Application Fee
See agencyClinical Lab Technologist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for clinical lab technologist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal ed every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Clinical Lab Technologist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-5 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
National certification by exam, required education, NAACLS approved training program or experience.
- 6
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:.
- 7
Initial applicant: Baccalaureate Degree, in medical technology or in a Biological, Chemical or Physical science with completiong of NAACLS approved training.
- 8
Baccalaureate Degree with MLT/CLT training program, 3 years approved expeerience.
- 9
Baccalaureate Degree, 50 week military laboratory training program and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist and 3 years of full time clinical work experience.
- 10
Baccalaureate degree and five (5) years of full time clinical work experience program.
Exam and processing details
- National certification by exam, required education, NAACLS approved training program or experience
Continuing education and program notes
- certification by exam, required education, NAACLS approved training program or experience
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal ed every two years
- Salary Position
$57,760 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Clinical Lab Technologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National certification by exam, required education, NAACLS approved training program or experience.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $57,760, Clinical Lab Technologists in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $61,890. Tennessee ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-5 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$57,760Hourly estimate
$27.77Difference: -$4,130
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationClinical Lab Technologist Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $84,660 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $81,220 |
| #3 | New Hampshire | $80,220 |
| #4 | Oregon | $79,640 |
| #5 | Vermont | $76,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Clinical Lab Technologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $57,760 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-5 years |
| Kentucky | $59,900 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $60,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $59,390 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $62,950 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $47,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $47,480 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $50,480 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $57,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 19 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| North Carolina | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155323202
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Clinical Lab Technologist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-5 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Clinical Lab Technologists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Clinical Lab Technologists.
What education do you need to become a Clinical Lab Technologist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Clinical Lab Technologist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Clinical Lab Technologist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Clinical Lab Technologists in Tennessee is $57,760. Salaries range from $36,050 (10th percentile) to $84,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Clinical Lab Technologist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Clinical Lab Technologists in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $61,890, with a state median of $57,760.
How many Clinical Lab Technologists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 9,470 Clinical Lab Technologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Clinical Lab Technologist license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Clinical Lab Technologists in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Clinical Lab Technologist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed every two years.