License Requirements for MDs and DOs
- Medical School Verification and Transcripts
- USMLE or COMLEX Scores
- Postgraduate Training Verification
- NPDB Self-Query
- Background Check
- Medical Jurisprudence Exam (MJPE)
- Employment History Verification
- Average Processing Time: 3-4 months
Training Requirements
- Texas Accepts FCVS
- 1-year postgraduate training for US graduates
- 2 years of postgraduate training for IMG
- 7 years+ to complete the USMLE or COMLEX
- 3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level
Obtaining Texas medical license is a comprehensive process that requires meticulous attention to detail. It involves strict adherence to the Texas Medical Board’s regulations. Prospective applicants must ensure they meet all educational requirements. This includes graduation from an accredited medical school. Successful completion of the USMLE or COMLEX exams is also mandatory. Postgraduate training typically at least one year, must be completed in an approved residency program.
The application process involves gathering variety of documents. These include medical school transcripts. Verification of postgraduate training is needed. Exam scores and proof of any specialty certifications are also essential.
Applicants must submit detailed online application pay a non-refundable fee and pass the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam. This exam assesses knowledge of Texas medical laws. A thorough background check, including fingerprinting is mandatory. This assesses the applicant’s suitability for practice. Credential verification is also required. Often, this is facilitated through the Federation Credentials Verification Service.
After submitting all necessary documentation and fees applicants must wait for the Texas Medical Board to review their application. This process can take several months. Upon successful completion of all these steps, the applicant is granted a Texas medical license This enables them to practice medicine in the state. This intricate process ensures that only qualified individuals are licensed. It maintains high standards of medical practice in Texas.
Application Process
Obtaining a medical license in Texas involves navigating through a complex and detailed series of steps, each designed to ensure that applicants meet the strict standards set by the Texas Medical Board. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the process:
- Verify Educational Requirements: Confirm that you have graduated from an accredited medical school and passed all parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).
- Complete Training Requirements: Applicants must complete the required amount of postgraduate training as mandated by the Texas Medical Board, which typically includes at least one year of residency training in a program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
- Gather Required Documentation: Collect necessary documents, including:
- Official medical school transcripts.
- Verification of postgraduate training.
- Scores from the USMLE or COMLEX.
- Proof of any specialty board certifications.
- A valid form of identification.
- Submit a Detailed Application: Fill out the Texas Medical License application via the Texas Medical Board’s online system. Ensure all sections are completed accurately to avoid delays.
- Pay the Application Fee: There is a non-refundable application fee that varies depending on the type of licensure and other factors. This fee, along with any other processing fees, must be submitted with your application.
- Complete a Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam, which tests knowledge of Texas laws related to medical practice.
- Complete a Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as required by Texas law. This step is vital to ensure the applicant’s suitability for medical practice.
- Credential Verification: Have your credentials verified through the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) or directly by the issuing institutions, depending on the board’s requirements.
- Await Board Review: Once your application and all supporting documents are submitted, the Texas Medical Board will review your file. This review can take several months, during which additional information may be requested.
- Receive Your License: Upon approval and verification of all criteria and successful completion of all exams, you will be issued a Texas medical license, allowing you to practice medicine in the state.
Each step requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the procedures specified by the Texas Medical Board, emphasizing the complexity and thoroughness of the licensing process in Texas.
Training Requirement Exceptions
Applicants who held or had an active application for a Texas Physician in Training permit on September 1, 2005, or who were previously in good standing in a different state for at least five years with no restrictions, orders, or probation, may be eligible for training exceptions.
Medical License Background Check
This process takes between six to eight weeks on average time, so it’s important to factor in this timeline when planning your license application. You need to submit fingerprints and answer questions about your practice history, including any prior criminal or disciplinary actions, as well as any allegations of medical malpractice.
Temporary License Requirements
- Pending application for a regular license in Texas
- Sponsorship by a Texas-licensed physician or hospital
- Valid license from another state or country
- Background check
Typically valid for up to 90 days, can be extended. A Physician Temporary permit must be submitted 30 days before entering the state.
