(a) A person who is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 206.203 is not required to take the examination required by Section 206.203(b)(1) if the person:
(1) passed a surgical assistant examination required for certification under Section 206.203(b)(4) that the medical board determines is substantially equivalent to the examination required by the medical board under this chapter; and
(2) applies for a license under this section before September 1, 2002.
(b) A person who is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 206.203 is not required to meet the educational requirements under Section 206.203(b)(2) if the person applies for a license under this section before September 1, 2002, and:
(1) will complete before the third anniversary of the date the license is issued under this subsection the following academic courses approved by the medical board:
(A) anatomy;
(B) physiology;
(C) basic pharmacology;
(D) aseptic techniques;
(E) operative procedures;
(F) chemistry; and
(G) microbiology; or
(2) has been continuously certified since September 30, 1995, as a surgical assistant by a national certifying body approved by the medical board and has practiced full-time as a surgical assistant under the direct supervision of a physician licensed in this country.

(c) A license issued under Subsection (b)(1) may not be renewed after the third anniversary of the date of issuance unless the license holder completes the academic courses described by Subsection (b)(1).