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Physician Assistant License in Washington

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Physician Assistant license in WA. 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 Washington.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Physician Assistant training program in Washington.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your WA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the PANCE.

Step 4·Submit Application

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

Step 5·Receive License

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

How to Apply

To obtain your Physician Assistant license in Washington, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Washington requires all applicants to pass the PANCE before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in WA is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

The Washington licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring Physician Assistant professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the PANCE. WA also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Physician Assistant license in Washington requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in WA 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 Washington.

License Fee Calculator — Physician Assistant in Washington

Base License Fee$400
Estimated Total$400

Renewal Process

Washington requires Physician Assistant license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $275 in WA. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Washington offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Physician Assistant in WA

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

Additional Information

Working as a Physician Assistant in Washington offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. WA has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Washington also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified Physician Assistant professionals.

Document Checklist — Physician Assistant

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Washington 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) NoneAK does not recognize WA Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize WA Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts WA Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) FullCA accepts WA Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts WA Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Washington

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

Olympia

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504

(360) 236-4700

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

Seattle

600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8484

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

Spokane

808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 625-6250

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

Tacoma

747 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 591-5000

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

Vancouver

415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660

(360) 487-8600

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

Official Washington Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Washington 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.