Practicing medicine in New York offers a unique and exceptional career path, thanks to one of the most extensive and varied medical systems in the U.S. The demand for medical professionals in New York is significantly higher than the national average, with a projected 19.3% increase in the number of doctors and surgeons between 2016 and 2026, compared to the national estimate of 11.4%. This demand varies across different specialties.
Medical License in NY: Reasons to Obtain
In 2021, New York State issued licenses to 6,119 practicing physicians, alongside 1,665 physician assistants and 4 specialist assistants. As of January 2022, the state had a total of 105,801 licensed physicians, with 6,064 new licenses. By May 2023, the entire United States saw 1,077,115 professionally active physicians, with California leading at 117,674, closely followed by New York. As of July 1, 2023, New York State has a total of 78,996 licensed physicians, encompassing both full and three-year limited licenses.
New York offers attractive salary prospects for doctors, with the median salary for entry-level doctors being around $222,681. Salaries can range from $192,803 to $249,080, and those in the top 90th percentile can earn up to $273,115. In New York City, these figures are even higher, with the median for entry-level doctors at $249,660 and the top earners making around $306,204.
The city, known for its high standards of living and world-class medical facilities like New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the NYU Langone Medical Center, offers vast opportunities. These facilities not only offer cutting-edge medical care but also serve as epicenters for medical research and innovation. For those who want to work in a large system, there is nothing more impressive.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an 11.4% estimated increase in the number of doctors and surgeons in the country from 2016 to 2026. New York’s growing demand for medical professionals is evident, with an expected 15.4% increase in doctor and surgeon jobs from 2016 to 2026, surpassing the national average.
Additionally, the Doctors Across New York program offers up to $120,000 in loan repayment for doctors serving in underserved communities, highlighting the state’s commitment to healthcare.
Medical Board of New York: Laws, Rules & Regulations
For comprehensive guidance on medical licensure in New York, the Medical Board of New York serves as a primary point of contact. They can be reached at (518) 474-3817 or via fax at (518) 486-4846. Their official website, the New York State Office of the Professions, provides extensive resources and updates on medical regulations.
Additionally, the New York Board of Physician Assistants and the New York State Board of Nursing offer specialized support and information on their websites, Physician Assistants and Nursing, respectively, catering to specific needs within the medical profession in New York.
| Education Law: Title VIII | |
| Article 131 | Medicine, Physician Assistant, Specialist Assistant, and Acupuncture |
| Article 131-A | Definitions of Professional Misconduct Applicable to Physicians, Physician`s Assistants and Specialist`s Assistants |
| Article 131-B | Physician Assistants |
| Article 131-C | Specialist Assistants |
| Commissioner’s Regulations | |
| Part 59 | General Provisions |
| Part 60 | Medicine, Physician Assistant, Specialist Assistant and Acupuncture |
Relevant sections of the NYS Public Health Law that also apply to this profession are available at Relevant New York State Laws.
New York Medical License Application
Applying for a New York medical license involves submitting the Licensure Application (Form 1) along with a fee of $735, which covers both the application and the first three-year registration period. The application process may take more than six weeks. For detailed instructions and forms, visit the New York State Office of the Professions.
Those already licensed in New York State don’t need Form 1. Your license remains valid unless revoked or suspended. For license renewal, particularly after a lapse of over four months, an Online Renewal or Delayed Registration Application is necessary. Always keep copies of submitted forms for your records.
You may print and keep this checklist as a reminder of what forms you need to file. This is for your reference and should not be submitted with your application forms.
New York Medical License Requirements
Accredited Medical School: Must be from an LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accredited institution or, for international graduates, a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Postgraduate Training: US graduates require 1 year, while IMGs need 3 years of postgraduate training.
Licensing Exams: Passing USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or NBME. Some institutions may prefer USMLE scores for residency placements. There are no time or attempt limits on completing the USMLE or COMLEX.
New York State Physician Profile: This profile includes details like medical school attended, hospital affiliations, and any history of professional misconduct.
Background Checks: Criminal records, malpractice claims, and any disciplinary actions taken by other state medical boards.
Mandatory Courses: New York mandates courses on child abuse identification, infection control, and life support techniques. Failure to complete these can delay the licensing process.
Average Processing Time: 3-4 months, but can vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of submitted documentation.
New York accepts FCVS for domestic graduates. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), FCVS is mandatory.
New York Medical Licensure by Endorsement
Gaining a New York medical license through endorsement is a practical route for licensed physicians from other states or countries. This method bypasses the need to retake the New York licensing exam, acknowledging your existing credentials. However, New York’s approach isn’t a straightforward reciprocity agreement.
In New York, the process of licensure by endorsement recognizes the validity of a physician’s existing licensure obtained through examination in another jurisdiction. However, this acknowledgment is contingent upon the comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s professional journey. This includes, but is not limited to, their medical education, any relevant pre-professional training, proficiency examinations, and extensive postgraduate training. Furthermore, New York requires evidence of a physician’s ability to practice independently, with a proven record of professional conduct.
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.
