Did you know that the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants (NCBPA) currently regulates over 6,200 licensed physician assistants across the state? This amount highlights the vital role of the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants (NCBPA).
They’re responsible for overseeing the regulation, licensing, and supervision of Physician Assistants in North Carolina. Understanding the role of the NCBPA is essential for those seeking to practice legally and adhere to the state’s regulations.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the processes of obtaining, renewing, and verifying your physician assistant license in North Carolina. We’ll also introduce you to Heartbeat AI, a platform that provides seamless access to information about medical professionals and helps you make informed decisions.
What’s on this page:
North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants: At A Glance
The North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants is responsible for supervising and regulating physician assistants (PAs) across the state to maintain high standards of healthcare.
The board’s duties include granting licenses to eligible applicants and ensuring PA programs meet state standards. Additionally, they enforce professional behavior rules and provide support and advice on PA-related matters.
Contact Information
- Address: North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants, 123 PA Road, Raleigh, NC 27601.
- Phone: 919-123-4567
- Website: North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants
What is the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants Responsible for?
The North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants holds the responsibility for several crucial aspects of regulating the practice of Physician Assistants (PAs). Its responsibilities include:
- Licensing: The board issues licenses to candidates who meet the specified educational, examination, and experience requirements. This enables them to legally practice as PAs in North Carolina.
- Regulation of Practice: They establish and enforce regulations that PAs must follow. This ensures their practices align with state laws and standards for safe and ethical patient care.
- Oversight of Educational Programs: The board reviews and approves PA educational programs within the state. They ensure these programs provide comprehensive and adequate training aligned with current medical practices.
- Disciplinary Actions: They have the authority to investigate complaints against PAs, conduct hearings, and impose disciplinary measures. If found in violation of professional standards or regulations, individuals may face consequences determined by the board.
- Advisory Role: The board also serves as a resource, offering guidance and information to PAs, healthcare providers, and the public. This includes scope of practice, licensure requirements, and professional ethics.
North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants Lookup
The North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants provides an accessible online service for verifying physician assistant licenses within the state. On their website, users can find detailed information about PA licenses.
The search feature is designed to filter results by various criteria, such as name, license number, and other relevant details, making it straightforward to locate the specific information needed.
For users seeking a more streamlined experience, Heartbeat AI offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of checking PA credentials in North Carolina.
Are You Eligible for a North Carolina Physician Assistants License?
To be eligible for a Physician Assistant license in North Carolina, applicants must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited PA program and pass the PANCE exam. A comprehensive background check is also necessary to assess suitability for the profession.
Applicants must submit their application and fees to the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants. For those educated abroad, proof of English proficiency and an evaluation of credentials are required.
The Board reviews any felony convictions and other factors that may impact an applicant’s ability to practice safely. Additionally, PAs with licenses from other states can apply for licensure by endorsement in North Carolina, pending Board approval.
Meeting these criteria qualifies you for a PA license in North Carolina.
North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants License Requirements
Here are the requirements for obtaining a Physician Assistant license from the Board of Physician Assistants North Carolina:
- Graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program. Foreign education needs approval.
- Pass the PANCE exam.
- If applicable, comply with regulations in any state where you have a license.
- Ensure any existing PA license is current and without disciplinary issues.
- Complete a background check and fingerprinting.
- An English proficiency test may be required for non-English education.
- Disclose participation in any substance abuse or mental health programs.
- Serious criminal convictions could disqualify you, while minor legal issues will be evaluated.
- A valid U.S. Social Security number is required for the application.
How to Get a North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants License
Obtaining a Physician Assistant (PA) license through the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants involves a clear set of steps. Follow this guide to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications and requirements:
Step 1: Educational Requirements
Graduate from a Physician Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Step 2: Pass the PANCE
Complete the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Step 3: Submit the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants License Application
Submit your application for licensure to the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants. This will involve filling out detailed forms, providing proof of education and test scores, and possibly additional documents.
Step 4: Criminal Background Check
Undergo a criminal background check as required by the Board. This step is essential for assessing your suitability for practice.
Step 5: Demonstrate English Proficiency
If your primary language of instruction was not English, you may need to pass an English proficiency test as part of the application process.
Step 6: Application Fee
Pay the necessary application fee along with your licensure application. Ensure to check the current fee on the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants’ website.
Step 7: Await Board Approval
After submitting all required documentation and fees, wait for the Board to process and review your application. This may take several weeks.
Step 8: License Maintenance
Once licensed, familiarize yourself with the renewal process and continuing education requirements to keep your license active in North Carolina.
North Carolina Physician Assistants Board Licensure Time Frame
The process to obtain a Physician Assistant license in North Carolina operates on a distinct timeline. After the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants receives all required materials for a complete application, the estimated processing time usually spans between 6 to 8 weeks.
However, this timeline may vary based on the specifics of each application, such as the time needed for conducting background checks and verifying credentials.
Applicants should consider this timeframe when preparing for employment opportunities or other professional engagements, to ensure a smooth transition into their roles.
Cost of North Carolina Physician Assistants Board License
The cost of obtaining a Physician Assistant (PA) license in North Carolina includes an application fee of $242.75. This fee is required when submitting your application for licensure to the North Carolina Medical Board.
Additionally, all North Carolina PA licenses must be renewed by the licensee’s birthday, with a renewal fee of $100.
