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Verified by TN Board of Healthcare

General Surgeon Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general surgeon 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 ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years

Licensing Blueprint for General Surgeon in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be qualified as a cytotechnologist and/or possess current license issued by the state of Tennessee, and must have at least four (4) years of full-time (30 hours per week) experience as a cytotechnologist within the preceding ten (10) years

  2. 2

    Education: Specific course required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  6. 6

    Must be qualified as a cytotechnologist and/or possess current license issued by the state of Tennessee, and must have at least four (4) years of full-time (30 hours per week) experience as a cytotechnologist within the preceding ten (10) years.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

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 ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years

  4. Salary Position

    $366,430 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 28 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for General Surgeon 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.
  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 ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

The median salary for General Surgeons in Tennessee is $366,430. Tennessee ranks #18 among 28 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$366,430

Hourly estimate

$176.17
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$66,360
  • P2525th percentile$75,640
  • P50Median$366,430
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $366,430
National: N/A

Total employment: 430 | Annual openings: N/A

General Surgeon Salary Ranking

#18 of 28 statesfor General Surgeon median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1North Dakota$556,400
#2Louisiana$544,450
#3Ohio$505,370
#4Michigan$498,340
#5Wisconsin$478,880

Nearby States Comparison

General Surgeon licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$366,430Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
KentuckyN/ADegree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$321,470Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$398,550No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$449,500Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
AlabamaN/ASpecific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
MississippiN/ADegree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
ArkansasN/ADegree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
MissouriN/ADegree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia29LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama56MediumState-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

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$364,200Specific course required1-18 years
Athletic Trainer$54,040Degree required3 months
Audiologist$89,670Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a General Surgeon in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for General Surgeons in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for General Surgeons.

What education do you need to become a General Surgeon in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for General Surgeon licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical General Surgeon salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for General Surgeons in Tennessee is $366,430.

How many General Surgeons work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 430 General Surgeons according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my General Surgeon 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 General Surgeons 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 General Surgeon license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years.