Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Physician Assistant Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician assistant in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physician Assistant in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: 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
$113,990 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of 113,990, Physician Assistants in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $133,260. Tennessee ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$113,990Hourly estimate
$54.8014% below national median
Difference: -$19,270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Assistant Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor Physician Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 163,020 |
| #2 | California | 161,080 |
| #3 | Washington | 156,990 |
| #4 | New York | 152,650 |
| #5 | Oregon | 149,130 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $113,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $110,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $135,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $128,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $109,990 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $101,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $104,570 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $103,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $139,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| 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 | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155324384
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,240 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,760 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,090 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physician Assistants in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physician Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician Assistant licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in Tennessee is 113,990. Salaries range from $91,830 (10th percentile) to $136,970 (90th percentile).
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $133,260, with a state median of 113,990.
How many Physician Assistants work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 2,380 Physician Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistants in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.