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Orthopedic Surgeon Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for orthopedic surgeon 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 Orthopedic Surgeon in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must designate a primary supervising physician

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  7. 7

    The applicant must submit evidence of good moral character and that he or she has met the educational and examination requirements.

  8. 8

    Graduation from an orthopedic physician assistant training program approved by the licensing authority and the Board of Medical Examiners.

  9. 9

    (Exemption from this requirement is made for those who meet the Examination requirement and were performing services as an orthopedic physician assistant in this state on May 30, 1995).

  10. 10

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  11. 11

    Successful completion of examination of the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Physician Assistants.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certain restrictions

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

    $312,890 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #20 of 27 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (The applicant must submit evidence of good moral character and that he or she has met the educational and examination requirements.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

The median salary for Orthopedic Surgeons in Tennessee is $312,890. Tennessee ranks #20 among 27 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

$312,890

Hourly estimate

$150.43
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$133,800
  • P2525th percentile$178,440
  • P50Median$312,890
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $312,890
National: N/A

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Orthopedic Surgeon Salary Ranking

#20 of 27 statesfor Orthopedic Surgeon median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Wisconsin$546,740
#2Vermont$471,590
#3Arizona$468,860
#4Michigan$447,210
#5South Carolina$440,970

Nearby States Comparison

Orthopedic Surgeon licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$312,890Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
KentuckyN/ADegree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$390,210Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$322,440Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
GeorgiaN/ASpecific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$309,060Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
MississippiN/ADegree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
ArkansasN/ASpecific course requiredThird-party exam required2 years
Missouri$382,590Degree 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
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama56MediumState-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, Nashville, TN, 37243

Phone: 6155324384

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Orthopedic Surgeon 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 Orthopedic Surgeons in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Orthopedic Surgeons.

What education do you need to become a Orthopedic Surgeon in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Orthopedic Surgeon licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Orthopedic Surgeon salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Orthopedic Surgeons in Tennessee is $312,890.

Can I transfer my Orthopedic Surgeon 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 Orthopedic Surgeons 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 Orthopedic Surgeon license in Tennessee?

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