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New Jersey Medical License

Medicallicensing Team • 21 January 2025 (updated)
New Jersey

License Requirements

  • Medical School Verification and Transcripts
  • USMLE, COMLEX, or NBME examinations
  • Internship, Residency, and Fellowship Verifications
  • Background Check
  • All State Medical Licenses
  • AMA Profile
  • AMA or AOA Profile
  • Malpractice, Employment, and Privileges Verification Past 5 years
  • Average Processing Time: 3-4 months

Training Requirements

  • 5 attempts at USMLE Step 3
  • 7 years to complete USMLE
  • US and IMG graduates 2 years of postgraduate training and have signed a contract for a 3rd year (if graduated after July 1, 2003)
  • Graduates prior to July 1, 2003: 1 year; 3 years IMG.

New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners

New Jersey Medical License Application

To practice medicine in NJ, you must be licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

You must satisfy the following qualifications to get a physician’s license:

  • Graduate from an accredited medical school
  • Complete a residency program
  • Pass USMLE or COMLEX
  • Provide evidence of your education, certification, and work experience
  • Pass a background check

You will be awarded a license if you have satisfied these conditions and the application has been accepted. To become a licensed medical doctor in New Jersey, you must also undergo foreign degree evaluation, certification, and competitive placement among doctors. IMGs as well as those who were previously licensed in another country or state must meet extra prerequisites, including graduation from a medical school accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) or the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).

To become a medical assistant, you must first:

  • Graduate from an accredited physician assistant program
  • Pass the PANCE administered by the NCCPA
  • Provide evidence of your education, certification, and work experience
  • Pass a background check

For a nurse practitioner’s license it is needed to:

  • Hold a current registered nurse (RN) license
  • Graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program
  • Provide evidence of your education, certification, and work experience
  • Pass a criminal background check

Licensing Pathways

Already Licensed in Another State

If you are already licensed to practice medicine in another state, you may be eligible for a New Jersey through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The IMLC is a voluntary agreement between states that facilitates the process for licensed physicians to practice medicine across state lines. This pathway can significantly streamline your New Jersey medical license application.

To qualify, you must meet the requirements set by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. These include completing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited medical school, passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) series, and holding a valid medical license in another state. This pathway is particularly beneficial for physicians looking to expand their practice into New Jersey without undergoing the entire licensure process from scratch.

Medical Examiners and Licensure

The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners plays a crucial role in ensuring that only qualified individuals are licensed to practice medicine in the state. The Board is responsible for evaluating the credentials of applicants and issuing medical licenses to those who meet the stringent requirements.

To obtain a medical license in New Jersey, you must complete a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited medical school. Additionally, you must pass the USMLE or COMLEX series and complete a postgraduate training program. The Board also licenses and certifies other healthcare professionals, including podiatrists, ensuring that all practitioners meet the high standards required for medical practice in New Jersey.

Postgraduate Training

Residency and Fellowship Programs

Postgraduate training is a critical step in becoming a licensed physician in New Jersey. The state offers a variety of residency and fellowship programs that provide comprehensive hands-on training and experience in numerous medical specialties. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and are designed to prepare physicians for diverse medical practice environments.

To be eligible for a residency or fellowship program in New Jersey, applicants must meet specific criteria, including completing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited medical school and passing the USMLE or COMLEX series. These programs not only enhance your clinical skills through direct patient encounters but also ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges of medical practice. Whether you are a recent graduate or an international medical graduate, these programs are essential for advancing your medical education and career.

New Jersey Medical Board License Renewal

  • Physicians need to complete 100 credits of continuing medical education (CME) during each renewal period, which is every 2 years. This includes specific areas of focus such as medical ethics, pain management, and prescription drug monitoring. Of these, 40 credits must be Category 1, and 60 — Category 1 Credit or Category 2. Physicians and podiatrists must pay a non-refundable application fee of $325 and $125, respectively: a $225 one-time endorsement fee for physicians and $150 for podiatrists, plus a $290 yearly registration fee.
  • Physician assistants need to complete 100 credits of CE: 50 credits of Category 1 and 50 — Category 1 or Category 2. The renewal fee for physician assistants is $150. Additionally, both physicians and PAs need to complete 2 credits of End-of-Life-Care, 1 credit on opioid drug prescription as part of the Category 1 Credit, and 6 credits of cultural competency training if they graduated from a medical school before March 2, 2005.
  • Nurses need 30 contact hours every 2 years. The CE must be relevant to the area of practice and approved by an organization recognized by the Board of Nursing or accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Additionally, you need 1 contact hour of topics concerning prescription opioid drugs and 6 contact hours of cultural competency training for graduates before March 2, 2005. The renewal fee for nurses is $120.

CDS registration should be renewed every 3 years. It can be accomplished online up to 60 days prior to or 30 days after the certificate’s expiration date. The fee for a 3-year renewal is $120.

