Physician Assistant / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Tennessee data shows for Physician Assistants

Tennessee's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 3,568 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Tennessee folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

The initial price tag is $214, and renewal costs $195 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 100-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For physician assistants, the reciprocity picture is: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,568 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$214
Renewal Fee
$195
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Physician Assistant All Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 3568 education/training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), and a $214 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee licenses physician assistants who complete its requirements (3568 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Tennessee licensing board.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
For physician assistants, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the physician assistant licensing process in Tennessee. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $195 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.