|  | Public Health Safety | Community

What Is the Easiest Medical License To Get?

A medical license allows an osteopathic or allopathic physician to practice the profession of medicine. In the United States, medical licenses are issued by the states, each of which has separate requirements and application procedures. Expedite the application process by following strategies to obtain your medical license. It is easiest for U.S. Citizens to become licensed in Indiana, Virginia and Nebraska.

  1. Qualifications

    • Fulfill educational, testing, training and immigration requirements listed by the Federation for State Medical Boards (FSMB). All states require graduation from medical school, licensing exams and clinical training. Foreign medical graduates obtain a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Some states maintain a list of disapproved medical schools.

    Training And Exams

    • Avoid states known to take longer to process applications (California, New Jersey, Texas) or schedule training and exams far in advance. All states require at least a year of training--longer for international graduates except Wyoming and Wisconsin. Consider training in one state and licensing in another, as some states require permission to begin training in that state. Schedule exams far in advance because some testing dates and sites fill quickly. In some states, such as Virginia and Nebraska, you may take your final licensing exam if you are not in a postgraduate training program, and in others, such as Indiana,you must be accepted into a training program to schedule your exam. Most states require that you complete all licensing exams in a seven- to 10-year period. All states allow a retake, most allow three attempts per step and some states only regulate step 3. Alaska only allows two attempts per step. More than 10 states do not limit the number of attempts to pass licensing exams.

    Regulatory Requirements

    • Physicians are responsible for people's lives and welfare and are subject to regulation and fees in all states. Budget for separate fees for the application, which is usually nonprefundabl), and the license, even in states with low fees, such as Indiana, Nebraska, or Virginia. Budget for additional expenses, such as fingerprints, notary services, mailing fees, examination fees, score reports and credential services. Foreign graduates pay fees for translation of credentials and the ECFMG as well as obtaining a Visa. The Department of Justice and FBI will run background checks, and you will need a permit to prescribe medicines from the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

    Networking Strategies

    • Speak with a recruiter, military physician or a physician who has worked in multiple states to obtain information on current trends. U.S. Citizens licensed in one state may work at Federal facilities in any state. Physician groups recruiting in multiple states provide advice on job prospects, and can work with the state once you sign a contract.

    Overall Career

    • Maintain perspective in planning your career. While it may be easier or quicker to obtain a license in one state, it may not meet your overall career needs. Desirable states are oversupplied with physicians influencing cost of living, job availability, salaries and the processing time to obtain a license. Malpractice and liability concerns are heavily regulated in some states but less so in others. Physicians who are high earners may be concerned about state laws on business incorporation, income tax and property tax.

Community - Related Articles