How long did it take to get California medical license?

[alcmd]

Hi,

For those of you licensed in California, after you passed Step 3, how long did it take for you to actually get your medical license from the time when you applied for it? My goal would be to have my license by May; just wanted to know how far in advance I will need to apply to get it on time.

Thanks

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[AJM]

Well, the application is a complete pain, and has to be done kind of in two steps (or at least that's how I had to do it). You basically have to send them a batch of paperwork and a check, and after they process that, you send them another batch of different paperwork and another check. Don't ask me why, it still doesn't make sense.

Anyway, I think I submitted the initial application in March/April. That apparently would have given me time to get my license by August, except that I waited to take Step 3 until July, so didn't get my license until October. Most people I know started the process around March, and got their licenses by August -- so maybe about 5 months. Then again, May/June can be really busy since that's when all the interns are applying to get their licenses...

 

[alcmd]

AJM,

Thanks- that was exactly what I am looking for. I went online and got moving on the first batch of paperwork; kind of a painful process. I'm glad to hear it's within reach to be licensed within 6 months of application.

Thanks!

 

[Sessamoid]

If you live in the state or can travel there, I highly recommend you do your fingerprinting at one of the LiveScan sites (I think that's the name). That speeds up your background check from 2-3 months to about 2 days.

 

[Paulista]

The difficult part is gathering all paper work.....
getting schools and residencies to send their papers..
Worse yet..if you have license elsewhere there is also pain since
the board can't issue the license without a certification from licensing boards saying you are in good grace with their state licenses....

Also, if you are contemplating a job prospectus...you better off flying to cali to do that livescan process..that is what I did..I went to Cali on a weekend evening and got it done on a saturday...pretty fast it was like 15 minutes..
Two days later the board already had all my background check done...

Now, read the application form very very carefully...
many people make mistakes on pictures and livescan forms...

You have to use the same pictures for all application parts...otherwise they would not accept it...plus with your initial application you have to enclosed a livescan form copy given my the facility where you did you fingerprints..otherwise you have to do it over or it can delay the processing tremendously.

In my case, everything went very smooth but one of the states where I am currently licensed is taking very long to send them the verification form.....otherwise I would have my license my now...

For all those seeking work...do that five state license theory....you will not run out of job offers..