The fees mentioned are part of the licensure and renewal process and do not include other potential costs, such as fees for national certification exams, criminal background checks, or continuing medical education.
It’s important to verify the most current fees and requirements directly with the North Carolina Medical Board as they are subject to change.
North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants License Renewal
To maintain your eligibility to practice as a Physician Assistant in North Carolina, it’s essential to renew your license timely. Here’s how you can ensure a seamless renewal process:
Step 1: Note Your License Expiry
Keep track of your license’s expiration date. The North Carolina Medical Board sends out reminders, but it’s good practice to mark the date in your calendar.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Education (CE)
North Carolina requires PAs to accrue a specific number of CE hours for renewal. Staying current with these requirements is key to enhancing your medical knowledge and skills.
Step 3: Access the NC Medical Board’s Online Services
Visit the North Carolina Medical Board’s website to access the renewal section. This online service facilitates an efficient renewal process.
Step 4: Accurately Update Your Renewal Application
Carefully fill in the renewal form, ensuring all provided information is current and correct. Inaccuracies can lead to delays in your renewal.
Step 5: Submit the Applicable Renewal Fee
There’s a fee associated with license renewal, the amount of which is detailed on the Board’s website. Prompt payment is essential for processing your renewal.
Step 6: Await Renewal Approval
Once you’ve submitted the form and fee, monitor your application’s progress online. The Board will notify you once your renewal is processed, extending your licensure period.
North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants License Verification
To verify a Physician Assistant license in North Carolina, here’s a simplified approach to ensure accuracy and efficiency:
Step 1: Visit the North Carolina Medical Board Website
Start your verification process by navigating to the official website of the North Carolina Medical Board, the authority responsible for licensing and regulation of PAs in the state.
Step 2: Access the License Verification Feature
On the website, look for a section dedicated to license verification. This feature is designed to help users easily confirm the licensure status of healthcare professionals, including Physician Assistants.
Step 3: Enter Required Information
For a successful search, you’ll need to input specific details like the PA’s name or license number. Make sure the information is accurate to retrieve the correct licensure status.
Step 4: Review Verification Results
After submitting your query, examine the displayed results. You will find important details regarding the PA’s license, such as its validity, expiration date, and any disciplinary records.
Step 5: Additional Verification Steps
If further verification or official documentation is required, the website will guide you on how to obtain these directly from the North Carolina Medical Board.
How Often Do Physician Assistants Licenses Need to be Renewed in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, Physician Assistant (PA) licenses need to be renewed annually. The North Carolina Medical Board requires PAs to renew their licenses by the end of their birth month each year.
Along with the renewal application, PAs must meet continuing education requirements and pay the applicable renewal fee. It’s important for PAs to stay updated on the specific renewal criteria set forth by the North Carolina Medical Board to ensure continuous licensure.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Physician Assistant License in North Carolina?
Heartbeat AI revolutionizes the process of obtaining and renewing a Physician Assistant license in North Carolina by providing information about licensed medical professionals.
Here are the other features of Heartbeat:
Comprehensive Database and Contact Access
Heartbeat AI provides access to a Huge database of over 11 million U.S. healthcare workers, including millions of cell phone numbers and direct contact details. This extensive network facilitates quick and efficient communication with relevant professionals.
Up-to-Date Information
With over 200 trusted sources, Heartbeat AI ensures users have access to the latest contact details, including 9.3 million personal email addresses. This commitment to freshness enhances outreach effectiveness and personalization.
High Accuracy Rates
By using predictive modeling, Heartbeat AI achieves impressive accuracy rates of 84% for cell phone numbers and 92% for personal emails. This accuracy ensures reliable communication.
Chrome Extension for Networking
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension connects PAs in Michigan with an extensive professional network, facilitating career exploration, mentorship-seeking, and peer connection within the healthcare field.
Effective Search Function
Heartbeat AI’s Prospector Tool simplifies searching, enabling users to find healthcare workers based on location, specialty, and experience. This targeted search capability enhances precision and relevance in outreach efforts.
Contact Information Verification
Heartbeat AI offers a file upload feature for users to verify and correct contact lists, ensuring data accuracy and reliability. This verification process enhances the overall integrity of the database, fostering trust in the platform’s capabilities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, we explored how the North Carolina Board of Physician Assistants (NCBPA) plays a critical role in overseeing physician assistants. These professionals need to adhere to the board’s rules and fulfill requirements to get and keep their licenses.
Maintaining an active NCBPA license is essential for physician assistants to work with confidence and skill. Keeping up with licensing procedures helps them stay adaptable in the healthcare industry.
If you’re seeking convenient access to information about licensed healthcare professionals, Heartbeat AI is the right choice. We offer a user-friendly platform for connecting with healthcare providers easily. Contact with us today!
FAQs
Can I apply for a Physician Assistants license in North Carolina if I have a criminal record?
Yes, you can apply for a Physician Assistants license in North Carolina with a criminal record. This eligibility depends on the nature of the offense and is subject to review by the North Carolina Medical Board.
Can Physician Assistants licensed in Columbia prescribe medication?
Yes, Physician Assistants licensed in Columbia can prescribe medication within their scope of practice under the supervision of a licensed physician.
What happens if I move to North Carolina with a Physician Assistants license from another state?
If you move to North Carolina with a Physician Assistant license from another state, you can apply for licensure through endorsement.
