NP Advanced Practice

Tennessee Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioner program
  • Hold active RN license in the state
  • Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

ANCC or AANPCB

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

3 Background Check

Fingerprint-based criminal background check
FBI and state background check required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $0
Total $—

Only state with FREE initial APRN application (eliminated 2019)

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 Nurse Practitioner 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

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NLC Compact Member

Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact for RN/LPN licenses.

Learn about NLC benefits →

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 1 official sources Last verified: January 2026