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Clinical 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

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal ed every two years

Licensing Blueprint for Clinical Lab Technologist in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 1-5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  5. 5

    National certification by exam, required education, NAACLS approved training program or experience.

  6. 6

    EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:.

  7. 7

    Initial applicant: Baccalaureate Degree, in medical technology or in a Biological, Chemical or Physical science with completiong of NAACLS approved training.

  8. 8

    Baccalaureate Degree with MLT/CLT training program, 3 years approved expeerience.

  9. 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. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal ed every two years

  4. Salary Position

    $57,760 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #35 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Clinical Lab Technologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National certification by exam, required education, NAACLS approved training program or experience.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  6. 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)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$57,760

Hourly estimate

$27.77
7% below national median

Difference: -$4,130

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,050
  • P2525th percentile$42,900
  • P50Median$57,760
  • P7575th percentile$75,980
  • P9090th percentile$84,150

State vs National Median

State: $57,760
National: $61,890

Total employment: 9,470 | Annual openings: N/A

Clinical Lab Technologist Salary Ranking

#35 of 50 statesfor Clinical Lab Technologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$84,660
#2Rhode Island$81,220
#3New Hampshire$80,220
#4Oregon$79,640
#5Vermont$76,430

Nearby States Comparison

Clinical Lab Technologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$57,760Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-5 years
Kentucky$59,900No educational requirementsThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$60,720Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$59,390Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$62,950Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$47,790Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$47,480No educational requirementsThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$50,480Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$57,460Degree requiredThird-party exam required19 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
North Carolina33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama50LowState-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

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

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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.