Tennessee nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Tennessee license by endorsement: the application fee ($150 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Tennessee Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. TBI and FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check required for initial licensure applicants; fingerprinting via IdentoGO. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $140 |
| Continuing education | No fixed CE hours: renewal requires evidence of two items from a 14-item list (e.g., 10 contact hours of CE, national certification, employer evaluation). |
How to get your Tennessee license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Tennessee without applying again. If you move your residence to Tennessee, you apply for a Tennessee license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $150 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Tennessee
- Continuing competence documentation must be kept 4 years; audits are conducted monthly and documents are submitted only if requested.
- Declaration of Primary State of Residence form is required when moving into or out of Tennessee.
What RNs earn in Tennessee
The BLS median for registered nurses in Tennessee is $38.00 per hour, about $79,030 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Tennessee.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $39.02 | $81,170 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $38.10 | $79,250 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $37.47 | $77,930 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $36.96 | $76,870 |
| Morristown, TN | $36.84 | $76,640 |
| Cleveland, TN | $36.65 | $76,230 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Tennessee · Tennessee state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Tennessee Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- tn.gov/health/licensure/nurs.html (board website, endorsement application, fees, renewal fee, renewal, Nursys verification, state notes)
- tn.gov/health/licensure/cbc.html (background check)
- tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/nursing/continuing-e (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Tennessee nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Tennessee Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $150 for an RN and $150 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Tennessee a nurse licensure compact state?
Tennessee is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee license?
The Tennessee Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Tennessee licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
Moving to Tennessee? See what RNs get paid near you.
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Your RN pay reportTennessee · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Select MedicalNashville, TN · 3 postings$46.94/ hr$40–$54
- Methodist Le Bonheur HealthcareMemphis, TN · 2 wage offers$41.69/ hr$36–$46
- CommonSpirit HealthCHATTANOOGA, TN · 26 postings$41.18/ hr$25–$55
- Acadia HealthcareNashville, TN · 3 postings$40.54/ hr$34–$47
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer published or reported in federal filings.
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46 RN postings with published pay in Tennessee, 40 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
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