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Tennessee

Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

What the board and the law publish

Each field carries its own source and the date it was checked. A field marked not published means the board's own pages were read and do not address it. Absence in what we checked is not absence at the board. A field marked unverified says what was attempted.

State
published Tennessee, a state. The board's homepage states its mission in terms of Tennesseans and practice within the state.Source: https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · checked 2026-10-05
  • Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice the profession of chiropractic or chiropractic x-ray technology within this state to be qualified. tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html
Licensing body
published The Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The board's contact block and its application form use this name. Its homepage is titled Tennessee Department of Health Board of Chiropractic Examiners and calls itself Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The board was created in 1923 by an act of the State Legislature. The board's homepage states: The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. The 2017 rules filing the board hosts names it Board of Chiropractic Examiners.Source: https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
Statutory authority
published The board states that its statutes are T.C.A. 63-1 (Division of Health Related Boards) and T.C.A. 63-4 (Chiropractors). For its rules, the board's homepage gives a link for Rules and Regulations pertaining to the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners to publications.tnsosfiles.com. The board links the Code to a LexisNexis-hosted site that it says is not maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health; it does not call that site the official code. The board also hosts its own copy of a 2017 rulemaking-hearing filing amending Rules 0260-02-.01, .02, .12, .13, .21 and .24 of Chapter 0260-02, General Rules Governing Chiropractic Examiners, which its homepage labels New Rules for Chiropractors Effective May 18, 2017.Source: https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/tncode · http://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/0260/0260.htm · checked 2026-10-05
Degree requirement
published The board's application instructions (form PH-3545, Rev. 2/17) ask for an official transcript sent directly to the board from a chiropractic school with status with the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The instructions state: Transcripts of grades must show four (4) school years of not less than nine (9) months each. You also need a copy of your chiropractic college diploma; if a diploma has not been awarded, a certified statement from the Chiropractic College must be submitted stating date of graduation and a diploma will be awarded on or before the scheduled examination. For prior education, you need a transcript showing two full academic years of college or university work of at least sixty semester hours or its equivalent from an accredited institution. If you matriculated in chiropractic school in the year 2000 and beyond, you must show proof of a bachelor's degree. The board's homepage states that it accepts graduates from all accredited CCE schools.The application document's instruction pages are marked Rev. 2/17 and its form pages Rev. 02/17; its file name reads FINAL_DRAFT. It is the document the board's homepage links as Application and Procedures for Licensure as a Chiropractor (PH-3545).Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · checked 2026-10-05
Student practice before licensure
published For students: the Chiropractic Preceptor Program, under Rule 0260-02-.21 as amended in the 2017 filing. The board or its designee considers an application on the preceptor's good standing and on the intern serving an internship with a CCE-accredited chiropractic college. Rule 0260-02-.21 sets the program's conditions, and the board's preceptorship policy, ratified July 23, 2015, adds its own. The board publishes an application form for the program. For applicants for licensure: an externship certificate, which the board's documents also call a temporary permit, temporary license or externship license. The board cites T.C.A. 63-4-120 for it. Its conditions appear in the application instructions, the externship policy adopted December 18, 2015, and the externship request form. The request form carries an affidavit, to be completed by the supervisor in the presence of a notary public, stating that the supervisor will have responsibility for direct supervision of the chiropractic services delivered by the above-named applicant. The application instructions state that you must have a notification of licensure in your possession before you may legally practice as a chiropractor in Tennessee.The application instructions, the externship request form and the externship policy describe eligibility differently. The application instructions tie the externship to passing scores outstanding on NBCE Part III/or IV; the request form states that Tennessee only issues temporary licensure to those individuals who are scheduled to take either Part 3 or 4; the policy states that an applicant who has completed all NBCE examinations may also apply. The application instructions state that the externship shall not last longer than three hundred sixty-five (365) days and is valid until the results are made known; the policy states that externship may last beyond licensure. None of these documents reconciles them.Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Policy_Statement_on_Preceptorships.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro_Preceptor_Form.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Chiropractic_Physician_Externship_Policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Temp._Lic._Online_Appl.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
NBCE parts required
published You need proof of completion of the National Chiropractic Board Examination with a minimum grade of 375 on Parts I, II, III, IV, and Physiotherapy, verified directly from the National Board to the board's office. The reciprocity checklist repeats the same list. If you hold a valid unrestricted license to practice, or have practiced, in another state or other regulated jurisdiction for at least two full years but have not taken or passed Part IV, you must show successful completion of the SPEC (see Reciprocity). If you practice acupuncture, Rule 0260-02-.02(4) requires the NBCE Acupuncture Exam (see Scope: what is included).Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
