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

Official source: licensing in Tennessee is administered by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Tennessee.

Apply on Official Site

Reduced Practice

CNS recognized as APRN; prescribing requires a certificate of fitness and a collaborating physician with control/responsibility for prescriptive services (TN Board of Nursing Rule 1000-04-.04; T.C.A. § 63-7-126).

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

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.

RN Requirements View Tennessee RN Requirements