To practice medicine in a specific U.S. state, you need a state-specific license. Every state has unique requirements to get a medical license. In some states, licensing is a simple process, while there are several states where licensing is extremely hard, time-consuming, costly, and frustrating as well.
Would you like to know which states are the easiest and the toughest to get a medical license on time? Then, this article is for you. Keep reading to understand the nuances!
Although every state has specific regulations, there are several common documents you should have in place before applying for doctor licensure. Here’s the list of documents:
- Education verification
- Postgraduate training verification
- Malpractice documentation
- References
- Employment verification
- Background check
- Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
- Current and past licenses
While filling out applications in multiple states, having the above-listed documents in one accessible location can help you streamline the entire application process as quickly as possible without any hassle.
How do you define which one is the easiest or the toughest state to get doctor licensure?
Addressing something as easy or tough can be a subjective opinion. However, in this case, we’ve defined it based on application turnaround, licensure application fees, number of requirements to be submitted, and level of proficiency in processing licensures. For instance, Michigan State is considered easy to get a license as it has a faster application turnaround with a lesser application fee cost. At the same time, getting the license from Texas is difficult due to the higher application fee and a delayed turnaround time.
Top 3 Easiest States to Get Doctor Licensure
1. New York
In New York, past medical licenses, employment, privileges, and malpractice are not verified. It takes 6-12 weeks to get a medical license. You just have to submit the following documents for verification that include:
- Medical school & postgraduate verification
- Training hospitals
- Exam scores
It will take time for medical graduates from other countries to get a medical license as they have to submit the FCVS profile with the licensure application.
2. Indiana
The turnaround time to get a medical license will be less than 10 weeks. Furthermore, they can issue a temporary license within 2 weeks. The necessary documents for the verification include:
- Medical School Transcripts
- State License verifications
- NPDB report
3. Michigan
You get the license in Michigan within 6 weeks. Providers with active U.S. licenses will have to submit only the State License Certifications for verification purposes.
Top 3 Hardest States to get Doctor Licensure
1. Massachusetts
Massachusetts medical license board performs malpractice history verification for the past ten years. Hence, they have one of the top rejection rates for medical verification across the US. Your every malpractice carrier should submit the claim history report, supervisory form, and FCVS profile which will make the entire process lengthy, delayed, and difficult.
2. Texas
To get Texas medical license, you should compulsorily complete the JP exam before the issue of the license. In Texas, communication takes place only through TX LIST online system and email. You cannot connect with the license board specialist via the phone.
3. New Jersey
It will take up to 5 months to get a medical license from the New Jersey license board. The reason is they need a lot of documents for verification, and this includes:
- Medical Education
- References
- Employment verification
- AMA & NPDB profiles
- Background Check
- PGY Verification
- Exam Transcripts
- FCVS profile, in case you are an International Medical Graduate
Final Thoughts
Every state has specific licensure regulations, variable fees, and fluctuating duration. Crossing these roads can sometimes prove to be intimidating. This is where you need an expert to expedite this medical license process from start to finish.
Here at Credidocs, we handle the medical licensing process in all 50 states across the US as we know the ins and outs of licensure in every state. Our professionals will complete the application and verifications on your behalf so you can focus on your other priorities like delivering care to your patients.
Just keep the relevant documents in place and contact a professional medical licensing service like Credidocs
