Physician Assistant / Kentucky
2026 data Kentucky board official source

Kentucky Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Kentucky data shows for Physician Assistants

To practice as a physician assistant in Kentucky, the state licensing board requires 3,405 documented education or training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Kentucky's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $181 to get started, plus $168 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,405 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$181
Renewal Fee
$168
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Physician Assistant All Kentucky licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kentucky licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky requires 3405 education/training hours, passing an exam (PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)), and an initial fee of $181. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Kentucky? ▼
To become a licensed physician assistant in Kentucky, you must meet the state's requirements including 3405 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Kentucky licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
Physician Assistant licenses generally reciprocate as follows: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Kentucky licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in Kentucky. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $168 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.