The application process will take roughly four months. Processing time will take longer during the months of February through August, due to the increased number of residents and relocating physicians. We recommend you allow four months of total processing time if you wish to be granted a license during these months.
All physician assistants must receive a license from the Board prior to practicing medicine in NC. There are several pathways to licensure.
Physician Assistant Full License Application
90% of PAs apply using this license type.
- NOT appropriate for any PA applicant with a completed FCVS profile. These applicants should use the full license application WITH FCVS (immediately below).
- Applicants must first establish an account using the Licensure Gateway.
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Physician Assistant Full License Application – Expedited Requirements
About 10 percent of all PA applicants qualify for this license application
- Available ONLY to PA applicants who meet strict eligibility requirements.
- This application has fewer requirements than other full license applications but does not necessarily have a shortened time frame.
- Applications from PAs who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be directed to reapply using the correct application type, which will delay the licensure process.
Who should complete this application?
Only those physician assistants who meet specific criteria may complete the expedited license application. A physician assistant must meet ALL FOUR of the requirements outlined below to apply.
1. Currently certified by NCCPA;
2. Currently holds a full unrestricted active license in one other state, or the District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory or Canadian province for the previous five years immediately preceding the application;
3. Have been active in clinical practice providing patient care for an average of 20 hours or more per week for the last two years;
4. Have a clean license application (Click “Show More” for details)
If the Board determines, upon receipt of the application, that the applicant does not qualify, the applicant will need to notify the Board in writing requesting withdrawal of the application and a refund if payment was made.
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