Application Fee
See agencyOrthopedic 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
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Orthopedic Surgeon in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must designate a primary supervising physician
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 7
The applicant must submit evidence of good moral character and that he or she has met the educational and examination requirements.
- 8
Graduation from an orthopedic physician assistant training program approved by the licensing authority and the Board of Medical Examiners.
- 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
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 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
- 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
$312,890 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 27 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 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. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 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)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$312,890Hourly estimate
$150.43National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOrthopedic Surgeon Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wisconsin | $546,740 |
| #2 | Vermont | $471,590 |
| #3 | Arizona | $468,860 |
| #4 | Michigan | $447,210 |
| #5 | South Carolina | $440,970 |
Nearby States Comparison
Orthopedic Surgeon licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $312,890 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $390,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $322,440 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | N/A | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $309,060 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | N/A | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | N/A | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 2 years |
| Missouri | $382,590 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 56 | Medium | 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, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155324384
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|---|---|---|---|
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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.