State-specific exam
not published None published. The board's homepage, its chiropractor application and instructions, its externship and preceptor documents, its CE policy and the 2017 rules filing name no state-specific examination. The 2017 filing reproduces the table of contents of Chapter 0260-02, which lists a rule titled Examinations; the filing does not carry that rule's text. For the six-hour course the CE policy names, see Jurisprudence.Read on 2026-10-05: the board's homepage (Applications, Continuing Education, Educational Program, FAQs, Policies, Rules and Statutes tabs); the PH-3545 application and instructions; the externship policy and request form; the preceptorship policy and form; the CE policy (10/2025); the 2017 rules filing SS-7039. Not reached on 2026-10-05: the Secretary of State's rules index for agency 0260 (403); the Tennessee Code Annotated through the board's LexisNexis link (a bot-check script, no statute text).Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Chiropractic_Physician_Externship_Policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Temp._Lic._Online_Appl.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Policy_Statement_on_Preceptorships.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro_Preceptor_Form.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro%20CE%20policy%20update%2010.2025%20(002).pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
Jurisprudence requirement
published A course, as the board states it. The board's CE policy, revised and ratified October 16, 2025, requires a six-hour course for chiropractors under Rule 0260-2-.12(2), in risk management, sexual/professional boundaries and Tennessee statutory and regulatory chiropractic jurisprudence, during the first six months of licensure. Courses meeting Tennessee criteria, and beyond the regular chiropractic education programs, may be taken up to 12 months prior to licensure. The copy of Rule 0260-02-.12(2)(a) reproduced in the 2017 filing states that the six-hour course must be taken within twelve (12) months prior to licensure or within the first six (6) months of licensure. The CE policy names no jurisprudence examination.In the policy, the two strings belong to one sentence; between them, the sentence names the two-hour courses for chiropractic x-ray technologists and chiropractic therapy assistants. The board's homepage also links a New Licensee CE Requirement Policy 2024, a PDF with no text layer.Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro%20CE%20policy%20update%2010.2025%20(002).pdf · https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/updated.ctacxt.policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
Scope: what is included
published Rule 0260-02-.02(2), as amended in the 2017 filing the board hosts, states that the scope of practice shall be as set forth in T.C.A. § 63-4-101 and shall include: the authority, as a portal of entry provider, to make a differential diagnosis that may include the use of patient history, examination techniques, lab analysis and analytical instruments for the purpose of determining vital signs and screening of health status, orthopedic and neurological testing, range of motion and muscles testing and diagnostic evaluation and/or imaging of the human body that may be revealed in a state of pathology; an adjustment, manipulation or treatment, which may include physical therapeutic interventions; referral and related case-management authority; supportive care such as nutritional evaluation, recommendation and supplementation; and the ordering, from a licensed or certified laboratory, analysis of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids, secretions or excretions, for the diagnosis and management of the patient. If you practice acupuncture, Rule 0260-02-.02(4) requires two hundred and fifty hours of an acupuncture course accredited by an agency or entity acceptable to the board, and a pass on the NBCE Acupuncture Exam. Board policy statements place intramuscular stimulation (dry needling) within the scope of practice of chiropractic physicians who have documented clinical knowledge and competency to perform it, and allow therapeutic lasers, defined as non-ablative or non-surgical lasers, to treat conditions within the scope of chiropractic therapy.The board's MUA/MUJA policy, adopted June 6, 2013, states that a licensed Tennessee chiropractic physician may provide MUA and MUJA to a patient who is under anesthesia/analgesia if, and only if the conditions it lists are met.Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Intramuscular_Stimulation_policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Chiro_Therapeutic_Laser_Policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/MUA_MUJA_policy.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
Scope: what is excluded
published A board policy statement adopted November 1, 2012, on laser hair removal and laser skin rejuvenation. The rules set the scope of practice by reference to T.C.A. § 63-4-101.Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/LaserHairRemoval_SkinRejuvenation_Policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · checked 2026-10-05
Continuing education
published If you are a chiropractic physician licensed in Tennessee, you are required to complete twenty-four (24) clock hours of Board-approved continuing education each calendar year, submitted by December 31 of each calendar year. The copy of Rule 0260-02-.12(2)(b) reproduced in the 2017 filing states that new licensees, whether by examination or reciprocity, shall be exempted from the continuing education requirements of Rule 0260-02-.12(1) for the calendar year in which they are licensed, but must take the six-hour course (see Jurisprudence). The CE policy states that, effective January 1, 2019, licensees shall submit proof through CE Broker. If you practice acupuncture, you shall have six classroom hours each year of the required twenty-four in acupuncture. A maximum of six credit hours may be granted for distance learning courses during each calendar year; if you practice acupuncture, three of these six may pertain to acupuncture. The CE policy states that the board accepts for license renewal courses conducted by the ICA, ACA