Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse practitioner in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$108,420 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Nurse Practitioner licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Health and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $108,420, Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee earn 16% below the national median of $129,210. Tennessee ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$108,420Hourly estimate
$52.1316% below national median
Difference: -$20,790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Practitioner Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $166,610 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $149,620 |
| #3 | Alaska | $145,450 |
| #4 | New York | $145,390 |
| #5 | Oregon | $144,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $108,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $113,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $124,210 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $125,020 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $126,060 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $106,930 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $119,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $113,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $126,370 | Degree required | Third-party 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-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
"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 Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Practitioners.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Nurse Practitioner salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee is $108,420. Salaries range from $61,530 (10th percentile) to $133,120 (90th percentile).
How does the Nurse Practitioner salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee earn 16% below the national median of $129,210, with a state median of $108,420.
How many Nurse Practitioners work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 14,300 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Nurse Practitioner license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.