CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by TN Board of Healthcare

Surgical Technologists Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surgical technologists 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 Surgical Technologists in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    617-8345,

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Affidavit or referral required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification may substitute for license requirements.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  7. 7

    Surgical assistants usually have prior medical training, along with formal training in the surgical assisting discipline.

  8. 8

    In order to qualify for registration, you must qualify under one of the following pathways (certification, training, or experience).

  9. 9

    Candidates for a surgical assisting certificate may enroll in an undergraduate or graduate level program depending on prior education completed.

  10. 10

    Most programs require students to complete a minimum number of hours in a clinical setting.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification, training, or experience)

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Board of Medical Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $56,370 median (10% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 49 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Surgical Technologists licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Board of Medical Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $56,370, Surgical Technologistss in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $62,830. Tennessee ranks #39 among 49 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

$56,370

Hourly estimate

$27.10
10% below national median

Difference: -$6,460

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,060
  • P2525th percentile$50,090
  • P50Median$56,370
  • P7575th percentile$62,850
  • P9090th percentile$73,110

State vs National Median

State: $56,370
National: $62,830

Total employment: 2,470 | Annual openings: N/A

Surgical Technologists Salary Ranking

#39 of 49 statesfor Surgical Technologists median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$81,120
#2Connecticut$80,590
#3Oregon$79,410
#4Alaska$79,040
#5Massachusetts$78,300

Nearby States Comparison

Surgical Technologists licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$56,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$52,240No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$63,460Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$58,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$60,880Degree requiredState exam required5-18 years
Alabama$48,920Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$48,020Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$53,400Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$60,420Degree 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.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama50LowState-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 • Board of Medical Examiners

"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243

Phone: N/A

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$364,200Specific course required1-18 years
Athletic Trainer$54,040Degree required3 months
Audiologist$89,670Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologists 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 Surgical Technologistss in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Surgical Technologistss.

What education do you need to become a Surgical Technologists in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Surgical Technologists licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Surgical Technologists salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Surgical Technologistss in Tennessee is $56,370. Salaries range from $47,060 (10th percentile) to $73,110 (90th percentile).

How does the Surgical Technologists salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Surgical Technologistss in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $62,830, with a state median of $56,370.

How many Surgical Technologistss work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 2,470 Surgical Technologistss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Surgical Technologists 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 Surgical Technologistss in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Board of Medical Examiners. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Surgical Technologists license in Tennessee?

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