Physician Assistant / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia 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 Virginia data shows for Physician Assistants

Virginia sets the entry bar for physician assistants at 3,608 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 Virginia's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $222 to get started, plus $201 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,608 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$222
Renewal Fee
$201
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 Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's requirements cover 3608 hours of education or training, the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $222. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed physician assistant in Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 3608 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Virginia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for physician assistants: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Virginia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Virginia require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in Virginia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Virginia? ▼
To stay licensed as a physician assistant in Virginia, plan on 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $201.

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.