The Tennessee Board of Nursing issues and regulates nursing licenses and approves nursing programs in the state. Check with the board for questions about licensure, nursing education, and continuing education.
Steps to Licensure
- Graduate from a board-approved practical or registered nursing program.
- Apply for licensure by examination through the board's online licensing system.
- Complete the required criminal background check with fingerprints.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN.
- Receive your license and renew it on the board's two-year cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pass the NCLEX to be licensed in Tennessee? Yes. The Tennessee Board of Nursing requires you to pass the NCLEX-PN for practical nursing or the NCLEX-RN for registered nursing before it issues a license.
Is a background check required? Yes. Tennessee requires a criminal background check completed with fingerprints as part of the licensure process.
Is Tennessee a compact state? Yes. Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so a Tennessee multistate license lets you practice in other compact states without a separate license.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Tennessee? An associate degree route runs about two years and a BSN about four, plus time for the application, background check, and NCLEX scheduling.
How often do I renew my Tennessee license? The Tennessee Board of Nursing renews RN and LPN licenses every two years, with continuing education due each cycle.
Can I become an advanced practice nurse in Tennessee? Yes. After RN licensure and a graduate APRN program, the board grants an APRN certificate for roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.