Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Emergency Medical Technician Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emergency medical technician in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Emergency Medical Technician in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 3-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- 2
Education: Specific course required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
An EMT performs, under authorized medical control, skills or procedures for which he has qualified by training and examination.
- 7
At least 18 years of age
- high school graduate or have a general equivalency diploma (GED), and be able to read, write and speak the English language
- have no history within 3 years of habitual intoxication or personal misuse of any drugs or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, controlled substances or other drugs or stimulants so as to adversely affect ability to perform as an EMT
- be of physical health adequate to provide patient care, absence of communicable diseases, and suitable emotional fitness to provide for the care and lifting of the ill or injured
- obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- and satisfy training and examination requirements.
- 8
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
Must successfully complete an approved basic Emergency Medical Technician course including all required examinations within two (2) year of completion of training.
- 10
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
Successful completion of a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written examination and successful performance of a practical examination demonstrating proficiency using skills acquired during training which verify knowledge and technical capabilities in emergency care and IV maintenance.
Exam and processing details
- National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written examination and successful performance of a practical examination demonstrating proficiency using skills acquired during training which verify knowledge and technical capabilities in emergency care and IV maintenance
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$37,630 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (At least 18 years of age; high school graduate or have a general equivalency diploma (GED), and be able to read, write and speak the Engl...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written examination and successful performance of a practical examination demonstrating proficiency using skills acquired....
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 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 (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $37,630, Emergency Medical Technicians in Tennessee earn 9% below the national median of $41,340. Tennessee ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$37,630Hourly estimate
$18.099% below national median
Difference: -$3,710
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEmergency Medical Technician Salary Ranking
#38 of 50 statesfor Emergency Medical Technician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $61,310 |
| #2 | Alaska | $56,900 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $49,500 |
| #4 | Rhode Island | $49,500 |
| #5 | Washington | $48,850 |
Nearby States Comparison
Emergency Medical Technician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $37,630 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 3-18 years |
| Kentucky | $36,050 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $45,060 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $40,530 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $39,250 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $36,260 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $35,980 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $31,710 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $38,580 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
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 | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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", Na, 000TN-7243
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Emergency Medical Technician in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Emergency Medical Technicians in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Emergency Medical Technicians.
What education do you need to become a Emergency Medical Technician in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Emergency Medical Technician licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Emergency Medical Technician salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Emergency Medical Technicians in Tennessee is $37,630. Salaries range from $28,440 (10th percentile) to $52,210 (90th percentile).
How does the Emergency Medical Technician salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Emergency Medical Technicians in Tennessee earn 9% below the national median of $41,340, with a state median of $37,630.
How many Emergency Medical Technicians work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 3,420 Emergency Medical Technicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Emergency Medical Technicians 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 Emergency Medical Technician license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.