The Medical License Process Has Changed
For new physicians and seasoned professionals alike, applying for a medical license can be a very time-consuming hassle. Gone are the days when a physicians would graduate from medical school, complete their residency, secure a job, obtain a single state license, and then stay in that job for most of their career. However, with an increased population, a demand for more physicians and the explosion of locum tenens work – obtaining a medical license isn’t a simple process anymore.
Applying for a Medical License: What Do All States Have In Common?
During the application process a number of complications can arise during any step and one state can be more complex than the next. If you are able to keep these common pieces together, you will be able to turn your focus on some of the more challenging hurdles of the application process.While you definitely have to wade through each state’s individual requirements, keep in mind that many of the states maintain a similar baseline. The requirements that remain static between states are:
- Verification from School/Residency
- References
- Malpractice Documentation
- Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
- Interviews
- Follow-ups
- Time
If all of the states share a baseline, how can you quantify which state is “easier” than the next? This is a difficult question, as the answer can vary between people. For example, a state like Texas has a very large population and therefore requires a significant number of physicians to care for the residents. While it may be easy to find a job in Texas than it would in a smaller state, it takes on average 4-6 months for a license to be approved. Based upon wait time alone, Texas would be considered a difficult state as some physicians cannot wait an average of 4-6 months and need to be licensed and start work right away.
For the purposes of our list, we have identified states that are “easy” based on cost of application, test taking requirements, time of application, and a state with a more proficient process. Usually states that have a quicker turnaround application time are usually those who have employed an efficient staff, and customer service representatives who are more willing to answer questions and facilitate the process. These states consider the “value of bringing quality physicians to their states, and do what they can to expedite the process.”
Indiana
- Accepts FCVS
- Application Fee: $250 (plus $60 for CSR)
- Application Timeline: 10-12 weeks
- 3 attempts per USMLE Step
- 5 attempts per COMLEX Level
- 1 year
- 2 years IMG
- 10 years to complete USMLE
- 7 years to complete COMLEX
Michigan
- Accepts FCVS
- Application Fee: $150 ($235 with Controlled Substance Permit)
- Application Timeline: 6-8 weeks
- 3 attempts at each USMLE Step
- 2 years
- Must pass all Steps of the USMLE within 7 years from the date of first passing any Step of the exam. Must pass Step 3 within 4 years of the first attempt at Step 3 or must complete 1 year of post-graduate training before making additional attempts at Step 3.
Connecticut
- Accepts FCVS
- Application Fee: $570
- Application Timeline: 4-12 weeks
- No limit on USMLE
- No limit on COMLEX
- 2 years
- 7 years to complete US
Virginia
- Accepts FCVS
- Application Fee: $302
- Application timeline: 12 weeks minimum
- No limit on USMLE
- 1 year
- 2 years IMG
- 10 years to complete USMLE; Greater than 10 years if candidate is ABMS certified.
Hawaii
- Accepts FCVS
- Application Fee: $290 / $170
- Application Timeline: 4-8 weeks minimum
- No limit on USMLE or COMLEX
- 1 year
- 2 years IMG
- No limit on USMLE or COMLEX
While it is a good idea to have a basic knowledge of the state licensing process and which states are the easiest states to get a medical license, we recommended a professional licensure company to assist with your medical license application. Medical License Pro is a company that assists with the medical license application process so you can focus on what is most important. Their team of experts handle your application needs quickly and efficiently and their team can reduce your turnaround time by weeks, or even months.
States that are easy to apply to consider the value of bringing quality physicians to their states, and do what they can to expedite the process.
CONCLUSION
The Medical Licensing process can be quite lengthy and difficult if you don’t know what you are doing. Expect to spend numerous hours preparing the application, making the verification requests, following up with your credential holders, and addressing deficiencies on your notices from your State Medical Board, but…
What if someone offered to…
- Determine your license eligibility
- Make all credential verification requests
- Follow up with credential holders
- Handle additional Medical Board requests
- Make your license process incredibly simple!
