May be a stupid question, but what do you all do about medical licenses? Initial job looking at multiple states

[ladysmanfelpz]

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In a fellowship currently. I wasn't even sure about the fellowship, so got my license in two states to keep my options open, but ended up not using one at all, so it was about $400 wasted. Now the job search continues and there are three states I am currently looking at. I got the requirements for all of them, and wondering if I should get my license now, or wait. Even in fellowship I missed out on a great job opportunity as I did not have my license in my residency state with a great locums opportunity. That is a different discussion, but anyway, did not end up leaving and pursuing that. Spouse and I just don't know where we will end up. Is it better to have all the licenses to keep options open? More money up front, but can save time and headache in the long run. Or wait until actually sign a contract and get the license? I know that employers can also help with obtaining a license. Thanks for the input!

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

nah wait till you're sure of a job and then apply for a license. It's not usually actually the licensing that holds things up, it's the insurance credentialing. Licensing is relatively quick in my experience in the 3 states I had to get licenses in as long as you don't have any flags.

 

[Bartelby]

I agree with calvnandhobbs. Depending on the state it usually takes a few weeks to a few months to get the license. If you are looking for a job on the typical timeline starting your application after you get the job offer will likely be fine.

 

[comp1]

Totally depends on the state. Some are fast, some aren't. Look up wait times specific to the state, but no, this isn't Pokemon. You shouldn't just collect them all.

 

[ladysmanfelpz]

Totally depends on the state. Some are fast, some aren't. Look up wait times specific to the state, but no, this isn't Pokemon. You shouldn't just collect them all.

Lol. I'm going for all of them

 

[FlowRate]

Totally depends on the state. Some are fast, some aren't. Look up wait times specific to the state, but no, this isn't Pokemon. You shouldn't just collect them all.

Agree with this. If I was set on one of the states that has a long timeline (I seem to recall CA and/or TX were long waits?) I might go ahead and get that license but for most states--if not shooting for any one in particular or wanting to change jobs ASAP--it's fine to wait until there's an offer of employment.

 

[comp1]

Yes, CA is definitely a long wait. Apply now if you're thinking of ever doing it.

 

[Psychiater]

CA license times might not be that long if you apply right now. I just applied in late October and was licensed in less than 5 weeks, even with my fingerprint cards being mailed in from out of state.

 

[mistafab]

Have several offers in hand. When you've reached the decision point and have selected one to move forward with - that's when you apply for the job.

Ideally, you elect to move forward by Feburary (if finishing fellowship in June). That is a reasonable lead time to get all the licensing requirements complete for your incoming state. Takes about that long for credentialing as well.

 

[TexasPhysician]

It is too expensive to maintain a bunch of licenses. Get the job you want first