Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Physician Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al fee (annualLicensing Blueprint for Physician in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education. 2) Must successfully complete an accredited physician assistant or surgeon assistant program. 3) Must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 4) Must be of good moral character. 5) Must be at least 21 years of age. 6) Must complete a criminal background check. 7) Must be mentally and physically able to engage safely in the role as a physician assistant.
- Examination Required.
- Application for license
- 2
Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education. 2) Must successfully complete an accredited physician assistant or surgeon assistant program. 3) Must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 4) Must be of good moral character. 5) Must be at least 21 years of age. 6) Must complete a criminal background check. 7) Must be mentally and physically able to engage safely in the role as a physician assistant.
- Examination Required.
- Application for license fee: $80.00, Licence renewal fee (annual): $50.00, Late renewal fee: $25.00
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
Requirements: 1) Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education.
- 8
3) Must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
- 9
6) Must complete a criminal background check.
- 10
Examination Required.
- 11
Application for license fee: $80.00, Licence renewal fee (annual): $50.00, Late renewal fee: $25.00.
Exam and processing details
- National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
Continuing education and program notes
- Certifying Examination (PANCE)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Licence renewal fee (annual) | $50.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al fee (annual
- Salary Position
$247,880 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 48 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education. 2) M...; Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education. 2) M...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education. 2) M...; Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, unless the applicant has other approved education. 2) M...).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Licence renewal fee (annual): $50.00).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Medical Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al fee (annual; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
The median salary for Physicians in Arkansas is $247,880. Arkansas ranks #29 among 48 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$247,880Hourly estimate
$119.17National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Salary Ranking
#29 of 48 statesfor Physician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wyoming | $373,100 |
| #2 | North Dakota | $347,240 |
| #3 | Maine | $344,170 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $323,830 |
| #5 | South Carolina | $320,620 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $247,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $293,740 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $294,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Mississippi | $302,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $312,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $255,880 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $217,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
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 | 50 | Low | 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
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
1401 West Capitol Ave., Suite 340, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5012961802
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physicians in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physicians.
What education do you need to become a Physician in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Physician salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Physicians in Arkansas is $247,880.
How many Physicians work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 2,300 Physicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician 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 Physicians in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Medical Board. Review agency details at https://www.armedicalboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Physician license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al fee (annual.