Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Physician Assistant Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician assistant in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physician Assistant in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$103,550 median (22% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of 103,550, Physician Assistants in Arkansas earn 22% below the national median of $133,260. Arkansas ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$103,550Hourly estimate
$49.7822% below national median
Difference: -$29,710
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Assistant Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor Physician Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 163,020 |
| #2 | California | 161,080 |
| #3 | Washington | 156,990 |
| #4 | New York | 152,650 |
| #5 | Oregon | 149,130 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $103,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $139,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $113,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $104,570 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $129,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $132,810 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $130,750 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
1401 West Capitol Ave., Suite 340, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5012961802
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $77,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $50,480 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,680 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physician Assistants in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physician Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician Assistant licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Physician Assistant salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in Arkansas is 103,550. Salaries range from $32,970 (10th percentile) to $153,410 (90th percentile).
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Arkansas earn 22% below the national median of $133,260, with a state median of 103,550.
How many Physician Assistants work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 970 Physician Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physician Assistants in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Medical Board. Review agency details at https://www.armedicalboard.org/.