Healthcare Recruiting
Rhode Island PA License 2026: Physician Assistant Requirements, FPA Authority, and Salary
Rhode Island was an early adopter of Full Practice Authority for physician assistants, granting FPA in 2014. PAs are licensed through the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure (RIBML) with no supervision agreement required. Providence's academic medical centers — Lifespan and Care New England — are the dominant employers, with NHSC-eligible rural and community health sites available throughout the state.
Practice Model: Full Practice Authority (FPA since 2014)
- No supervision agreement required to be filed with the state
- PAs practice collaboratively as determined at the practice/employer level
- Prescriptive authority for Schedule II–V included with state license (DEA registration required separately)
- Among the oldest FPA states for PAs nationally
Application Requirements
- Active NCCPA certification
- Accredited PA program graduation verification
- Background check via RIBML
- Application fee ~$135
Processing Timeline
5–7 weeks typical; approximately 7–8 weeks total with concurrent DEA.
PA Salary in Rhode Island (2026)
| Setting | Median Base | Typical Sign-On |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital / Inpatient (Providence) | $124,000 | $8,000–$16,000 |
| Surgical First-Assist | $133,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Primary Care / FQHC | $110,000 | $5,000–$12,000 + loan repayment |
| Outpatient Specialty | $118,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
Top PA Employers in Rhode Island
Lifespan (Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Bradley — largest health system in RI), Care New England (Women & Infants, Kent, Butler), and Brown Medicine (faculty practice) dominate the Providence market. Community Health Centers of RI and other FQHCs offer NHSC loan repayment eligibility.
What We See at Ava Health
Rhode Island's small size means most PA jobs are concentrated in the Providence metro. The FPA model and proximity to Boston (licensing is separate — Massachusetts has its own requirements) make RI attractive for PAs wanting urban academic medicine with lower COL than Boston proper.
Related: NP License Rhode Island 2026, PA Salary by State 2026, Healthcare Recruiting in Rhode Island 2026.
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