Medical License for Military

[narcusprince]

Well folks its time to come aboard AD and start getting a permanent license. Anybody know which state I can get a medical license cheap and fast? I heard some states offer military discounts do any of you know which ones? I have to wait until January to find out where my next move will be.
Thanks
NP

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[J-Rad]

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/crl/medical/medsur/physur/ce.htm

Nebraska waives renewal fees for AD military. It looks like the initial license is $300 which is pretty cheap. I pay ~$330 q2 years for my VA license.

 

[Slevin]

for the military do you need a license from the state you are base in or do you need it just to be licensed from somewhere

 

[DocArmy]

I know you need a license in any state that you're practicing at a civilian clinic in. As for the military, you just need to be licensed somewhere in the US.

 

[MTGas2B]

Add to that it has to be an unrestricted license. Some states offer free military licenses, however they come with a practice restriction. This won't fly as your only license to work at a military medical facility. If you have one already, and aren't using it but want to keep it its a nice way to park it for a while.

I'll mention that Washington state offer a free renewal military license without a practice restriction. You do have to pay for the initial license, about $600 now I think. As a bonus, Washington is also a no state income tax state. Downer for mil med trainees, Washington requires 2 years of GME before they will issue you a license.

Speaking of licenses, I put in an application for a California license with plans of maybe doing some moonlighting some time next year. I had heard these horror stories about California routinely taking six months to process a license application. I started in September. This week in the mail I received a letter that everything was in order except that my internship verification form wasn't notarized. They tell me after a new one is sent in and reviewed I'll have a license. They even gave me the option to issue it right away, or in my birth month which is coming up soon, so it will be good for a full 2 years before my first renewal. I was very surprised, less than four months from application sent to issue. Pretty good I thought.

 

[burs0028]

I'm AD and have been licensed in NE for 3 years. It's not only the cost, but hassle that makes some states more appealing to apply for. NE is not only cheap (300 as previously stated), but very easy to do (need only application, birth certificate, etc.). Correct that renewal is free for military. Virginia also cheap and easy, but I don't think renewal is free. If you're POSITIVE you're not going to want to moonlight then go with Nebraska. If you will be moonlighting, then you might as well apply for licensure in the state you're moving to. If you don't think you can get licensed in time for when you arrive at your first assignment then get NE now and the 2nd state later.

Also, most of the application "services" you come across when searching for state applications are either scams or simply people submitting documents for you. Save your cash and do it yourself since its not any more difficult than applying for a job...

 

[narcusprince]

My program is pushing fcvs which is alart of the usmle that compiles your step scores and medical school info and pushes the info to states which simplifies the credentialing process. Any of u guys using fcvs?
From iphone

 

[MTGas2B]

My program is pushing fcvs which is alart of the usmle that compiles your step scores and medical school info and pushes the info to states which simplifies the credentialing process. Any of u guys using fcvs?
From iphone

I've never used them before. I looked into it when I applied for a local license recently. Might be worth it if you were going to apply for multiple licenses at the same time. Even then I've heard mixed reviews from those who have used them.

 

[backrow]

My program is pushing fcvs which is alart of the usmle that compiles your step scores and medical school info and pushes the info to states which simplifies the credentialing process. Any of u guys using fcvs?
From iphone

If I remember correctly we were required to use FCVS. (virginia license, but don't remember where that reqmt was pushed from)

 

[colbgw02]

I strongly discourage anyone from using FCVS if they can avoid it. The entire operation is an administrative nightmare. That place makes the finance office look like the model of efficiency.

I went with FCVS because I thought there was a chance I would need to get double-digit licenses. That might still be the case, eventually, but for the first license it took about two months longer than some colleagues who dealt directly with the state medical board. And with substantially less cost and hassle.

There's an FCVS thread in the general resident forum. Read it to hear some of the other crazy stories about those clowns.

 

[Zulu451]

Nebraska license for 8 years now. I plan on keeping it for as long as I am in the military. Easy license to get and maintain. Haven't paid a dime since the initial license.

 

[pgg]

Honestly, I'd just wait until Jan when you know where you're going, and have a better idea if / how much moonlighting you plan to do.

Speaking of licenses, I put in an application for a California license with plans of maybe doing some moonlighting some time next year. I had heard these horror stories about California routinely taking six months to process a license application. I started in September. This week in the mail I received a letter that everything was in order except that my internship verification form wasn't notarized. They tell me after a new one is sent in and reviewed I'll have a license. They even gave me the option to issue it right away, or in my birth month which is coming up soon, so it will be good for a full 2 years before my first renewal. I was very surprised, less than four months from application sent to issue. Pretty good I thought.

👍

They took about 7 months IIRC to get mine done, but
- this was when CA gov't workers had mandatory work furloughs 1 day per week
- it was the mid-year crunch when lots of graduating residents were getting licensed

Good to hear they're better now.