Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 3/26/2020
Become a Nurse in Tennessee – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Tennessee | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Yes |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Yes |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Tennessee Nursing Salaries
| TN Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Nashville-Davidson—Murfressboro—Franklin Annual Mean Wage | Memphis, TN-MS-AR Annual Mean Wage | Knoxville Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $40,120 | $43,150 | $43,150 | $38,420 |
Registered Nurse | $61,320 | $63,830 | $66,350 | $58,020 |
Nurse Practitioner | $95,990 | $90,110 | $107,210 | $95,490 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $150,880 | $147,770 | $150,810 | $150,370 |
Nurse Midwife | $85,040 | $81,120 | Not Available | Not Available |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Tennessee in March 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Tennessee. The one you take will mostly depend on the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The more education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Tennessee, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Tennessee nursing licenses on this page. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in healthcare, it’s sometimes difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Tennessee, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
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Compact State Status
Tennessee is a Nursing Licensure Compact State.
Prescriptive Authority in Tennessee
In Tennessee, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may apply for prescriptive authority for controlled substances under schedule II to V in collaboration with physicians, according to the Rules of The Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in Tennessee
Education: Advanced practice nursing education at post-basic professional nursing level with master’s or higher degree in a nursing specialty.
Examination: Varies according to prerequisite national certification
Certification Required: Varies according to specialty area, but must include current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license
Fees: No initial application fee
Renewal: Advance Practice Nurse licenses in Tennessee expire biennially. Two hours of continuing education on prescribing controlled substances are required for renewal.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Tennessee
Education: Approved school of nursing
Examination: NCLEX-RN
Fees:
- No initial application fee for licensure by exam
- $115 Licensure by Endorsement
- $200 Examination
Endorsement: RNs may apply for licensure by endorsement with approved education and licensure in another state.
Renewal: Registered Nurse licenses in Tennessee expire biennially, on the last day of the nurse’s birth month.
Learn more about how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tennessee
Education: School approved by board
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- No initial application fee for licensure by exam
- $115 Licensure by Endorsement
- $200 Examination
Endorsement: LPNs may apply for licensure by endorsement with approved education and licensure in another state.
Renewal: Licensed Practical Nurse licenses in Tennessee expire biennially, on the last day of the nurse’s birth month.
Learn more about how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information on the above nursing careers in Tennessee was retrieved from the Tennessee Board of Nursing as of March 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED