LPN license requirements in Tennessee
If you’re planning to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee, you’re entering one of the state’s most consistently in-demand healthcare roles. Tennessee LPNs work across long-term care, hospitals, clinics, home health, schools, and corrections and with healthcare demand growing steadily across both urban and rural parts of the state, licensed LPNs rarely struggle to find work.
Tennessee is also a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If Tennessee is your primary state of residence and you meet all Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a multistate license that allows you to practice in participating compact states and jurisdictions. That gives you real flexibility whether you’re picking up shifts across state lines, considering travel nursing, or thinking about relocating down the road.
This guide covers every requirement, cost, step, and timeline you need to know to get licensed in Tennessee and how to start working as quickly as possible once you are.
Tennessee LPN requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED | Required |
| Nursing Program | Tennessee Board of Nursing-approved practical nursing program, typically completed in 12 to 18 months | Required |
| Licensing Exam | NCLEX-PN administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of NCSBN | Required |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check completed through the Tennessee Board of Nursing | Required |
| License Application | Submitted through the Tennessee Board of Nursing online licensing portal | Required |
| Compact License | If Tennessee is your primary state of residence and you meet all Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a multistate license that allows you to practice in participating compact states and jurisdictions. | Included |
Who oversees LPN licensing in Tennessee?
Tennessee LPN licensing flows through a straightforward set of agencies. Here’s who handles what at each stage:
| Agency | Abbreviation | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Board of Nursing | TBON | Approves all practical nursing programs in Tennessee, issues LPN licenses, establishes statewide licensing and scope-of-practice standards, and manages applications, background checks, and license renewals. |
| National Council of State Boards of Nursing | NCSBN | Develops and owns the NCLEX-PN examination, the national licensing exam every LPN candidate must pass before receiving a Tennessee nursing license. |
| Pearson VUE | Testing Vendor | Administers the NCLEX-PN at testing centers throughout Tennessee, manages candidate scheduling, delivers the exam, and reports results back to the Tennessee Board of Nursing. |
How to become an LPN in Tennessee – step by step
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling, confirm you’re at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Most Tennessee LPN programs also require a minimum GPA, entrance exam scores (TEAS or HESI are common), proof of immunizations, and a current CPR certification. Requirements vary by program, so always verify directly with your chosen school before applying.
Complete a Tennessee Board of Nursing-Approved Practical Nursing Program
Enroll in a program approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Programs typically run 12 to 18 months full-time and are available through Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) campuses, community colleges, and select hospital-affiliated schools. TCAT programs are especially well-regarded and often among the most affordable options in the state. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, patient care, clinical skills, and supervised hands-on clinical training.
Apply for Licensure Through the Tennessee Board of Nursing
After graduation, submit your licensure by examination application through the Tennessee Board of Nursing online portal. You’ll provide official transcripts, pay the application fee ($100–$160), and complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Once approved, TBON will issue your Authorization to Test (ATT), allowing you to schedule the NCLEX-PN.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
Register with Pearson VUE and schedule your NCLEX-PN at a Tennessee testing center. The exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), meaning question difficulty and quantity adjust in real time based on your performance. The exam ends once the system reaches a statistically confident pass-or-fail decision.
Receive Your Tennessee LPN License
After passing the NCLEX-PN, TBON processes your results and issues your license, typically within a few weeks. If Tennessee is your primary state of residence, you’ll automatically receive a multistate compact license, allowing you to practice in all participating NLC states.If Tennessee is your primary state of residence and you meet all Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a multistate license that allows you to practice in participating compact states and jurisdictions. Employers verify your credentials through the Tennessee nursing registry before hiring.
What’s on the NCLEX-PN exam?
The NCLEX-PN is the same national exam regardless of which state you’re licensing in. It’s developed by NCSBN and tests whether you have the minimum knowledge and clinical judgment to safely practice as an entry-level LPN. Here’s what to expect:
| Content Area | Approx. % of Exam | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Safe and Effective Care Environment | 20–26% | Infection control, coordinated care, patient safety, legal responsibilities, and ethical nursing practice. |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6–12% | Growth and development across the lifespan, preventive care, health screenings, and patient education. |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9–15% | Mental health, coping strategies, therapeutic communication, substance use disorders, and behavioral health concepts. |
| Physiological Integrity | 47–53% | Basic care and comfort, pharmacology, medication administration, risk reduction, physiological adaptation, and other high-priority clinical nursing concepts. |
Physiological integrity makes up nearly half the exam. Prioritize this section in your study plan, pharmacology and medication calculations are consistently the highest-yield areas within this category on the NCLEX-PN.
