To qualify for a license, an applicant shall: Complete a criminal history records check in accordance with § 14–308.1 of this article; Be of good moral character; Demonstrate oral and written competency in the English language as required by the Board; Be at least 18 years old; Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, have successfully completed an educational program for physician assistants accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or its predecessor; and Have passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. An applicant who graduates from an accredited educational program for physician assistants under this section after October 1, 2003, shall have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.