Physician Assistant / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota Physician Assistant License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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

What the Minnesota data shows for Physician Assistants

Minnesota's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 3,527 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Minnesota folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $205 to get started, plus $188 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 100 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For physician assistants, the reciprocity picture is: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,527 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$205
Renewal Fee
$188
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the license path calls for 3527 education/training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), and a $205 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Minnesota?
To become a licensed physician assistant in Minnesota, you must meet the state's requirements including 3527 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Minnesota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Minnesota from another state?
Reciprocity for physician assistants nationally works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Minnesota. Verify the specifics with the Minnesota licensing board.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in Minnesota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Minnesota?
Licensed physician assistants in Minnesota must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $188.

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