Licensing Guide for Locum Tenes Physicians

 

Licensing Guide for Locum Tenes Physicians:

Easiest & Most Difficult States To Get A Medical License

For both new and seasoned physicians 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 position, obtain a single state medical license, and then stay in that job for most of their career. With increased population comes the demand for more physicians, which also includes the explosion of locum tenens work. However, understanding what is needed in order obtain your medical license in multiple states can be complicated and confusing.  While this process used to be simpler, those days are long gone and have been replaced by hours of paperwork and sometimes months of waiting! It’s also important to note that regardless of where you are applying for a physician’s license, each state’s medical board will vary in efficiency and specific requirements. With that in mind, we offer this guide to what locum tenens physicians should know about state licensing.

Guide for Locum Tenens Physicians: What You Should Know About State Medical Licensing

Embracing the travel and adventure of the locum tenens lifestyle certainly has its appeal. However, as mentioned previously it also requires physicians to become licensed and credentialed in each of the states where they choose to work. It’s a great idea for locum tenens physicians to keep in mind that the licensing process in some states is more complex than it is in others. It is also recommended to have a general knowledge of the state licensing process, even if our medical licensing professionals at Medical License Pro do the lion’s share of the heavy lifting on your behalf.

In many states, the medical licensure process can draw out six months or more — and that’s only assuming that all documentation is received and that requirements are perfectly met. 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.

What Do All States Have In Common?

The application process for locum tenens physicians has a very specific sequence of steps that must be met in order for your application to be accepted and not returned. However, when you begin this process, keep in mind that many states share a similar core requirements and noting these similarities will help you in the long run.

The requirements for Locum Tenens Physicians that remain static between states:
  • Verification from School/Residency
  • References
  • Malpractice Documentation
  • Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
  • Interviews
  • Follow-ups
  • Time
Can the Process Be Easy?

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.”

Guide for Locum Tenens Physicians: 5 Easiest States to get a Medical License

The easiest states for medical licensure are based on the following criteria. First, their application process is simple and easy to understand. Everything required for licensure is stated up front, with no extra “surprise” requests along the way. Second, their process for reviewing documentation is quick and efficient, with timely letters or emails sent that detail any outstanding items or incomplete requirements. Third, the state board employs friendly customer service people who respond to questions and requests for information in a timely manner.

With that being said, here are the 5 easiest states for Locum Tenens Physicians to acquire a medical license :

1

Indiana

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $250 (plus $60 for CSR)
  • Application Timeline: 10-12 weeks
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • 3 attempts per USMLE Step
  • 5 attempts per COMLEX Level
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required
  • 1 year
  • 2 years IMG
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 10 years to complete USMLE
  • 7 years to complete COMLEX
2

Michigan

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $150 ($235 with Controlled Substance Permit)
  • Application Timeline: 6-8 weeks
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • 3 attempts at each USMLE Step
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 2 years
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 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.
3

Connecticut

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $570
  • Application Timeline: 4-12 weeks
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • No limit on USMLE
  • No limit on COMLEX
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 2 years
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 7 years to complete US
4

Virginia

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $302
  • Application timeline: 12 weeks minimum
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • No limit on USMLE
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 1 year
  • 2 years IMG
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 10 years to complete USMLE; Greater than 10 years if candidate is ABMS certified.
5

Hawaii

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $290 / $170
  • Application Timeline: 4-8 weeks minimum
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • No limit on USMLE or COMLEX
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 1 year
  • 2 years IMG
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • No limit on USMLE or COMLEX
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.

Guide for Locum Tenens Physicians: 5 Most Difficult States to get a Medical License

When it comes to the most difficult states for medical licensure, we’ve looked at the following criteria: First, the state requires that all care providers undergo the Federal Credentials Verification System (FCVS). This requirement is not time-consuming or difficult for physicians who have already gone through it. In fact, it saves quite a bit of time. But for those who have never gone through the process, it can add weeks or even months to the state licensing processing, as well as add to more board time. And when the FCVS verifies credentials, they do so via regular mail services, with no follow-up to ensure verification is expedited.

With regard to the application process itself, the most difficult states’ often fail to clearly list each item that is required to complete your application and obtain successful licensing. Sometimes the board will ask for additional malpractice information or court dockets, once all requested material has already been submitted. Most important, though, is communication. When board representatives do not answer questions or provide reliable status updates for a physician’s medical licensure application, the process could drag on for months.

