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Physician Assistant License in Pennsylvania

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Physician Assistant license in PA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$400

Processing Time

6-10 Weeks

Exam Required

PANCE

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Physician Assistant license in Pennsylvania.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Physician Assistant training program in Pennsylvania.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your PA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the PANCE.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Pennsylvania licensing board and pay the $400 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-10 weeks in PA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the PA licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the PANCE. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Pennsylvania state board.

Requirements

Before applying for a Physician Assistant license in Pennsylvania, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. PA requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the PANCE is a non-negotiable requirement in Pennsylvania.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Physician Assistant license in Pennsylvania requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in PA is $400, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $550 total when accounting for all associated costs in Pennsylvania.

License Fee Calculator — Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania

Base License Fee$400
Estimated Total$400

Renewal Process

Maintaining your Physician Assistant license in Pennsylvania requires timely renewal every 2 years. PA sets the renewal fee at $275. You must complete all required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Pennsylvania board. Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension and reinstatement fees in PA.

License Expiry Calculator — Physician Assistant in PA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Pennsylvania requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Physician Assistant professionals in Pennsylvania continues to grow. PA offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Pennsylvania provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Physician Assistant professionals in PA report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Physician Assistant

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Pennsylvania Physician Assistant License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts PA Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize PA Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for PA license holders.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize PA Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for PA license holders.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts PA Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for PA license holders.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts PA Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Pennsylvania

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Harrisburg

2601 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

(717) 783-3397

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Philadelphia

1400 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

(215) 686-1776

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pittsburgh

414 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

(412) 255-2626

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Allentown

435 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101

(610) 437-7500

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Erie

626 State St, Erie, PA 16501

(814) 870-1234

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Pennsylvania Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Pennsylvania state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.