Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.
Jobs (TN)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Tennessee
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tennessee, aspiring nurses must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The application process involves submitting an online application to the Tennessee Board of Nursing with a fee of $175, providing a passport-style photo, and undergoing a criminal background check. Tennessee is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs from other compact states to practice there, while those from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Tennessee. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Tennessee requirements
| Licensing body | Tennessee Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $175 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. A criminal background check is required. Continued competence must be demonstrated for renewal through various options, including 5 contact hours of CE (10 if not practicing), national certification, employer evaluation, peer evaluation, patient/family evaluation, contract renewal, self-evaluation, nursing goals document, volunteer nursing, nursing student education, published nursing article, refresher course, comprehensive orientation, 2 hours of nursing credit, or retaking NCLEX. Foreign graduates have additional requirements for credentials evaluation and English language proficiency. |
Source: Tennessee Board of Nursing
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleTennessee license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk