Licensing Requirements for Physician Assistants: A Comprehensive Overview

Table of Contents

• Before you can legally practice medicine, you need to be licensed by the state where you plan to work. While the requirements for physician assistant licensing are similar across the US, no two states have the exact same standards or application process. If you're curious about what it takes to become a licensed PA in your state, find it on the list below to answer your questions.

• Overview of physician assistant licensing

• Physician assistants must be licensed in each state where they intend to practice medicine. All states require PAs to have passed the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination). The majority also require graduation from a physician assistant degree program, though some will accept select military training in lieu of this requirement. Along with education requirements, most states still require physician assistants to have a supervising physician in order to practice, and ask for proof that this relationship has been established as part of the application's supporting documents. Other common requirements include a background check, exams on state medical laws, documentation of your work history, or character references.

• State-by-state licensure requirements

• Alabama

  Alabama Board of Medical Examiners Application fees:
  • $200 licensure fee
  • $65 background check fee
  • $100 registration with each supervising physician
  Applicants must graduate from an accredited PA program and submit their diploma along with a notarized License Application. The timeline for licensure is 3-5 months.

  Alaska

  Alaska State Medical Board Application fee: $500 Applications must be notarized and include a certified copy of a PA diploma and PA-C certification. It takes an average of 6 months to obtain licensure.

  Arizona

  Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants Application fees:
  • $400 licensure fee
  • $50 fingerprints and background check
  Applicants must have current NCCPA certification and have graduated from an accredited PA program. The timeline for licensure is 2-3 months.

  Arkansas

  Arkansas State Medical Board Application fees:
  • $400 licensure fee
  • $100 CCVS assessment
  Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree as well as a PA diploma. It takes an average of 3-5 months to receive your license.

  California

  California Physician Assistant Board Application fees:
  • $200 initial licensing fee
  • $25 application fee
  • $49 fingerprint processing fee
  Applicants must have graduated from an accredited physician assistant program, and it takes an average of 6 months to receive a license.

  Colorado

  Colorado Board of Medicine Application fee: $304 Applicants must hold a diploma from an accredited PA program and have a verified practice history, as well as submitting a primary physician supervisor registration form. The timeline for licensure is 2-3 months.

  Connecticut

  Connecticut Division of Medical Quality Assurance Application fee: $190 Applicants must submit transcripts from both their baccalaureate degree and an accredited PA program, as well as proof of PA-C certification and at least 60 hours of pharmacology instruction. The timeline for licensure is 2-3 months.

  Delaware

  Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline Application fee: $217 Applicants must submit a criminal history check and copy of their PA diploma, as well as a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. It takes an average of 3-4 months to receive your license.

  District of Columbia

  District of Columbia Board of Medicine Application fee: $230 Along with PA school transcripts and exam scores, applicants must submit a criminal background check, three character references, and a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. The timeline of licensure varies depending on the Board of Medicine's review schedule.

  Florida

  Florida Board of Medicine Application fees:
  • $100 application fee
  • $205 license fee
  Applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited PA program, proof of PA-C certification, and a physician supervision data form. It takes 2-3 months on average to receive your license.

  Georgia

  Georgia Composite Medical Board Application fee: $300 Applicants must have graduated from an accredited PA program and submit proof along with their current resume, a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank, and two references from licensed physicians. The average timeline for licensure is 4 months.

  Hawaii

  Hawaii Medical Board Application fee: $107-$182 depending on licensure year Applicants must submit a copy of a PA degree, proof of PA-C certification, and verification from a supervising physician along with their application. The timeline for licensure is 4-7 months.

  Idaho

  Idaho Board of Medicine Application fee: $200 Applicants must submit PA-C verification and proof of graduation from both an accredited PA program and a baccalaureate degree, along with two certificates of recommendation, a supervising physician form, an application for prescription privileges, and a training program form completed by their PA degree program. The timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

  Illinois

  Illinois Division of Professional Regulation Application fees:
  • $50 application fee
  • $60 background check
  Applicants must have graduated from an accredited PA program and have current PA-C certification. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  Indiana

  Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - PA Committee Application fees:
  • $250 application fee
  • $38.20 background check
  Applicants must submit official transcripts from their PA program and proof of PA-C certification, with an average timeline of 3 months to obtain a license.

  Iowa

  Iowa Board of Physician Assistants Application fee: $120 Applicants must have official transcripts sent directly from their PA program, or submit documentation from the Federation Credentials Verification Service, as well as notification of the identity of their supervising physician. The timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

  Kansas

  Kansas Board of Healing Arts Application fee: $200 Applicants must send official transcripts from an accredited PA program, or submit documentation of equivalent military training, along with a professional recommendation and a supervising physician and drug prescription protocol form. The timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

  Kentucky

  Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure Application fees:
  • $100 application fee
  • $100 for each supervising physician form
  Applicants must have graduated from an accredited PA program and have current PA-C certification. The timeline for licensure is 4-8 weeks.

