LicenseCompass

Physician Assistant (PA) License in Arkansas

Quick Answer

To become a licensed physician in Arkansas, you must be at least 21, graduate from an approved medical school, complete residency, and pass all USMLE steps within three attempts. The initial license fee is $500 ($400 application + $100 CCVS assessment) with $220 annual renewal.

Exam
USMLE Steps 1-3
Total Cost
$500 (est.)
Timeline
3-6 months after residency completion
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
$400
Renewal Fee
$220
Total Estimated Cost
$500

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.$400
Total Estimated Cost$400

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

$60,340

Median

$239,200

Experienced

$239,200

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 — USMLE Steps 1-3

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$400.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months after residency completion.

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

Arkansas provides exceptionally detailed requirements: applicants must be at least 21 years old, of good moral character, a graduate of an approved medical school, and have completed at least one year of internship or residency in an ACGME-accredited program. All steps of the USMLE must be passed within three attempts each. The license fee is $500 ($400 application plus $100 CCVS assessment), with annual renewal at $220. International medical graduates must complete three years of ACGME residency and hold ECFMG certification. Arkansas offers temporary licenses for military personnel and spouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physician Assistant (PA) license cost in Arkansas?
The estimated total cost is $500, 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 residency completion, 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 USMLE Steps 1-3. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Physician Assistant (PA) requirements across states.

View all states →

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