Eligibility for Licensure by Endorsement
| Criteria | U.S. Applicants | Canadian Applicants | IMGs |
| Professional Experience | 2 years of satisfactory experience | 2 years of satisfactory experience | 5 years of satisfactory experience |
| Educational Requirements | Accredited medical school, postgraduate medical education in an accredited program | Must meet educational requirements | Must have completed 3 years of acceptable postgraduate training |
| Licensing Examination | Must have passed a comparable licensing examination acceptable to NYSED | Must have passed the licensing examination of The Medical Council of Canada | Must have acceptable grades on an acceptable clinical competency examination or a diplomate certificate |
You are not eligible for endorsement if you have attempted and failed any part of the New York State licensing examination sequence and have not subsequently passed that same part.
Limited Medical License in New York
A limited New York medical license, known as a limited permit, allows medical practice under the supervision of a licensed and registered New York State physician within specific healthcare settings like general hospitals, nursing homes, or state-operated treatment centers.
To qualify, applicants must fulfill all physician license requirements, excluding examination and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, or be an International Medical Graduate (IMG) with appropriate educational credentials.
Limited permits are initially valid for two years and can be renewed twice, each time for two years, upon demonstrating progress toward full licensure. Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases.
- Training Requirements: Graduates from LCME-accredited medical programs need one year of ACGME-approved postgraduate training; those from non-LCME programs require three years. ACGME trainees don’t need a New York physician license or permit.
- Application Process: Complete Form 5A or 5B, pay a $105 fee, and submit the required documents. If applying for state licensure, use Form 5A. For others, Form 5B applies.
- Notification Obligations: Permit holders must inform the State Education Department of any employment or practice changes.
- Facility-Specific Permit Use: Permits are specific to each facility; transferring to another
New York Medical License Renewal
New York medical license require renewal every two years, expiring at the end of the month preceding the physician’s birthday. The renewal process is accessible online through the State Education Department’s Office of Professions website. Licensees need their license number and the last four digits of their Social Security Number to proceed. The fee for a three-year registration period is $600.
Notably, the second registration after initial licensure or reactivation may be shorter than the standard cycle, aligning future renewals with the licensee’s birth month for convenience.
New York Medical License CME Requirements
New York mandates specific training requirements for medical professionals as part of their continuing medical education (CME), although it does not prescribe a fixed number of CME credit hours for license renewal. Key mandates include:
Infection Control and Barrier Precautions: Every four years, medical professionals, including dentists, nurses, and optometrists, must complete training related to infection control, focusing on HIV and HBV prevention.
Child Abuse Identification and Reporting: All new applicants for licensure or a limited permit must complete two hours of training on child abuse identification and reporting. This is a one-time requirement.
Pain Management, Palliative Care, and Addiction: Licensed prescribers in New York with a DEA registration number are required to complete at least three hours of coursework or training in these areas every three years.
Physician-Specific Training: In addition to the above, physicians are required to complete training in infection control and barrier precautions every four years and two hours of training on identifying and reporting child abuse and maltreatment.
New York Medical License Verification
After you have submitted all your documentation, please allow 6 weeks before submitting a form to request a status update. Contacting the board earlier may extend processing times. During busy times, this timeframe may increase.
To check your application status, visit the State Physician Profile website and provide your full name, date of birth, and license number (if you have one). After submitting, you’ll see the current status of your application.
Telehealth License in New York
Telepractice in New York, defined as delivering professional services across geographical distances through telecommunications technology, plays a significant role in healthcare as telehealth. Under New York State Public Health Law Article 29-G, telehealth services, encompassing a broad range of healthcare professionals from physicians to therapists, are eligible for reimbursement. This includes telehealth provisions like eVisits and virtual eTriage.
eVisits, initiated by patients via digital platforms for non-urgent care assessment, are set for Medicaid coverage from October 2023. This remote assessment helps reduce unnecessary in-person visits. The CMS ET3 program, impacting telehealth practices in ambulance services, is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2023. Future updates are expected to further guide the integration of telehealth in treatment and alternative care delivery, reflecting the evolving landscape of telehealth regulations and its increasing importance in modern healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of medical licensing in New York is pivotal for professionals seeking to capitalize on the state’s thriving healthcare sector. With its robust demand for skilled practitioners, competitive compensation, and prestigious medical facilities, New York stands as a beacon for medical professionals. Mastery of the licensure process, from comprehending essential requirements to meticulous application submission, is indispensable. For both emerging and experienced medical professionals, remaining abreast of the evolving licensure landscape in New York is crucial, paving the way for a successful and impactful medical career in this vibrant and diverse healthcare environment.
FAQs about NY Medical Licensing
-
What are the basic requirements for obtaining a New York medical license?
To obtain a New York medical license, candidates must graduate from an LCME-accredited medical school or an international institution recognized in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Postgraduate training is mandatory, with U.S. graduates needing one year and international graduates requiring three years. Licensing exams like USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or NBME are essential. Additionally, candidates must complete mandatory courses in child abuse identification, infection control, and life support techniques. -
How long does the New York medical licensing process typically take?
The average processing time for a New York medical license is approximately 3-4 months. This duration can vary based on individual circumstances, completeness of the submitted documentation, and the current workload of the licensing board. It’s essential to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in the licensing process. -
Can international medical graduates (IMGs) apply for a medical license in New York?
Yes, international medical graduates can apply for a medical license in New York. They must have graduated from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and complete three years of postgraduate training. Additionally, IMGs must pass the required licensing exams and fulfill all other standard requirements, including mandatory training courses. The process also involves verification of medical credentials and may require additional documentation compared to U.S. graduates.
