How to Get an RN License in Tennessee (2026): Full Step-by-Step

Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member, so multi-state license holders from other NLC states can practice in Tennessee without applying. If you're moving to TN or your home state isn't a compact member, you'll apply through the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TNBON).

Tennessee is a Compact State

If you hold a multi-state (compact) RN license from an NLC member state and Tennessee is not your primary state of residence, you can practice in Tennessee immediately. If you move to Tennessee, you must apply for a TN compact license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Path 1: By Examination (New Grad)

1. Graduate from a TNBON-approved RN program — or equivalent. Out-of-state grads accepted if program is accredited.
2. Apply on the TNBON portal — tn.gov/health. $115 application fee.
3. Fingerprint via IdentoGO — $38.25.
4. Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX-RN — $200.
5. Pass NCLEX-RN — license issued within 7-10 business days.

Total: ~$353 · Timeline: 45-75 days.

Path 2: By Endorsement

1. Submit endorsement application — $115.
2. Fingerprint — $38.25.
3. Nursys verification — automatic for NLC states, manual otherwise.
4. License issued in 2-6 weeks — Tennessee is one of the faster-processing states.

Total: ~$155 · Timeline: 2-6 weeks.

Continuing Competency

Tennessee renews RN licenses every 2 years on the last day of the birth month. Renewal fee: $100. No specific CE hour mandate, but you must attest to "continuing competency" which is typically interpreted as ongoing clinical practice, CE, or certification. Audits happen randomly to ~5% of renewals.

Tennessee RN Market

Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are all strong RN markets in 2026:

• Nashville (Vanderbilt, HCA, Ascension Saint Thomas): $78-98K, $10-18K sign-on
• Memphis (Methodist Le Bonheur, Baptist Memorial, Regional One): $72-90K, $8-15K sign-on
• Knoxville (Covenant Health, UT Medical): $68-85K, $6-12K sign-on
• Night diff: $5-8/hr

Middle Tennessee is especially hot right now — Vanderbilt's service line expansion and HCA's new facilities are driving aggressive recruiting.

Ava Health places nurses with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA TriStar, Ascension Saint Thomas, Methodist Le Bonheur, Baptist Memorial, Covenant Health, and UT Medical Center. Start at providers.avahealth.co/providers/tennessee.

Related reading: Tennessee Healthcare Recruiting 2026.