Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is an exciting and rewarding career choice, but before you can practice, you must navigate the licensing process. Each state has its own set of requirements for licensure, and understanding these rules is essential for starting your career on the right foot. Whether you're a recent graduate or looking to practice in a new state, knowing the ins and outs of PA licensing is crucial.
Managing these varying requirements can be complex, particularly for PAs working across multiple states. Access Plus Health offers the support PAs need to stay compliant, providing guidance on state-specific licensing and assisting with collaborative agreements. With Access Plus Health, PAs can focus on patient care, assured that their licensing and practice arrangements meet regulatory standards.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key steps and requirements you need to meet to obtain your PA license, along with tips to streamline the process.
Before you can even think about applying for a license, you must complete an accredited PA program. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accredited PA programs in the U.S., and graduation from one of these programs is a fundamental licensing requirement in every state.
Key Takeaway:
Accredited Program Completion: Ensure your PA program is ARC-PA accredited, as this is non-negotiable for licensure.
The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is the next big step. This exam, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), tests your knowledge of medical and surgical content. You must pass the PANCE to obtain a license in any state.
What You Need to Know:
PANCE Timeline: You can take the PANCE as early as seven days after completing your PA program.
Number of Questions: The PANCE consists of 300 multiple-choice questions administered over five hours.
Cost: The PANCE exam fee is $550, and you can take it up to six times within six years if needed.
Once you've graduated and passed the PANCE, it’s time to apply for a state license. Each state has its own board that oversees PA licensing, so requirements can vary slightly. However, most states require:
Proof of Graduation from an accredited PA program.
Passing PANCE Scores.
Background Check: Many states require fingerprinting and a criminal background check as part of the application process.
State-Specific Forms and Fees: Licensing fees range from $100 to $500 depending on the state.
Tip:
Submit Early: Processing times can take weeks or even months, so submit your application as soon as possible after passing the PANCE.
After obtaining your license, maintaining it requires regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. Most states follow the NCCPA’s certification maintenance requirements, which means completing 100 CME credits every two years and passing the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every 10 years.
Key Points:
Track Your CMEs: Ensure you're logging your CME credits to avoid issues with license renewal.
State-Specific CME: Some states have unique CME requirements, such as courses on opioid prescribing or state law updates.
While the general process is consistent, there are some state-specific variations in PA licensing requirements you need to be aware of. For example:
Supervision Requirements: Some states require a specific supervisory agreement with a physician, while others offer more autonomy to PAs.
Temporary Licenses: Certain states offer temporary licenses to new graduates waiting to take or receive results from the PANCE.
State Law Exams: A few states, like California and Florida, require PAs to pass additional exams on state medical laws before they can practice.
What This Means for You:
Research Your State: Every state is different, so familiarize yourself with the requirements of the state where you intend to practice. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) offers resources to help you understand each state's licensing regulations.
Navigating the PA state licensing process can feel overwhelming, but with a clear understanding of the steps, you can simplify the journey. From graduating from an accredited program and passing the PANCE to applying for state licensure and keeping up with CME requirements, staying organized and proactive is key.
Make sure you check the specific rules for the state where you plan to practice, and get your documents and applications in order early. With your license in hand, you’ll be ready to start your rewarding career as a licensed PA.