New Jersey Telemedicine License

Any healthcare professional who uses telehealth to deliver services to a patient must possess a valid NJ license, follow state licensing board laws, have liability coverage, and remain subject to NJ jurisdiction. Practitioners in or outside of NJ using telemedicine or telehealth to provide healthcare services to clients must hold a license issued by the Board. Exceptions apply to healthcare providers located in other states who only provide consultation services to New Jersey licensees without directing client care.

Medical License Lookup New Jersey

There are several ways to look up a medical license in New Jersey. You can use the online verification system on the Division of Consumer Affairs website, where you can search by profession, license type, name, license number, or city. 

You can also call the State Board of Medical Examiners at (609) 826-7100 for verbal verification of up to three licensees. If you need verification of a larger number of licenses, you can use the Automated Verification System by calling (973) 273-8090. This system will provide verbal and faxed-back verification of license status and any public discipline. 

If you need to verify your NJ medical license to another state, you can request written verification from the State Board of Medical Examiners. You need to write or fax the Board at: State Board of Medical Examiners Document Management Unit P.O. Box 183 Trenton, NJ 08625-0183 Fax: (609) 826-7101. You also need to include a $50.00 fee.

Expedite New Jersey Medical License

The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs – State Board of Medical Examiners has discontinued the Temporary Emergency Reciprocity Licensure Program on August 1, 2022, for all classes of Group 2 health care practitioners, with the sole exception of respiratory care therapists.

However, you may be eligible for an expedited licensure pathway through the IMLC or eNLC.

It is important to note, that recent graduates of nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy, and respiratory care therapy programs can obtain a temporary license to practice in NJ without passing the licensure examination under the Temporary Emergency Graduate Licensure Program.

New Jersey Medical Licensing Service

Obtaining a medical license may be a difficult and time-consuming procedure, particularly if you have qualifications from various jurisdictions. The processing time is determined by the thoroughness of your application and the examination of your credentials.

Fortunately, there is a solution that might help to simplify and speed up the licensing procedure. You may get assistance with every step of the process by using an experienced medical licensing agency like MedicalLicensing.com.

Our knowledgeable staff can help you collect and check your documentation, submit the application, and follow up with the board. Our assistance can save you time, money, and frustration by handling all of the paperwork and correspondence on your behalf.

With over 50,000 physician licenses obtained across all 50 states, MedicalLicensing.com is a reputable and experienced company that understands the requirements and procedures of each state board. Our experts can guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes and delays.

FAQ About New Jersey Medical Licensure

  • How do I apply for a medical license in New Jersey?
    To apply, you need to complete an online application on the State Board website. You also need to provide information about your education, training, examination scores, malpractice insurance, and character. You also need to undergo a criminal history background check by submitting a form and getting fingerprinted.
  • How long does it take to get a medical license in New Jersey?
    The timeline for obtaining your medical license can vary depending on different factors. Generally, it takes an average of 3 months from the time your application is received to the point when the license is issued.
  • How much is a medical license in New Jersey?
    Applicants for physician and podiatrist licensing must submit a non-refundable application fee of $325 and $125, respectively—a $225 one-time endorsement charge for physicians and $150 for podiatrists, as well as a $290 yearly registration fee.
  • What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining a medical license in New Jersey?
    Physicians must complete at least 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every two years. This includes courses in medical ethics, pain management, and prescription drug monitoring.
  • Can I practice telemedicine with a New Jersey medical license?
    Yes, physicians with valid New Jersey medical licenses can practice telemedicine within the state. However, they must follow guidelines and regulations set by the Medical Board.
  • How can I verify a medical professional’s license in New Jersey?
    You can verify a medical professional’s license in New Jersey by using the Licensee Search feature on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website. Simply enter the individual’s name or license number to access their license information, including status and expiration date.
  • What are the requirements for clinical patient encounters in the licensing process?
    Clinical patient encounters are essential for assessing clinical skills, especially when other requirements are not met. These encounters must be performed by licensed physicians and are a crucial part of the pathway options for evaluating a candidate’s practical abilities.
  • What are some common medical school issues that applicants face?
    Medical school issues often revolve around accreditation and the qualifications necessary for licensing. Joint degrees from accredited medical schools, in collaboration with the Liaison Committee of the Medical Education (LCME), are significant. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that applicants meet the necessary standards.
  • How do graduates from foreign medical schools navigate the licensing process?
    Graduates from foreign medical schools face specific application requirements and challenges in obtaining licensing in the U.S. They must complete various steps and often face a competitive landscape for residency placement. U.S. medical school graduates typically have advantages due to familiar networks, making it essential for international medical graduates (IMGs) to be adaptable with their specialty choices and locations.
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State Requirements

Check out individual state requirements by clicking the links down below.