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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 17, 2026

Current

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: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

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 Tennessee eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.

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 Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

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
#1Washington$79,700
#2Rhode Island$77,940
#3Alaska$77,670
#4California$77,170
#5Oregon$76,570

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$54,530Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$58,450Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$62,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$61,380Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$58,490Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$50,100Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$48,850Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$51,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$59,030Degree 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
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • 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: 6155327212

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

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 Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.