Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- 2
Education: Specific course required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
At least 18 years of age
- high school graduate or have GED, and be able to read, write and speak the English language
- two (2) recent (within the preceding 12 months) original letters from medical professionals attesting to applicant's personal character
- 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 in such manner as to adversely affect ability to practice as a EMTP-CC
- be of physical health adequate to conduct activities associated with patient care, including visual acuity, speech and hearing, use of all extremities, absence of musculoskeletal deformities, 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)
- meet certification requirements for an EMTP-CC and satisfy additional training and examination requirements, including successful completion of all examinations conducted by the Office of Emergency Medical Services within two (2) year of completion of training.
- 7
ADDITIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
Must successfully complete ar hours in paramedic related studies, with eight (8) of those hours in Pediatric related topics and ten (10) in Critical Care topics, approved by the Board.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification requirements for an EMTP-CC and satisfy additional training and examination requirements, including successful completion of all examinations conducted by the Office of
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
$52,860 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (At least 18 years of age; high school graduate or have GED, and be able to read, write and speak the English language; two (2) recent (wi...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Must successfully complete ar hours in paramedic related studies, with eight (8) of those hours in Pediatric related topics and ten (10)...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. 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.).
- 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: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $52,860, EMT/Paramedics in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $58,410. Tennessee ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$52,860Hourly estimate
$25.4110% below national median
Difference: -$5,550
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking
#33 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $100,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $80,100 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $75,400 |
| #4 | Oregon | $73,380 |
| #5 | California | $72,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $52,860 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $47,650 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,570 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $51,110 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $51,740 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $45,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $51,290 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $45,710 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $55,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams 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 | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-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
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 EMT/Paramedic in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for EMT/Paramedics in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for EMT/Paramedics.
What education do you need to become a EMT/Paramedic in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Tennessee is $52,860. Salaries range from $38,310 (10th percentile) to $75,960 (90th percentile).
How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
EMT/Paramedics in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $52,860.
How many EMT/Paramedics work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 3,320 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic 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 EMT/Paramedics 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 EMT/Paramedic license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.