The Physician Assistant expedited license application enables an experienced, eligible physician assistant to obtain a license in North Carolina faster and easier while maintaining the same high quality standards for admission to practice.

Physician Assistants must meet four eligibility requirements in order to apply using the expedited application.  To view the necessary requirements, click on the green “Eligibility requirements” box to the right.  If you do not meet all four requirements, you are not eligible for an expedited license and will need to complete the full license application.

Application Requirements
The following outlines the required information necessary to obtain a full PA license using the expedited pathway.  Please read carefully.  Failure to submit important information may delay the application process.

An application for license in NC is a confidential matter.  We are unable to respond to questions regarding an application from anyone other than the applicant. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)for more information.

The Board reserves the right to make whatever additional demands on the applicant for licensure it deems appropriate at the time.

Useful resource:  NC General Statutes Chapter 90.

Submit all materials to:
NC Medical Board, PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619, or
NC Medical Board, 1203 Front Street, Raleigh, NC 27609 (express/overnight deliveries)

Do not submit photocopies or facsimiles unless specifically permitted.

Application credentials and fee are good for 1 year.  If you are not issued a license within the year and choose to reapply for a NC license, you will be required to resubmit all application credentials and the application fee.

Note to applicants: Some applicants have technical difficulties that prevent them from completing all sections of the online application.  Hard copies of any forms you are unable to complete during the online application process are available by clicking “download forms” in the list to the right.

APPLYING FOR A LICENSE

1.  Complete the online application
The Board offers applicants the convenience of applying for licensure online.  You must complete the online application and pay necessary fees (Visa/MasterCard) within 30 days to avoid having your application deleted.

2.  Submit documentation of a legal name change, if applicable;

3. Submit a recent photograph
On the Board’s form, submit a photograph at least two inches by two inches, certified as a true likeness of the applicant by a notary public;

4.  Proof of practice
Provide proof of an active clinical practice, providing patient care for an average of 20 hours or more per week, for at least the last two years.

5.  Licensure Status Report
Secure a report regarding the status of licensure from at least one state, U.S. territory or Canadian province where you currently hold an active full unrestricted license for the previous five years.  Most licensing agencies charge a fee for this service.  Veridoc is accepted.

Attention physician assistants licensed in Connecticut:  The Board requires a “Connecticut Release Form” for those licensed in Connecticut.  If you are submitting verification of your Connecticut license, you must send this form along with the “Licensure biography form” to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

6.  NCCPA Certification
Submit proof of current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

7.  U.S. Citizen Status/Immigration Status
Submit a certified copy of your birth certificate if you were born in the United States or one of its territories.  If you were not born in the U.S. or one of its territories, you must submit a certified copy of the first four pages of a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
If you are unable to submit a U.S. birth certificate or passport you must provide information about your immigration and work status which the Board will use to verify your ability to work lawfully in the United States.

8.  Fingerprint cards
The Board conducts state and federal criminal background checks on all applicants.  You must submit two completed fingerprint cards supplied by the Board to the Board.  An application is not considered complete until results of the background check have been received; in approximately eight to 10 weeks. It is recommended that your local law enforcement complete the fingerprinting, and if possible, have different officials complete each card. The SBI suggests applicants use live scan when available. When using live scan, prints cannot be submitted electronically and must be printed on fingerprint cards and submitted to the Board.  Using lotion or witch hazel on your hands before being fingerprinted may help avoid fingerprint rejection.
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9.  Authority to Release Form
Sign and date the “Authority to release form” and return it to the Board.

10. Databank Reports
The NC Medical Board will request the following documentation on behalf of each applicant.  If the Board is unable to obtain the information, the applicant will be notified and expected to forward the information to the Board.
• Federation of State Medical Boards Board Action Data Bank Report
• National Practitioner Databank/ Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank Report

Once your application is received, it will be forward to a staff member for quality assurance review.  After it is determined that your application is complete and no additional information is required, your file will be forwarded to a Board member for review.  The Board member will determine if a personal interview is required. You will be notified if a personal interview is required.  If a personal interview is not required, staff may issue a full license.

License Renewal
Don’t forget to renew!  NC law requires licensed physician assistants to renew with the Board within 30 days of their birthday, every year, no matter when the license is issued.  A registration fee is required.