Physician Assistant / New Mexico
2026 data New Mexico board official source

New Mexico Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

What the New Mexico data shows for Physician Assistants

New Mexico sets the entry bar for physician assistants at 4,155 training hours and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under New Mexico's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Upfront cost is $331, with renewal running $293 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 100-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in New Mexico

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
4,155 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$331
Renewal Fee
$293
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 New Mexico licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New Mexico licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in New Mexico? ▼
New Mexico's requirements cover 4155 hours of education or training, the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $331. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in New Mexico? ▼
Certification as a physician assistant in New Mexico means clearing the state's checklist: 4155 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The New Mexico licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to New Mexico 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 New Mexico licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does New Mexico require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in New Mexico. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in New Mexico? ▼
New Mexico ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $293 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.