- Proof of education and training
- Documentation of USMLE (and FLEX where applicable) exam completion
- Current CV
- Fingerprint cards for the licensing state
- Summary of derogatory information
- References
Speeding Up Your State License
July 30th, 2013 4 Min readDownload PDF
The road to a new state license can be hard to navigate. Detours caused by confusing paperwork and missing information and the toll of gathering material from several sources contribute to the difficulty. Planning ahead makes it easier to find your way.
Find Out What You Need
Because licensing requirements vary widely from state to state, it is wise to contact the licensing board of the state in which you are interested. If you graduated from a school outside the United States, pay careful attention to how your requirements differ from U.S. graduates. The Federation of State Medical Boards offers a convenient directory that will help you research what’s needed for each state.
When you contact the licensing board, ask how long you should expect processing to take so you can determine a reasonable date to expect a license. Remember that the processing time the state gives you is generally a best-case scenario based on a complete, error-free submission.
Gather the Required Information
Over the years, expansion of provider networks, an evolving legal climate, and changes prompted by the “court of public opinion” have expanded the paper trail required to get a new license. Make an effort to collect all your information before you begin the process. Common must-haves include the following: