Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator 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 Nursing Home Administrator in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Certification: Certification required.
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 4
Have the training, knowledge, professional activity and a facility for training prospective health care administrators (Administrators in Training or AITs).
- 5
At least 18 years of age and satisfy the education and experience and examination requirements.
- 6
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.
- 7
1.) Baccalaureate, masters or doctorate degree in the area of health care administration from an accredited college or university with four hundred (400) hour Internship taken for credit and served in a license long term care nursing facility
- OR.
- 8
2.) Baccalaurete, masters or doctorate degree from an accredited college combined with a Board-approved Administrator-In-Training program of at least six (6) months
- OR.
- 9
3.) Associate degree and five (5) years of acceptable management experience as defined in rule 1020-1-.07(6), combined with a Board approved Administrator-In-Trainig program of at least six (6) months
- OR.
Exam and processing details
- National Association of Boards for Nursing Home Administrators exam, and the jurisprudence examination covering Street, NW
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required 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
$104,370 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (At least 18 years of age and satisfy the education and experience and examination requirements.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (At least 18 years of age and satisfy the education and experience and examination requirements.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Association of Boards for Nursing Home Administrators exam, and the jurisprudence examination covering Street, NW.
- 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: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $104,370, Nursing Home Administrators in Tennessee earn 12% below the national median of $117,960. Tennessee ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$104,370Hourly estimate
$50.1812% below national median
Difference: -$13,590
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $104,370 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $100,260 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $124,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $108,530 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $136,030 | Specific course required | State exam required | 2-21 years |
| Alabama | $92,950 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $89,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $88,340 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-21 years |
| Missouri | $102,540 | 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 | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 54 | Low | State-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", 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 Nursing Home Administrator in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nursing Home Administrators in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nursing Home Administrators.
What education do you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Tennessee is $104,370. Salaries range from $68,860 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in Tennessee earn 12% below the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $104,370.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 13,470 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator 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 Nursing Home Administrators 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 Nursing Home Administrator license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.