When and how do you become licensed in a certain state?

[Captain DO]

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I'm currently a PGY - 1. At what point am I elligble for licensure in my state and when is it a good idea to start the process?

 

[gutonc]

I'm currently a PGY - 1. At what point am I elligble for licensure in my state and when is it a good idea to start the process?

Great question for your seniors or program leadership.

No matter what state you're in though, every one will require at least 1 year of PG training and completion of Step 3. So...start there.

 

[Raryn]

Federation of State Medical Boards has the minimum requirements. When you should do it and whether it makes sense as a resident (or might even be required as a resident) is something that is state and program specific.

 

[kchan99]

This is program-dependent. I took Step 3 in PGY2, but I didn't get my full license until the last year of residency. I even did in-house moonlighting on a training permit. A full license is necessary when applying to take specialty boards.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

It's quite possible that you could complete your entire residency without getting a full license. It's state and program specific, and depends on whether you want to moonlight (and as mentioned, some internal moonlighting might not need a full license)

 

[smq123]

This is program-dependent. I took Step 3 in PGY2, but I didn't get my full license until the last year of residency. I even did in-house moonlighting on a training permit. A full license is necessary when applying to take specialty boards.

Surprisingly, it's not a requirement for Family Medicine. FM offers the option of taking your specialty boards in April of your PGY-3 year; you only become "fully board certified for realsies" when you get your unrestricted license. But yes, you get to take the test before getting a license.

(I have no idea why they made this the case for FM; I just took advantage of it.)

 

[smq123]

I'm currently a PGY - 1. At what point am I elligble for licensure in my state and when is it a good idea to start the process?

Keep in mind that many jobs will often pay for your state medical license, but if you do this as a resident for your own purposes (moonlighting, etc.) then you have to pay it yourself out of pocket (although it may be at a discounted price).