  Louisiana

  Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners Application fees:
  • $275 application fee
  • $46.25 criminal background check
  Applicants must submit their PA program diploma, a notarized Oath of Affirmation and Third Party Authorization, a character reference from a known physician, and complete an FCVS Application. It takes 3 months to receive a license on average.

  Maine

  Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine Application fees:
  • $200 application fee
  • $50 registration with supervising medical doctor
  Applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited PA program and PA-C credentials, as well as scoring at least 75% on a board-created online exam. The timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

  Maryland

  Maryland Board of Physicians Application fee: $225 Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited PA program, as well as a baccalaureate degree or at least 120 credit hours at the university level. The process takes 2-4 weeks on average.

  Massachusetts

  Massachusetts Board of Registration of Physician Assistants Application fee: $225 Applicants must submit proof of a Bachelor's degree, official transcripts from an accredited PA program, and a criminal record form, along with a 13-page application which includes a Supervising Physician form and Work Setting Information form. The timeline for licensure is 2-3 weeks.

  Michigan

  Michigan Task Force on Physician's Assistants Application fees:
  • $90 application fee
  • $63 criminal background check
  Applicants must submit official transcripts from an accredited PA program and proof of PA-C certification. The timeline for licensure is 6-8 weeks.

  Minnesota

  Minnesota Board of Medical Practice Application fee: $280 Applicants must submit verification of PA program education and PA-C certification, along with two recommendations from healthcare professionals. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  Mississippi

  Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure Application fee: $550 The initial application must include proof of PA-C credentials and graduation from a PA program, as well as two references from training physicians and an explanation of gaps in their work or education history. Once this is accepted, the applicant will be interviewed by the Board of Medical Licensure and must pass a background check and jurisprudence exam. The timeline for licensure is 3-5 months.

  Missouri

  Missouri State Advisory Commission for Physician Assistants Application fee: $195 Applicants must submit official transcripts from an accredited PA program, a letter of reference from their PA program director, and a Verification of Supervision. It takes 3-4 months on average to receive your license.

  Montana

  Montana Board of Medical Examiners Application fees:
  • $325 application fee
  • $25 supervising agreement application fee
  Applicants must submit an official copy of their PA program diploma, a supervision agreement, and a self-query form from the NPDB. After application review, they'll have a brief interview with the Board of Medical Examiners, either in person or over the phone. The license is typically issued within 1-2 weeks of a successful interview.

  Nebraska

  Nebraska Board of Examiners in Medicine and Surgery Application fees:
  • $150 application fee
  • $45.25 criminal background check
  Applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited PA program. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  Nevada

  Nevada Board of Medical Examiners Application fees:
  • $300 application fee
  • $200-$400 registration fee (depending on year)
  • $75 background investigation fee
  Applicants must submit an official diploma from an accredited PA program, proof of PA-C certification, two letters of recommendation from practicing physicians, a Notification of Supervision from their supervising physician, and a self-query form from the NPDB. Once the application is reviewed, they must score 75% or higher on a Jurisprudence Exam to receive a license. The timeline for licensure is 4-5 months.

  New Hampshire

  New Hampshire Board of Medicine Application fees:
  • $115 application fee
  • $48.25 criminal background check
  Applicants must submit proof of graduation from a PA program and PA-C certification, along with two letters of reference and a Supervisory Form completed by their principal and backup supervising physicians. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  New Jersey

  New Jersey Physician Assistant Advisory Committee Application fee: $125 Applicants must submit an official copy of their PA program transcripts and diploma, as well as those from any other schools they've attended. Most applicants receive their license within 8-12 weeks.

  New Mexico

  New Mexico Medical Board Application fee: $186 Applicants must submit proof of graduation from a PA program and PA-C credentials, as well as two letters of recommendation, verification of healthcare work experience, and a Supervising Physician Statement of Responsibility. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  New York

  New York State Board for Medicine - Office of the Professions Application fee: $115 Applicants must submit official transcripts from their PA program and Bachelor's degree program. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  North Carolina

  North Carolina Medical Board Application fee: $242.75 Applicants must submit a diploma from an accredited PA program along with three professional references, at least one from a physician. The timeline for licensure is 4-5 months.

  North Dakota

  North Dakota Board of Medicine Application fees:
  • $55 application fee
  • $44.50 Criminal Record Inquiry fee
  Applicants must submit a copy of their PA program diploma and PA-C certificate along with a Supervision Contract form and Prescriptive Authority form. The average timeline is 2-3 months.

  Ohio

  Ohio State Medical Board Application fee: $200 Applicants must submit transcripts from a PA program, or proof of equivalent military training or licensure in another US state, along with their PA-C credentials, a resume, and two character references, at least one from a physician. It takes 10-12 weeks to receive a license on average.

