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Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmic medical technicians in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 3-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  2. 2

    Education: Specific course required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  6. 6

    An EMT performs, under authorized medical control, skills or procedures for which he has qualified by training and examination.

  7. 7

    At least 18 years of age

    • high school graduate or have a general equivalency diploma (GED), and be able to read, write and speak the English language
    • have no history within 3 years of habitual intoxication or personal misuse of any drugs or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, controlled substances or other drugs or stimulants so as to adversely affect ability to perform as an EMT
    • be of physical health adequate to provide patient care, absence of communicable diseases, and suitable emotional fitness to provide for the care and lifting of the ill or injured
    • obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    • and satisfy training and examination requirements.
  8. 8

    TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:.

  9. 9

    Must successfully complete an approved basic Emergency Medical Technician course including all required examinations within two (2) year of completion of training.

  10. 10

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  11. 11

    Successful completion of a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written examination and successful performance of a practical examination demonstrating proficiency using skills acquired during training which verify knowledge and technical capabilities in emergency care and IV maintenance.

Exam and processing details

  • National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written examination and successful performance of a practical examination demonstrating proficiency using skills acquired during training which verify knowledge and technical capabilities in emergency care and IV maintenance

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement 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

    $38,720 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #40 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (At least 18 years of age; high school graduate or have a general equivalency diploma (GED), and be able to read, write and speak the Engl...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written examination and successful performance of a practical examination demonstrating proficiency using skills acquired....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Background/Criminal Review: Background check 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 (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $38,720, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Tennessee earn 12% below the national median of $44,080. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$38,720

Hourly estimate

$18.62
12% below national median

Difference: -$5,360

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,370
  • P2525th percentile$35,980
  • P50Median$38,720
  • P7575th percentile$46,970
  • P9090th percentile$56,460

State vs National Median

State: $38,720
National: $44,080

Total employment: 2,300 | Annual openings: N/A

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary Ranking

#40 of 50 statesfor Ophthalmic Medical Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$60,810
#2Wisconsin$50,660
#3Vermont$49,080
#4Washington$48,960
#5Oregon$48,730

Nearby States Comparison

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$38,720Specific course requiredThird-party exam required3-18 years
Kentucky$38,740Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Virginia$41,600Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$40,990Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$37,900Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$36,260Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-18 years
Mississippi$35,960No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$36,160Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$36,600Specific course requiredState 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
Tennessee62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss.

What education do you need to become a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Tennessee is $38,720. Salaries range from $31,370 (10th percentile) to $56,460 (90th percentile).

How does the Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Tennessee earn 12% below the national median of $44,080, with a state median of $38,720.

How many Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 2,300 Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Ophthalmic Medical Technicians license to Tennessee from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss 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 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians license in Tennessee?

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