Tanner went to college at Brigham Young University in Provo where he studied Spanish in addition to his pre-med studies. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences.

After graduating from his PA program at A.T. Still, Tanner pursued his interest in mental health and worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital where he treated adolescents with acute psychiatric needs; later, he transitioned full time to outpatient psychiatry and treated adolescents and adults of all ages with a variety of mental illnesses. After a little over two years in the mental health field, Tanner wanted to expand and hone his skills as a primary care provider which brought him to Integrated Medical Services. In addition to being a family medicine provider, Tanner is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants as well as the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants.