment fast,” he added.
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