Requirements for Obtaining a License by Reciprocity
- Current and active licensure in another state
- 1+ years of practice
- Criminal background check
- Medical Jurisprudence Exam (MJPE)
- CME requirements
- Proof of liability insurance
DEA Registration Requirements
DEA registration must be renewed every three years. To obtain it you’ll need a current and active medical license. You must also have a valid DPS controlled substances registration.
Learn more about DEA Registration.
License Requirements for Physician Assistants (PAs)
- PA Program Verification and Transcripts
- PANCE or PANRE Scores
- Background Check
- Physician Assistant Jurisprudence Exam (TPAJE)
Average processing time: 3-4 months
License Requirements for RNs and LVNs
- Nursing Education Program Verification and Transcripts
- NCLEX (RNs) or NCLEX-PN (LVNs) Scores
- Background Check
- TNJE
Average processing time: 4-6 weeks
License Requirements for APRNs
- Valid RN license or eNLC RN license
- Advanced practice nursing educational program
- National certification in the role and population focus area congruent with your APRN educational preparation.
- 400 hours of practice or completed APRN educational program within the last 24 calendar months
Texas License for International Medical Graduates
If you’re an International Medical Graduate, you’ll need to ensure that your medical school is on the substantial equivalence list. However, if your school isn’t on the substantial equivalence list yet, you can still apply by submitting Z-Pack documentation.
CME Requirements
- Physician Licensure: 48 hours of CME every 2 years, including at least 2 hours of medical ethics and 2 hours of pain management and prescribing practices.
- Physician Assistants: 40 hours every 2 years. At least half of these hours must be in category 1 or 1A courses.
- Nurses: 20 hours of CNE every 2 years or achieve, maintain, or renew an approved national nursing certification.
Texas Medical License Lookup
The TMB provides a convenient online tool to look up license information for physicians, physician assistants, acupuncturists, medical radiological technologists, non-certified radiologic technicians, respiratory care practitioners, medical physicists, and perfusionists. It lets you quickly verify the license status, educational background, and disciplinary history of any licensed healthcare professional.
How Our Physician Licensing Service Can Help You
We understand the complicated structure of the Texas licensure application process and can assist you in navigating the procedure with ease. We provide a variety of services, such as initial applications, renewals, and multi-state licensing, all of which are customized to your specific requirements. So, that you could forget about inadequate or incorrect paperwork, late submissions, and unexpected challenges.
FAQ About Texas Medical Licensure
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How to get a Texas medical license?
Physicians must meet specific requirements set by the Texas Medical Board, including completing medical education and residency training, passing the USMLE or COMLEX, submitting a license application, undergoing a criminal background check, passing the Medical Jurisprudence Exam, and fulfilling CME and liability insurance requirements. Additional requirements may apply depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
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How long does it take to get a Texas medical license?
The average processing time for a physician application is 45 to 90 days from the date the Board receives all required documents and fees from physician applicants.
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How hard is it to get a Texas medical license?
Obtaining a Texas medical license requires meeting specific requirements set by the medical board, which can be a lengthy and detailed process. However, it is achievable. The difficulty may vary depending on applicants’ circumstances and the completeness of the documentation submitted.
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How much does it cost to get a Texas medical license?
You’ll need to pay an initial registration fee of $817, plus registration fees for the license itself, which can be paid for either one or two years. On top of that, there are additional fees for the Jurisprudence Exam ($34), criminal history check ($100), and fingerprinting ($38.25). You may also need to provide documentation that incurs additional fees, such as the NPDB report ($4) and FCVS report ($375).
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Do I need an FCVS profile?
We strongly suggest use of the FCVS profile for the foreign medical graduates unless you can send the verification form to the medical school yourself. FCVS is also benefitial if you are planning on applying for a multiple state medical licenses since it expedites the verification process. For some states FCVS profile use is a mandatory requirement.
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How do I renew my Texas medical license?
Keep in mind that licenses expire every two years. To renew, you’ll need to attest to compliance with Board rules and complete an online questionnaire.
The renewal process typically opens around two months before your license expiration date. You’ll receive an email notification reminding you to renew your license and providing instructions on how to do so.