Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian 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 Veterinarian in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
438-0070
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 6
Certification: Certification required.
- 7
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 8
Or Canadian citizen, or legally entitled to reside in the U.S., and satisfy education and examination requirements.
- 9
Graduate and received a doctorate degree from a school or college of veterinary medicine approved by the Board.
- 10
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE).
- 12
RENEWAL:.
- 13
Contingent on satisfying continuing education requirements.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- continuing education requirements
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
$125,420 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Or Canadian citizen, or legally entitled to reside in the U.S., and satisfy education 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
With a median salary of $125,420, Veterinarians in Tennessee earn 0% below the national median of $125,510. Tennessee ranks #20 among 50 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
$125,420Hourly estimate
$60.300% above national median
Difference: -$90
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#20 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $158,950 |
| #2 | Washington | $155,060 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $148,550 |
| #4 | West Virginia | $134,290 |
| #5 | Vermont | $134,240 |
Nearby States Comparison
Veterinarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $125,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $98,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $124,110 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $123,430 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $115,220 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| Alabama | $98,060 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $101,300 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $100,820 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $119,640 | 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 | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| 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
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: 6155323202
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 Veterinarian 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 Veterinarians in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.
What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Tennessee is $125,420. Salaries range from $83,730 (10th percentile) to $169,400 (90th percentile).
How does the Veterinarian salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in Tennessee earn 0% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $125,420.
How many Veterinarians work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,590 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian 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 Veterinarians 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 Veterinarian license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.