Physicians are in short supply in the United States and the problem is only expected to grow—in fact, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the country could see a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,00 doctors by 2034. One of the best ways to combat this issue is for more doctors to join the workforce, but obtaining a physician license can be a complicated and time-consuming process. If you’re a newly graduated physician who’s looking to get licensed for the very first time, or if you’re a veteran provider seeking to obtain a license in another state, we’re here to help. Here’s a guide on how to obtain a physician license in 2024.
What is a U.S. licensed physician?
A licensed physician in the U.S. is a doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school and clinical training, passed a national medical licensing examination, and been approved by the state in which they are looking to practice medicine. Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure, however they all require prospective physicians to demonstrate their education and training.
How do I become a licensed doctor in the U.S.?
Becoming a licensed doctor in the U.S. involved a few general steps. After graduating from college with an undergraduate degree, a prospective doctor must follow these general steps:
- Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Pass a licensing exam
- Complete a residency program
- Apply for licensure in the state you want to practice in
What exams do doctors need to take to get licensed?
Doctors who are seeking licensure in their state must pass a national medical licensing examination, but MDs take a different test than DOs.
MDs must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is composed of three separate steps. DOs must take and pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA), which is also composed of three levels. DOs can also take the USMLE to demonstrate their general medical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
When should I take the USMLE?
According to the USMLE website, students at a LCME-accredited medical school typically take Step 1 at the end of their second year, Step 2 at the end of their fourth year, and Step 3 during the first years of postgraduate training. Passing all three steps is required for licensure in all U.S. states.
When should I take COMLEX-USA?
According to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), DO students normally take the first level around the end of their second year of medical school. Students typically then take Level 2-CE in their third or fourth year, before taking Level 3 during residency.
How long does it take to get a physician license?
Since each state has different requirements for physician licensure, the time it takes to complete the license application process varies. However, in general, it takes anywhere from just a few weeks to four or six months for a state medical licensing board to approve an application.
Postgraduate Training Requirements for Physician Licensure by State
Every state has different requirements for granting a physician a license, so we’ve compiled them all here for your convenience:
[infogram id=”ecf03f47-9b4b-404b-ae16-196c3a1830ec” prefix=”jLJ” format=”interactive” title=”2024 IMLC Map”]Can a physician have licenses in more than one state?
Yes! Once a physician is licensed in their primary state, they can easily apply for licensure in another state, if that second state is part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC).
What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
The IMLC is a mechanism allowing physicians to obtain an expedited physician license in participating states. This allows a physician to have a multistate license, which means they can practice medicine in more than one state.
Here’s a map of the states included in the IMLC:
