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Pennsylvania Medical License

Medicallicensing Team • 25 June 2024 (updated)
Pennsylvania

License Requirements for MDs and DOs

  • Medical School Verification and Transcripts
  • USMLE or COMLEX-USA exams
  • Residency Program
  • Background Check
  • Licensure Verification (if applicable)
  • Jurisprudence Exam
  • Average Processing Time: 3-4 months

Training Requirements

  • 4 attempts at each Step USMLE, no limit on COMLEX
  • 2 years MD, 1 year DO Minimum Postgraduate Training Required
  • 7 years to complete USMLE, no limit on COMLEX
  • Pennsylvania accepts FCVS

Pennsylvania Medical Board Contact Info

Pennsylvania Medical License Application

In PA, the State Board of Medicine is responsible for overseeing the practice of medicine and granting medical licenses to eligible candidates. To obtain a medical license, individuals must visit the Department of State’s website, select the appropriate board, provide the required information and documentation, pay the application fee, and submit the application. The fee for domestic graduates is $35, while international graduates are required to pay $85.

Pennsylvania Osteopathic License

To obtain an Osteopathic Medical License in Pennsylvania, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Graduated from an accredited college of osteopathic medicine
  • Completed a postgraduate training program accredited by the ACGME, AOA, or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
  • Passed the COMLEX-USA examination
  • Verification of all licensure and certification held in other states
  • Criminal background check

The application process includes completing an online application and paying a fee of $185.

Pennsylvania Nurse License

Nursing licensure is regulated by the State Board of Nursing. To become a licensed nurse in Pennsylvania, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete an approved nursing program.
  • Pass the NCLEX examination.
  • Complete a criminal background check and disclose any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions taken against a nursing license in any state.

The fee for an initial RN license in PA is $95, and the fee for an initial LPN license is $95. 

Pennsylvania Physician Assistant License

To become a licensed Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania, the following requirements must be met:

  • Graduate from an accredited school.
  • The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
  • Current NCCPA certification and PA program transcript.
  • Criminal background check.

You can apply for a Physician Assistant license with the State Board of Medicine and pay the $135 application fee.

Pennsylvania Medical Board License Renewal

The State Board of Medicine will send out renewal notices two to three months before the expiration date to the most recent address on file. Physicians can renew their licenses on the PA Licensing System (PALS), which is an online platform that enables users to apply for and renew licenses, as well as update their contact information and track the status of their applications. 

Pennsylvania Medical License Renewal CME Requirements

Physicians are required to complete Continuing Medical Education (CME) to renew their medical licenses. The total credit hours needed for renewal is 100 in the two-year license cycle, with at least 20 of those hours being in AMA PRA Category 1 credit. Additionally, physicians must complete 12 hours of CME focused on patient safety or risk management, 2 hours of board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting, and 2 hours of CME in pain management, identification of addiction, or the practices of prescribing or dispensing opioids. It’s important to note that the child abuse recognition and reporting hours do not count toward the 100 CME credit requirement unless the course is specifically approved for CME credits.

Pennsylvania Telemedicine License

In PA, telemedicine is regulated by professional licensing boards and is allowed for licensed professionals to practice. There is no separate telemedicine license required for physicians to practice telemedicine in PA. However, physicians must adhere to the same standard of care and follow the same regulations as they would for in-person visits.

DEA License

To prescribe controlled substances, physicians in PA need a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) license. To obtain a DEA license in PA, physicians need to submit an application to the DEA, along with a copy of their state medical license and registration fee. The DEA registration fee is $731 for a three-year license. 

Pennsylvania Medical License Lookup

The State Board of Medicine offers an online license verification tool that allows the public to search for information on medical professionals licensed in the state. The tool can be accessed through the Department of State’s website and provides information such as the professional’s name, license number, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions taken against them. It is important to note that the information provided through the medical license lookup tool is updated regularly but may not be entirely up-to-date or complete.

Pennsylvania Medical Licensing Service

At MedicalLicensing.com, we’ve been streamlining the medical licensing and credentialing process for over 8 years. With over 9,000 physicians who have trusted us to handle their state medical licensing, and over 11,000 hours spent preparing applications and communicating with medical boards, our team of experts delivers results quickly and smoothly.

Our mission is to make the medical licensing and healthcare credentialing process easy, fast, and frustration-free. We want to do our part in helping healthcare professionals focus on what they love the most – caring for patients. By streamlining the entire credentialing process, we’re able to license healthcare providers more efficiently, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for patients.

Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a large group, our team is fully devoted and aligned with our mission to make the licensing process as easy as possible for you. With our credentialing expertise, you can be assured that we’ll exceed your needs and make your licensure process smooth, fast, and frustration-free.

FAQ About Pennsylvania Medical Licenure

  • How to apply for a medical license in Pennsylvania?
    To apply for a medical license, you need to submit an application through the Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. You can apply online or by mail. The application fee is $35.00, and you will need to provide various documents, such as your medical school transcripts and proof of completing your residency
  • How long does it take to get a physician’s license in Pennsylvania?
    The processing time for a medical license application can vary depending on several factors, such as the completeness of your application and the time it takes for the medical board to review and approve it. Generally, it can take 3-4 months to receive your medical license.
  • What is the cost of a physician’s license in Pennsylvania?
    The cost of a medical license is $35.00 for the initial application fee. There are also additional fees for certain services, such as the associated fees for obtaining license verifications, background checks,s and completing the required CMEs needed as part of the initial application.
  • How to renew a medical license in Pennsylvania?
    To renew your medical license in Pennsylvania, you must submit a renewal application and pay the renewal fee of $360. You must also complete continuing medical education (CME) requirements and disclose any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions.
  • When will Pennsylvania become a compact state?
    As of April 2023, Pennsylvania has not yet joined the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Therefore, physicians who want to practice in Pennsylvania must obtain a Pennsylvania medical license. However, Pennsylvania has shown interest in joining the compact, so it is possible that it will become a compact state in the future.
  • How to expedite Pennsylvania medical license?
    Applicants can submit a request for expedited processing along with their application. The State Board of Medicine may grant expedited processing for certain situations such as urgent patient care needs or military deployment. However, expedited processing does not guarantee a quicker approval process and additional fees may apply. Or you can use medical licensing services. Our team of experts has in-depth knowledge and experience in licensing requirements and will make the process easy for you
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State Requirements

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