How long does it take to become an LPN in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee LPN candidates go from their first day of class to holding an active license in 13 to 20 months. The main variables are your program’s length and pace, and how quickly TBON processes your application after you pass the NCLEX-PN.
| Program Type | Program Length | Total Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Days) | 12 Months | 13–15 Months to Licensed | Fastest Path |
| Standard Full-Time | 14–16 Months | 15–18 Months to Licensed | Most Common Track |
| Part-Time / Evening | 18–24 Months | 20–26 Months to Licensed | Working Adults |
How much does it cost to become an LPN in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers several affordable LPN education pathways, particularly through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) system. Here’s a full breakdown of what to budget for:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN Program Tuition | $4,000 | $18,000 | TCAT campuses are at the very low end and are among the most affordable LPN options in any MyShyft state. Private vocational schools and hospital-affiliated programs usually cost more. |
| Textbooks & Supplies | $300 | $800 | Includes nursing textbooks, clinical uniforms, stethoscope, and lab kit. These may be bundled into tuition at some TCAT programs. |
| NCLEX-PN Exam Fee | $200 | $200 | Fixed national fee set by NCSBN and paid directly to Pearson VUE during exam registration. |
| Tennessee LPN License Fee | $100 | $160 | Paid to TBON as part of your licensure application. Verify the current fee before applying, as fees may change. |
| Fingerprint & Background Check | ~$50 | ~$75 | Costs vary slightly depending on fingerprinting location and vendor. |
| NCLEX Prep Course (Optional) | $0 | $300 | Optional but commonly used. Kaplan, ATI, and UWorld are popular options, though many programs include prep resources at no extra cost. |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$4,650 | ~$19,535 | Lower end assumes TCAT enrollment with minimal prep costs. Higher end reflects private program tuition plus a full NCLEX prep course. |
Tennessee Hope Scholarships, Tennessee Reconnect, and workforce development grants through Tennessee’s labor department may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially for TCAT programs. Contact your program’s financial aid office before paying tuition to see what’s available to you.
Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, specialty, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, certifications, and experience level.
LPN salary and job outlook in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee LPN salaries are competitive relative to the state’s cost of living, and demand is strong and growing, particularly in long-term care and home health. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga typically pay above the statewide average, but rural markets often offer faster hiring and sign-on incentives to attract qualified LPNs.
| Role / Setting | Avg. Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LPN, Long-Term Care / SNF | $44,000–$50,000 | Most common LPN placement in Tennessee; consistent demand statewide including rural areas. |
| LPN, Hospital | $48,000–$56,000 | Availability varies by unit and hospital system; higher acuity than LTC. |
| LPN, Physician Office / Clinic | $42,000–$48,000 | Regular daytime hours; lower acuity; popular for work-life balance. |
| LPN, Home Health / Hospice | $46,000–$54,000 | Growing demand driven by Tennessee’s aging population; mileage typically reimbursed. |
| LPN, Nashville / Memphis Metro | $25–$30/hr | Tennessee’s largest healthcare markets pay above the statewide average. |
| LPN, Top 10% Earners (Tennessee) | $62,000+ | Typically experienced LPNs in hospital or specialty settings with overtime. |
Salary Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, specialty, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, certifications, and experience level.
Tennessee’s NLC compact license, what it means for you
NLC (Tennessee is a full Nurse Licensure Compact member): If Tennessee is your primary state of residence and you meet all Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a multistate license that allows you to practice in participating compact states and jurisdictions.
This is a meaningful advantage whether you’re thinking about travel nursing, picking up cross-state shifts, or planning a future relocation. Your Tennessee license travels with you across compact states, no extra paperwork, no extra fees.
| Compact Detail | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Tennessee Compact Status | If Tennessee is your primary state of residence and you meet all LPN Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a multistate license that allows you to practice in participating compact states and jurisdictions. (NLC). |
| States Covered | 43 compact jurisdictions as of 2026, including Ohio, Indiana, Texas, Florida, and most other participating U.S. states. |
| Coming from Another Compact State? | If you hold an active multistate LPN license from another compact state, you can practice in Tennessee immediately without applying for a separate Tennessee license. Your existing compact license already grants practice privileges. |
| What You Need to Qualify | Tennessee must be your primary state of residence. If you live in Tennessee but currently hold a single-state license from a non-compact state, you’ll need to apply to TBON for licensure by endorsement. |
| Does It Cover CNAs or Med Aides? | No. The Nurse Licensure Compact only applies to RNs and LPNs. CNA and CMA (Medication Aide) credentials require separate state-specific reciprocity when relocating. |
| If You Move Out of Tennessee | Your multistate license remains valid until you establish primary residence in another state. Once residency changes, you’ll apply for licensure in your new home state. If that state is also part of the compact, the process is generally straightforward. |
Tennessee borders several other compact states, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are all compact members. Your Tennessee LPN license gives you broad flexibility across the entire region without additional licensing costs.
Where can you work as an LPN in Tennessee?
