Physician Assistant / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Physician Assistant License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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

What the Tennessee data shows for Physician Assistants

To practice as a physician assistant in Tennessee, the state licensing board requires 3,568 documented education or training hours, a passing score on the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) examination. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Tennessee's professional licensing framework, which classifies training as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Upfront cost is $214, with renewal running $195 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity is available: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

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
0

License Reciprocity

PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states

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?
Tennessee requires 3568 education/training hours, passing an exam (PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)), and an initial fee of $214. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Tennessee?
To become a licensed physician assistant in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 3568 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Tennessee from another state?
Tennessee has reciprocity provisions: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Tennessee licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing?
Yes, Tennessee requires a criminal background check as part of the physician assistant licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Tennessee?
Licensed physician assistants in Tennessee must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $195.

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

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