While the national median stands at 94.7 primary care physicians per 100,000 people, Mississippi lags behind with only 67.4 per 100,000 people. As a result, the state is facing an increasing demand for primary care physicians.
If you’re looking for a new state to work in, Mississippi could be one of the best states to practice medicine. But how much would it cost to get licensed, and how long would it take? Read on to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi medical license requires U.S. or international medical school graduation and relevant post-graduate experience.
- Application includes medical transcripts, USMLE/COMLEX scores, background checks, and residency records.
- Licensing process takes 2-4 weeks after submission; international graduates may take longer.
- Permanent license application costs $550; annual renewal for physicians is $300.
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Mississippi Medical Licensing Requirements
While the requirements and process vary by profession and education, you typically must meet the following to qualify for licensure in Mississippi:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Have at least one year of post-graduate experience/training if you studied at a U.S. medical school and at least two years (or one year plus) of experience if you graduated outside the U.S. or Canada
- Passed USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, and CS or COMPLEX Level 1, Level 2 CE, and PE. You must complete all three steps within seven years. If you fail Step 3 three times, one additional year of AOA-approved GME or ACGME is required
You’ll need to submit your application via the MELS Gateway before sending forms to the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure (MSBML). Here’s what you’ll be required to submit:
- Medical school transcripts, clinical forms (if you graduated from an international medical school), and forms;
- ECFMG CVS report;
- FLEX/USMLE/NBME/NBOME scores;
- All residency, fellowship, and internship records;
- All medical licenses;
- ABMS certification (if you’ve completed the Fifth Pathway);
- FSMB and FBI criminal background checks.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Mississippi Medical License?
The length of your application process will depend on your circumstances (such as whether you can already work legally in other states) and the type of license you’re looking to get: temporary or permanent.
Once you’ve submitted your application and relevant documents, your license will be issued within two to four weeks, typically within one day of a scheduled medical Board interview.
Physicians who are graduates of a U.S. medical school should expect a total application process period of at least sixty days, which includes document collection and verification periods. For international graduates, the process can take longer due to verification requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical License in Mississippi?
According to the MSBML, the cost of the permanent license application is $550, which is paid upon application submission. Here’s a breakdown of application fees for different types of licenses:
| License Type | Fee |
| Medical/Osteopathic/Podiatry | $550 |
| Physician Assistant | $550 |
| Radiologist Assistant | $500 |
| Acupuncturist | $400 |
| Limited Institutional | $250 |
| Reinstatement Applications (all licenses) | $250 |
| Ltd/X-Ray Machine Operators | $50 |
| Restricted Temporary | $50 |
| Out-of-State Temporary | $50 |
| Short-term Training | $25 |
There is no temporary license that would enable physicians to practice medicine while their permanent license application is being reviewed.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Medical License in Mississippi?
If you’re renewing your permanent MD/DO license, you’ll have to pay $300 annually. If you’re a licensed physician assistant, you’ll have to pay $150 annually for renewal. Here’s a breakdown of renewal fees for all license types:
| License Type | Fee |
| Medical/Osteopathic/Podiatry | $300 |
| Physician Assistant | $150 |
| Radiologist Assistant | $150 |
| Acupuncturist | $150 |
| Limited Institutional | $100 |
| Restricted Temporary | $50 |
| Ltd/X-Ray Machine Operators | $50 |
If you’re looking to get your license reinstated (up to five prior renewal years), you’ll need to pay a $25 fee and a $5/month fine.
Begin Your Mississippi Medical Journey With Physicians Thrive
Mississippi’s need for skilled medical professionals makes it the right place if you’re looking to get your license and make a difference. The state also expedites the entire process once you submit your application, which makes it much easier to get a license compared to other states.
Once you’ve received your license, the road to providing medical services to people in need is easy, but saving money can be difficult. If you’re struggling to invest your money or getting as much value as you can, we can help.
At Physician Thrive, we help you negotiate better terms, sign up for the right insurance for you, and manage your taxes, so you can repay your loans and save up for the future you’re looking to build. Meet with our advisors to learn more!