  Oklahoma

  Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision Application fees:
  • $150 application fee
  • $35 background check fee
  Applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited PA program and PA-C certification. The timeline for licensure is 2-3 months.

  Oregon

  Oregon Medical Board Application fees:
  • $245 application fee
  • $48 criminal background check
  • $52 licensing fee
  Applicants must submit a copy of their PA program diploma, a recent photograph, and a self-query report from the NPDB, as well as passing an open-book exam on the Medical Practice Act. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  Pennsylvania

  Pennsylvania Board of Medicine Application fee: $30 Applicants must submit transcripts from their Bachelor's degree program and a Verification of Education form completed by their PA program, along with a self-query form from the NPDB and a CV. The timeline for licensure is 5-7 months.

  Rhode Island

  Rhode Island Board of Physician Assistants Application fee: $110 ($310 if applying to prescribe controlled substances) Applicants must send official transcripts from an accredited PA program, a self-query form from the NPDB, and a supervising physician agreement (unless they're working in a hospital setting). The average timeline for licensure is 2-3 months.

  South Carolina

  South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners Application fees:
  • $120 application fee
  • $40 prescriptive authority fee
  Applicants must have graduated from an accredited PA program and hold PA-C certification. They must also pass a test over the South Carolina Physician Assistant Practice Act and submit three letters of recommendation. The timeline for licensure is 3-5 months.

  South Dakota

  South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners Application fee: $75 Applicants must submit official transcripts from an accredited PA program. The timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

  Tennessee

  Tennessee Committee on Physician Assistants Application fee: $335 Applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited PA program and PA-C certification, along with two letters of recommendation and a supervising physician form. It takes an average of 6 weeks to receive a license.

  Texas

  Texas Physician Assistant Board Application fees:
  • $205 application fee
  • $61 Jurisprudence Exam registration
  • $41 criminal background check
  Applicants must submit a copy of their PA program diploma and proof of PA-C certification, as well as passing the Texas PA Jurisprudence Examination. The timeline for licensure is 4-6 months.

  Utah

  Utah Physician Assistant Licensing Board Application fees:
  • $180 application fee
  • $100 prescription capability fee
  Applicants must submit official transcripts from an accredited PA program, as well as passing a Controlled Substance Examination and a Physician Assistant Law and Rules Exam. The average timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

  Vermont

  Vermont Board of Medical Practice Application fee: $170 Applicants must submit a certificate of graduation from a PA program, two reference forms, and an employment contract with a physician complete with a primary and secondary supervising physician form. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  Virginia

  Virginia Board of Medicine Application fees:
  • $130 application fee
  • $15 application for PA practice
  Applicants must have graduated from an accredited PA program and have active PA-C certification. Applications are typically processed in 6-8 weeks.

  Washington

  Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission Application fee: $116 Applicants must send official transcripts and proof of graduation from an accredited PA program. Applications are processed in 4-6 weeks on average.

  West Virginia

  West Virginia Board of Medicine Application fee: $250 Applicants must submit proof of graduation from a PA program and PA-C certification, a self-query form from the NPDB, a character reference from a practicing physician, and proposed employment information. The timeline for licensure is 3-4 months.

  Wisconsin

  Wisconsin Medical Examining Board Application fee: $150 Applicants must have graduated from a PA program, have active PA-C credentials, and score 85% or higher on an open-book exam over the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code. The timeline for licensure is 4-5 months.

  Wyoming

  Wyoming Board of Medicine Application fee: $200 Applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited PA program and PA-C certification, along with two letters of reference, one from a physician, and an Application for Supervising Physician before they begin practice. The timeline for licensure is 2-4 months.

• FAQs

• How often does a physician assistant license need to be renewed?

  Just like licensing requirements, this varies between states. Some require renewal every year, while others are renewed every other year, or only in even or odd years. Check with the same agency that grants licenses in your state to learn the renewal requirements.

  What else do I need to do to maintain a PA license?

  Nearly every state has a continuing medical education (CME) requirement. This typically matches the NCCPA's certification maintenance requirements of 100 credits every 2 years. The only states without CME requirements are Illinois, Michigan, Montana, and Wisconsin.

  Can I be licensed as a PA in multiple states at once?

  Absolutely, and this is becoming increasingly common as more medical practitioners add telemedicine services. The recently approved PA Licensure Compact will streamline this process, though it's currently still in development and likely won't begin to grant licenses until 2024. At the moment, you'll still need to apply for a license separately in each state where you want to practice.

  Can physician assistants work outside the United States?

  In some countries, yes. Physician assistants trained in the U.S. can practice in about a dozen countries as of 2022, including Canada, the UK, and Australia.