Worrying about how to get a state medical license should not stop you from looking for career opportunities in another state! Being a locum tenens physician is a career move that many physicians don’t make because of the tedious medical license process of differing state. This is holding many physicians back from possible job opportunities. It is worth it to learn how to get a state medical license in multiple states because it can open up many more opportunities for work and travel!

Learning how to get a state medical license is important before starting the medical license process. Understanding everything that you need to do during the medical license process upfront can decrease potential frustrations down the road. Because each state is different, it is important to find up-to-date information regarding the requirements from your state, including the medical license procedure that must be followed and the fees required by the state.

As you are researching how to get a state medical license, it is best to go ahead and submit your curriculum vitae to the state. This will give them time to identify issues with your experience before you finish the medical license process. Identifying and correcting these issues early on can save time in the long run.

Being prepared with the required documents is the most important step of how to get a state medical license. How to get a state medical license depends on the state in which you want to work. A lot of states will require similar documents. Some of the common documents needed during the medical license process are:

• An up to date CV
• References
• Transcripts
• Training
• Education
• USMLE
• State Exam completion
• A background check

Be aware that how to get a state medical license does differ in each state and so do the documents needed. As mentioned above, it is important to find out exactly what your state needs for the medical license process.

States will not accept certain documents sent directly from the applying physicians. Most state medical boards will require that documents such as proof of education and transcripts be sent from primary sources. This means that being prepared to contact your medical school or residency program is an essential step in how to get a state medical license.

Make sure paperwork is accurate and honest

Providing accurate and honest paperwork is one of the most important steps in how to get a state medical license. It is important to be honest because trying to hide any information can drastically slow down the process and possibly stop the state from granting a license. Misinformation, whether it is intentional or an overlook, can bring the medical license process to a complete halt. Providing the state with accurate and honest information from the beginning can save a lot of time and effort!

Understanding the medical license process upfront can help you be patient while waiting on the state to grant you a medical license. After submitting the required documentation and application, it could take the state weeks or months to finish the process. Knowing this ahead of time can help you plan accordingly for future career moves.

Because the medical license process has different factors and can take a long time, it is best to stay in contact with the state after you have completed the application. Reminding them about your application and your intent to work in the state can motivate them to finish processing your application.