With that being said, here are the 5 most difficult states for Locum Tenens Physicians to acquire a medical license :

1

Texas

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $1,002 plus registration fee, which may vary
  • Application Timeline: 4-6 months
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • 3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level. (Exceptions may apply for applicants who held a Texas Physician in Training permit on or before September 1, 2005 or who have been licensed in good standing in another state for 5 years.
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 1 yrs
  • 2yrs IMG
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 7 years+ to complete the USMLE or COMLEX. (Exceptions may apply for applicants who are especially board certified or who completed combined MD/PhD programs, or who exceed the time limit but are willing to accept a limited license to practice exclusively in an MUA or HPSA.
2

Nevada

  • Accepts FCVS
  • Application Fee: $1475
  • Application Timeline: 2-6 months
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • Must pass all 3 Steps of USMLE in not more than a total of 9 attempts and must pass Step 3 in not more than a total of 3 attempts.
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 3 years. An unlimited license may be granted to currently enrolled residents in a post graduate training program in the U.S. or Canada, that have completed at least 24 months of progressive post graduate training and meet all requirements for an unlimited license in the state of Nevada, including having passed all 3 steps of USMLE within the time period allowed by NAC 630.080 and commit in writing to the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners that they will complete the program and provide satisfactory completion of the program within 60 days after the scheduled completion of the program.
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • MD must pass all Steps of the exam within 7 years after the date on which the applicant first passes any Step of the exam; PhD must pass all Steps of the exam within 10 years after the date on which the applicant first passes any Step of the exam.
3

South Dakota

  • Highly recommends FCVS for International Medical Graduates only
  • Application Fee: $200
  • Application Timeline: 3-6 months
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • Allowed 3 attempts, must pass on third, for the USMLE or COMLEX examination.
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • Successful completion of a residency program.
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX.
  • 10 years for Dual Program Degree MD-PhD Applicant.
4

Massachusetts

  • Highly recommends FCVS for International Medical Graduates only.
  • Application Fee: $200
  • Application Timeline: 3-6 months
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • Allowed 3 attempts, must pass on third, for the USMLE or COMLEX examination.
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • Successful completion of a residency program.
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • 7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX.
  • 10 years for Dual Program Degree MD-PhD Applicant.
5

Arkansas

  • Does Not accept FCVS
  • Application Fee: $500
  • Application Timeline: 1-5 months
Number of attempts at Licensing Exam:
  • 3 attempts per USMLE Step.
  • 3 attempts per COMLEX Level.
Minimum Postgraduate Training Required:
  • 1 year
  • 3 years IMG unless currently enrolled in a training program through University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence:
  • No limit on USMLE or COMLEX.
Perhaps the most important factor, though, is communication. When board representatives fail to answer questions promptly — or at all — or don’t provide reliable status updates, the medical license process can drag on for months.
If all this sounds intimidating — don’t stress! Although it’s certainly a good idea to be familiar with the ins and outs of state medical licensing in the area where you’ll be working, we understand that, particularly for physicians who choose to work locum tenens jobs as a lifestyle, keeping track of the ins and outs of state licensing requirements in each and every state you plan to travel is simply impractical.

After all, devoting hours to gathering and submitting the documents necessary for processing your state medical license applications may not be the most productive use of your time. Tracking down contact names, old traffic citations, missing documentation from defunct facilities, military release forms and other items often required by state boards may delay your practice by as much as 6 months or more. The locum tenens licensing professionals at Medical License Pro will work with you to make sure all of your documentation is ready and in the best shape for approval, easing the burden that falls on your shoulders, so can you do what you do best: Focus on the excitement of your new locum tenens position.

We hope this guide helped you gain a basic knowledge of the state licensing process, as well as which states are the easiest and most difficult to get a medical license in. While you may not be apply for a new license every year, having a firm understanding of this process will help you when your license is up for a renewal, or maybe if you find yourself in a new job that moves you to a new state.  If this is the case, we recommended a professional licensure company to assist you with your medical license application. Medical License Pro can assist you with the medical license application process so you can focus on what is most important. Our team of physician licensing experts will handle your application needs quickly and efficiently, reducing your turnaround time by weeks, or even months. For more information, contact the professionals at Medical License Pro today!

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!
You should probably let them! 

Only $597 per State

Discounts available for multiple states, training licenses, and military.
References

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