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Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: 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

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $54,530 median (13% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #44 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of 54,530, Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $62,340. Tennessee ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$54,530

Hourly estimate

$26.22
13% below national median

Difference: -$7,810

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,680
  • P2525th percentile$46,370
  • P50Median$54,530
  • P7575th percentile$60,410
  • P9090th percentile$65,140

State vs National Median

State: $54,530
National: $62,340

Total employment: 19,140 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking

#44 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington79,700
#2Rhode Island77,940
#3Alaska77,670
#4California77,170
#5Oregon76,570

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$54,530Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$58,450Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Virginia$62,310Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
North Carolina$61,380Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Georgia$58,490Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Alabama$50,100Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Mississippi$48,850Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$51,030Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Missouri$59,030Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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
Tennessee50LowState-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.
Georgia33LowLimited 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

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

665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243

Phone: 6155327212

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Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$89,670Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$79,240Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$57,760Specific course required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$46,090Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Practical Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee is 54,530. Salaries range from $38,680 (10th percentile) to $65,140 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 54,530.

How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 19,140 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse 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 Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.