CNS
Advanced Practice
Tennessee Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tennessee
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$—
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
reduced
Reduced Practice
Reduced practice authority with some limitations
Prescriptive Authority: Certificate of Fitness required; physician collaboration
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AACN
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
3 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Total | $— |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $110 |
Continuing Education Requirements
2
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle
2 hrs substance abuse minimal requirement
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tennessee, you must first hold an active RN license. Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
Official Name
Tennessee Board of Nursing
Phone
615-532-5166
Free Tools
Check License Reciprocity
See if your license transfers
Calculate Costs
Estimate total licensing costs
Track CE Hours
Stay on top of requirements
Readiness Checklist
Prepare your application
Practice Map
Where can you practice?
Other APRN Types in Tennessee
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 1 official sources • Last verified: January 2026