New York Medical License Process: Everything You Need to Know

How Do I Get A New York Medical License?

The New York State Education Department – Office of Professions requires anyone who wants to use the title “Physician” or practice medicine in New York State to obtain licensure.

Let’s familiarize ourselves with the general requirements, fees, process and how long it takes to obtain your medical license in New York.

To become a licensed physician in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age; and
• meet education, examination and experience requirements.

If you meet the above requirements, you must then file an application for licensure and submit all required forms along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. *It is the responsibility of all applicants to follow up with all organizations/associations etc. you have asked to send us material.

For licensure requirements, review Title 8, Article 131, Section 6524 of New York’s Education Law, Part 60 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, and the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

Licensure by Endorsement Requirements:

In New York State “endorsement” refers to satisfaction of the New York State licensure exam requirement by acceptance of licensure by examination in another jurisdiction.

Additionally, full documentation of all other New York State licensure requirements including medical education, preprofessional education, proficiency examination, postgraduate hospital training, valid licensure to practice independently in another jurisdiction, and satisfactory practice following licensure, among other requirements, must be submitted as part of the Licensure by Endorsement application process.

• If you are licensed in another jurisdiction and have completed an examination combination acceptable to New York State, you may not apply for licensure by endorsement.
• If you have a medical license issued by another state or political subdivision of the U.S., have two years of satisfactory professional experience, and are eligible to sit for the New York State licensing examination, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if you have passed another comparable licensing examination acceptable to the New York State Education Department. If you passed a state medical licensing examination prior to January 1, 1972, contact the Medicine Unit at opunit2@nysed.govor (518) 474-3817 ext. 260 to determine if your examination is eligible for endorsement.
• If you have an independent medical license issued by a Canadian province, have two years of satisfactory professional experience, and meet educational requirements, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if you passed the licensing examination of The Medical Council of Canada. Contact the Medicine Unit at opunit2@nysed.gov or (518) 474-3817 ext. 260 for further information.
• If you have an acceptable medical license issued by a foreign country, have five years of satisfactory professional experience, have acceptable grades on an acceptable clinical competency examination or a diplomate certificate based on experience and examination requirements, and have completed three years of acceptable postgraduate training experience, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.
• You are not eligible for endorsement if you have attempted and failed any part of the New York State licensing examination sequence and not subsequently passed that same part. Contact the Medicine Unit at opunit2@nysed.gov or (518) 474-3817 ext. 260 if you need further information.

Licensure by Examination Requirements:

To become licensed as a physician in New York State, the current examinations are required:

• Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

OR

• Part I, Part II, and Part III of the examinations of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME)

*Other acceptable examination combinations include the NBME, FLEX and USMLE.

If you have completed these examinations (NBME, FLEX, and USMLE) prior to January 1, 2000, with scores acceptable to New York State, you can satisfy the examination requirement for licensure by requesting the appropriate testing organization (listed below) to send your scores directly to the Office of the Professions.

USMLE AND/OR FLEX SCORES

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) must certify directly to the Office of the Professions your USMLE and/or FLEX scores. Applicants must request FSMB to submit official examination scores directly to the Office of the Professions.

NBME SCORES

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) must certify directly to the Office of the Professions your NBME certification and scores. To have your scores forwarded to the Office of Professions, complete the NBME Endorsement of Certification Request form or call (215) 590-9500.

NBOME SCORES

To obtain scores and transcripts, contact the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners or by calling (773) 714-0662.

ECFMG CERTIFICATION

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) must verify your certification based on passing scores sent directly to the Office of the Professions. To request your ECFMG certification, complete the Request for Status Report of ECFMG Certification form or call (215) 386-5900.

New York Medical License Fees and Process:

A New York State professional license is valid for “life” unless it is revoked, annulled, or suspended by the Board of Regents.

You must have a valid New York State medical license in order to practice medicine in New York State. The licensing process involves submitting Form 1 along with the $735 licensure and first registration fee. All questions on the application must be answered and information requested must be provided. To submit additional documents or files, click here. Make sure to include your application ID and DOB.

Failure to complete all required parts of the application will delay its review.

How Long Does It Takes To Get Your Medical License In New York?

The entire process can take anywhere from 6+ weeks (from the time your application is received).

All applications may be completed online directly on the New York State Education Department – Office of Professions site.

To review education requirements, experience requirements, information on limited permits and more, visit the New York State Education Department – Office of Professions.

Visit the MASC Medical Medical License Guide for information on how to get your medical license in other states.