and TCA, and courses approved by the TCA or FCLB/PACE consistent with Rule 0260-02-.12; no courses on philosophy or practice-building are approved. With regard to FCLB/PACE approval, the policy states that, as of June 1, 2017, courses must be listed on the PACE website 30 days in advance of the date the course is to begin; that The FCLB/PACE logo must additionally be listed on the submitted certificate; and that Courses offered by third party entities regardless of cooperation with a PACE recognized provider will not be approved.The board's homepage states: At this time, it is not required that licensees register for an account; the CE policy, ratified October 16, 2025, states that licensees shall submit proof of continuing education through CE Broker. In the copy of Rule 0260-02-.12(2)(b) in the 2017 filing, the two strings quoted from it are one sentence; between them, the sentence cites paragraph (1) of the rule.Source: https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro%20CE%20policy%20update%2010.2025%20(002).pdf · checked 2026-10-05
Endorsement or reciprocity
published Licensure by reciprocity is available to applicants who have held a valid license in another state for two full years. If you hold a valid unrestricted license to practice, or have practiced, in another state or other regulated jurisdiction for a period of at least two full years but have not taken or passed NBCE Part IV, you shall be required to provide proof of successful completion of the Special Purposes Examination for Chiropractors (SPEC), with the scores and any additional information the board requests sent directly from the examination agency. The reciprocity checklist also lists NBCE Parts I, II, III, IV and Physiotherapy with a minimum grade of 375. Separately, under the Military Families Licensing Recognition Act, an active military servicemember or the spouse of one may qualify for recognition of an occupational license issued by another state.Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · checked 2026-10-05
  • Licensure by Reciprocity is available to applicants who have held a valid license in another state for two (2) full years. tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf
  • Applicants who possesses a valid unrestricted license to practice or have practiced in another State or other regulated jurisdiction for a period of at least two (2) full years BUT have not taken or passed Part IV on the NBCE shall be required to provide proof of successful completion of the Special Purposes Examination for Chiropractors (SPEC) as administered by the National Board and must request the examination scores and any additional information requested by the Board be submitted directly from the examination agency. tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf
  • Pursuant to the Military Families Licensing Recognition Act, an active military servicemember or spouse of an active military servicemember may qualify for recognition in this state of an occupational license issued by another state. tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html
Summary
published Tennessee licenses chiropractors through the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners, under T.C.A. 63-1 and 63-4 and Rule Chapter 0260-02. You need a transcript from a chiropractic school with status with the CCE's Commission on Accreditation showing four (4) school years of not less than nine (9) months each, two full academic years of prior college or university work of at least sixty semester hours or its equivalent from an accredited institution, a bachelor's degree if you matriculated in chiropractic school in the year 2000 and beyond, and NBCE Parts I, II, III, IV and Physiotherapy with a minimum grade of 375. The board's documents name no state-specific exam; the 2017 filing lists a rule titled Examinations but does not carry its text. The CE policy requires a six-hour course in risk management, sexual/professional boundaries and Tennessee statutory and regulatory chiropractic jurisprudence during the first six months of licensure; courses meeting Tennessee criteria, and beyond the regular chiropractic education programs, may be taken up to 12 months prior to licensure. The Chiropractic Preceptor Program covers interns serving an internship with a CCE-accredited chiropractic college. An externship certificate covers an applicant who has met all the qualifications and requirements for licensure where the application is complete except for obtaining passing scores on the NBCE Part III/or IV on the national board examination, and the externship policy states that An applicant who has completed all NBCE examinations may also apply for an externship certificate; the conditions for each are under Student practice. Continuing education is twenty-four clock hours of Board-approved continuing education each calendar year; new licensees, whether by examination or reciprocity, shall be exempted for the calendar year in which they are licensed but must take the six-hour course. Reciprocity is available if you have held a valid license in another state for two full years, with the SPEC required where you have not taken or passed NBCE Part IV.Source: https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/ceb.html · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/7039_as_signed_by_Secretary.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Online_Application.FINAL_DRAFT.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro%20CE%20policy%20update%2010.2025%20(002).pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Chiropractic_Physician_Externship_Policy.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/chiro/Chiro_Preceptor_Form.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/DC_Temp._Lic._Online_Appl.pdf · https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Policy_Statement_on_Preceptorships.pdf · checked 2026-10-05

Recorded limit. The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards publishes a record for each board at https://www.fclb.org/. That site returned HTTP 403 to us when checked on 2026-10-04, so its record could not be read.

The board is the authority on everything here. Requirements change. Confirm anything you intend to act on with the board directly.

Cite this entry. Tennessee licensure. In The Kaleidoscope. ChiroTrack. Last verified 5 October 2026. https://kaleidoscope.thechirotrack.com/licensure-tennessee.html. Accessed ________.

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