If you're in your last year of training in residency or fellowship, and you'll be starting your first job this summer, it's time to get started on your licensing application for the state in which you'll begin your practice. Yes, the end of most training programs is still 6 or 7 months away, and maybe you're not starting your job until August or even later, but the various state's Boards of Medical Examiners may not be on the fast track pace you might hope for. In some states, just the processing time alone can take up to 4 months or more. This amount of time doesn't account for the additional lead time you need for gathering up all of the necessary documentation you'll be required to submit, or have submitted, to your state's Medical Board. For example, most states require items such as the following:
- Your USMLE or NBME, FLEX, or SPEX transcripts (Go to the Federation of State Medical Boards website for more info on your transcript);
- Your medical school transcript;
- Verification from all post-medical school training programs;
- Letters of good moral character from other physician colleagues;
- Documentation of your licensure in any other state you have been licensed.
…..and other items too, depending on the specific state- all states applications are different, and you must check with the Board of Medical examiners in your state to understand their specific process. There will also, of course, be a full application you must complete and submit to your state's Medical Board.
In addition to applying for your new state license, you may also need to apply for your own personal Federal Drug Enforcement Agency number if you have been using an institutional DEA number which is common through certain training programs. Visit the DEA website for application information.
Finally, don't forget about state controlled substances registrations which some states require in addition to your Federal DEA number.
Happy applying!