Tennessee LPNs have a wide range of settings to choose from. The state’s combination of strong urban healthcare systems and significant rural demand creates opportunities at both ends of the spectrum, fast-paced hospital environments and quieter community-based roles alike.
| Work Setting | What to Expect | Typical Schedule | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities | Medication administration, wound care, resident assessments, and RN coordination. The most common LPN placement in Tennessee, with strong demand across both urban and rural areas. | 12-hr shifts, rotating days/nights | New LPNs building experience |
| Hospitals | Higher acuity and faster pace. LPN opportunities vary by hospital and unit, with positions most commonly found on rehabilitation, long-term acute care, and med-surg floors. | 8- or 12-hr shifts | Experienced LPNs seeking hospital exposure |
| Physician Offices & Clinics | Patient intake, vital signs, injections, prior authorizations, and patient education. Lower-acuity environment with predictable daytime hours and limited weekend requirements. | Standard business hours | Work-life balance priority |
| Home Health & Hospice | One-on-one patient care in a home setting. Demand remains particularly strong in Tennessee due to the state’s aging population and large rural service areas. Mileage reimbursement is commonly provided. | Flexible; case-based | Independent, self-directed LPNs |
| Schools | Health screenings, medication administration, first aid, and student wellness support. | School day hours | LPNs with families or school-age children |
| Correctional Facilities | Chronic disease management, intake assessments, medication administration, and emergency response in a correctional environment. Strong job security and often above-average pay for the region. | Varies; 8- or 12-hr shifts | LPNs seeking stability and competitive pay |
Demand spans Tennessee’s major metro areas, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro as well as rural communities across East, Middle, and West Tennessee where LPN staffing gaps are significant and hiring timelines tend to be faster.
Renewing your Tennessee LPN license
Tennessee LPN licenses renew on a two-year cycle. Unlike some states that use a purely work-activity model, Tennessee requires nurses to maintain continued competence for license renewal. Acceptable activities may include continuing education, employer evaluations, national certifications, academic coursework, or other qualifying professional activities. Verify current renewal requirements directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before each renewal cycle.The specific CE requirements are set by TBON and can be updated between cycles to verify current requirements before your renewal date.
| Renewal Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years from your license expiration date. |
| Continuing Education | Continuing education hours are required by TBON. Verify current CE hour requirements directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before every renewal cycle, as requirements have changed in the past. |
| Renewal Process | Submit your renewal application and fee through the Tennessee Board of Nursing online portal. You’ll attest to CE completion and continued fitness to practice as part of the renewal process. |
| Renewal Fee | Verify the current renewal fee directly with TBON at the time of renewal, as fees are subject to change. |
| Attestation | You must attest that you’ve completed all required CE hours and that there are no disciplinary, legal, or fitness-to-practice issues affecting your eligibility to renew. |
| Compact Renewal Note | If you hold a multistate compact license, renewal is handled entirely through Tennessee (your primary state of residence). No separate renewal is required for other compact states where you practice. |
| If Your License Lapses | Reinstatement through TBON is required. Requirements vary depending on how long your license has been expired. Contact TBON directly for the most current reinstatement procedures. |
| CE Requirements May Change | TBON has updated continuing education requirements in previous renewal cycles. Always confirm the current requirements on the official TBON website before beginning your renewal CE activities. |
Start working on your CE hours well before your renewal deadline, not in the final weeks. If TBON adds mandatory topic requirements mid-cycle (as they have done before), you’ll want time to complete them without rushing.
Transferring an LPN license to Tennessee
If you’re already licensed as an LPN in another state and want to practice in Tennessee, the process depends on whether your current state is an NLC compact member. Tennessee’s full compact membership makes this simpler than it is in non-compact states.
| Requirement | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Coming from a Compact State? | If you hold an active multistate LPN license from another compact state, you can practice in Tennessee immediately without obtaining a separate Tennessee license. If Tennessee becomes your primary state of residence, contact TBON to update your residency and convert to a Tennessee-issued multistate license. |
| Coming from a Non-Compact State? | If you’re licensed in a non-compact state such as Illinois or Michigan, apply for Tennessee licensure by endorsement through the TBON online portal. You’ll need proof of active licensure, official transcripts, and consent for a background check. |
| Active License Required | Your current nursing license must be active and unencumbered. Expired, suspended, revoked, or actively investigated licenses generally do not qualify for endorsement. |
| Good Standing | Applicants must disclose any disciplinary history and meet Tennessee Board of Nursing licensure requirements. |
| Background Check | Tennessee requires a new fingerprint-based criminal background check for all endorsement applicants, even if you’ve completed a background check in another state. |
| NCLEX Retake Required? | Applicants who previously passed the NCLEX-PN generally do not need to retake the examination when applying by endorsement. |
| CE Compliance for Endorsement | TBON may request documentation showing compliance with continuing education requirements if you’re transferring from a state with different renewal standards. Verify current requirements during the application process. |
Ready to start working as an LPN in Tennessee?
Once you hold an active Tennessee LPN license, you can start picking up shifts right away. Tennessee’s healthcare market has consistent LPN demand across long-term care, home health, and clinical settings, and your compact license gives you flexibility across the entire region.
With MyShyft, you can find shifts at facilities near you, work the hours that fit your schedule, and get paid quickly, without sitting through a slow traditional hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.