LicenseCompass

Physician Assistant (PA) License in Arkansas

Quick Answer

To become a licensed physician assistant in Arkansas, you must be at least 21, hold a bachelor's degree, complete an accredited PA program, and pass the PANCE. The application fee is $80 with $50 annual renewal. Military members and spouses can obtain temporary licenses.

Exam
PANCE
Total Cost
$80 (est.)
Timeline
3-6 months after PA program graduation
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Annual

Requirements

Physician Assistant (PA) license in Arkansas

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$80
Renewal Fee
$50
Total Estimated Cost
$80

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Medical Board

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Physician Assistant (PA) license in Arkansas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$80
Total Estimated Cost$80

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Arkansas licensing board.

Physician Assistant (PA) Salary in Arkansas

Entry Level

$32,970

Median

$103,550

Experienced

$153,410

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Physician Assistant (PA) in Arkansas.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — PANCE

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$80.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months after PA program graduation.

Physician Assistant (PA) Licensing in Arkansas: What to Know

Arkansas provides detailed requirements: applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a bachelor's degree, complete an accredited PA or surgeon assistant program, pass the PANCE, be of good moral character, and complete a criminal background check. The application fee is $80 and annual renewal is $50, with a $25 late renewal fee. Arkansas issues temporary licenses for military personnel and spouses until formal license approval. PAs practice under physician supervision as a stand-alone license through the Arkansas State Medical Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physician Assistant (PA) license cost in Arkansas?
The estimated total cost is $80, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Physician Assistant (PA) license in Arkansas?
The process typically takes 3-6 months after PA program graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Physician Assistant (PA) license in Arkansas?
You need to pass the PANCE. Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.