Louisiana Medical License: An LSMB Complete Guide

Getting your medical license from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) enables you to practice medicine in the US.

While it requires significant time and effort, the process can be much less daunting with the correct information and guidance.

This guide covers everything you need to learn about the licensing process, including information for MDs, DOs, and international medical graduates.

Let’s get started.

Requirements for a Medical License in Louisiana

The requirements for getting a medical license in Louisiana vary depending on whether you are an MD or a DO and whether you graduated from a medical school in the United States or abroad.

Here is an overview of the requirements for each category:

Requirements for MD

• Graduation from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
• Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• Completion of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ACGME-approved residency training
• Successful completion of the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam
• A valid Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) permit
• No felony conviction
• No revocation, suspension, or restriction of any professional license or certificate

DO Requirements

• Graduation from an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association
• Successful completion of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)
• Completion of a residency program accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
• Successful completion of the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam
• A valid Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) permit
• No felony conviction
• No revocation, suspension, or restriction of any professional license or certificate

ECFMG certification

• Completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• Successful completion of the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam
• A valid Controlled Dangerous Substances permit
• No felony conviction
• No revocation, suspension, or restriction of any professional license or certificate
• Proof of English proficiency for those who completed their medical education in a non-English speaking country

Accreditation

• The American Medical Association (AMA) or AOA must accredit postgraduate training programs in Louisiana.
• The Accreditation Council must accredit residency programs for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association.

Licensing Exams

• MDs must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• DOs must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)
• Foreign medical graduates must take the United States Medical Licensing Examination or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.

Multiple Pathways

• For MDs and DOs, the traditional pathway is to complete medical school, pass the appropriate licensing exam, and complete a residency program.
• For Foreign Medical Graduates, the traditional pathway is to pass the appropriate licensing exam and complete a residency program.
• The LSBME also offers alternative pathways for MDs and DOs, including a limited license for telemedicine.

It is essential to remember that the requirements for getting a medical license in Louisiana may change over time, so it is recommended to check with the Louisiana State Medical Board of Examiners for the most up-to-date information.

Moving to another state? Check out our State Guides for Practicing Medicine:

California | Florida | New York | Texas

Residency Requirements

Residency requirements are paramount to getting licensed by the Louisiana Medical Board. To become certified in Louisiana, MDs and DOs must complete a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association.

Foreign Medical Graduates must also complete a residency program accredited by the same organizations.

These residency programs provide doctors with the hands-on training and experience they need to become competent and skilled practitioners. It is important to note that the length and specific requirements of these residencies may vary depending on the specialty chosen.

Application Process

The application process is relatively straightforward. The LSBME offers an online application that you can access via its website. You can also apply by mail or email.

Regardless of the method chosen, the application will ask for personal and professional information. This includes education, work experience, and any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions.

It is vital to fill out all the fields completely and accurately, double-check all the information provided, and keep a copy of the application for your records.

Read our complete guide on ERAS applications.

Quick Tips for Filling Out The Application

When filling out the application for a license from the Louisiana Medical Board, ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete.

This includes double-checking all contact information to ensure that the LSBME can reach you if they have any questions. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of the application for your records.

Required Documents

When submitting the application, providing all the required documents is vital. This includes copies of the following:

• Diploma from an accredited medical school
• Medical license or certificate from other states where you have practiced
• Controlled dangerous substances permit
• National and state board examination scores
• Medical school transcripts
• Postgraduate clinical training certificates
• Any other medical license or certification from other states where you have practiced

Certain source documents are also required, which we will outline below.

Application Fee

The cost of the application fee for a medical license in Louisiana varies depending on the type of license you are applying for. You can find the most up-to-date fee schedule on the LSBME website.

It is important to note that you must pay the fee before the Louisiana Medical Board will consider the application. It is also essential to check if any other fees may be associated with getting a medical license in Louisiana.

At the time of this writing, the licensure fee was $382, with many additional costs associated with obtaining complete licensing.

Original Source Documents and Official Transcripts

When applying for a medical license in Louisiana, provide official and original source documents as part of the application process. This includes official transcripts from your medical school, official postgraduate training certificates, and official scores from the licensing exams you have taken (i.e., USMLE or COMLEX-USA).

Some medical schools also offer the option of requesting transcripts electronically. If this is your case, contact your medical school’s registrar’s office and ask that they send the transcripts directly to the LSBME.

Additionally, you may need to request official certification of your postgraduate training certificates from the organization that accredited the program.

To request official scores from the licensing exams, contact the organization that administers the exams, such as the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) or the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). They will send the scores directly to the LSBME.

Timeline for Obtaining a Medical License in Louisiana

This process in Louisiana typically takes several months. Once the LSMBE receives the application, they will review your credentials, malpractice and disciplinary history, and employment history if necessary.

They will verify that you have provided all the required information and documents. If the application is complete, the LSBME will then begin processing it.

However, if any information is missing or there are any issues with the application, the LSBME may contact the applicant to request additional information.

The process typically takes several months but can vary depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances. After the application is processed, the Louisiana Medical Board will schedule the applicant to take the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam.

This exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of Louisiana laws and regulations related to the practice of medicine. Once the applicant passes the jurisprudence exam, the LSBME will issue a license.

Costs Involved in Becoming Licensed in Louisiana

The costs involved in becoming licensed in Louisiana include:

• The application fee.
• The fee for the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam.
• Any other costs associated with obtaining official transcripts and other required documents.

You should consider the prices for USMLE or COMLEX-USA and any other required exams. The cost of these exams can vary depending on the specific exam and the number of times you take it.

It is essential to check the LSBME website for the most up-to-date information on the costs involved in becoming licensed in Louisiana.

In addition to the financial costs, the time and effort required to complete the application process, pass the necessary exams, and complete a residency program must also be considered.

Other important information to note is that the Louisiana Medical Board may require a background check and fingerprint through a third-party authorization form.

Also, be prepared to renew the license periodically and pay the required fee.

Moving to Louisiana?

Read How Moving Can Help Physicians Pay Off Student Loans

Why Louisiana is a Great Place for Physicians to Work

Known for its rich culture, diverse population, and excellent healthcare facilities, Louisiana is an attractive destination for medical professionals. The state of Louisiana offers many benefits for physicians who are considering practicing medicine there.

Here are just a few of the reasons why a physician should consider working in Louisiana:

1. A Growing Healthcare Industry: Louisiana’s healthcare industry is increasing, providing opportunities for physicians to work in a wide range of specialties and settings.
2. A Diverse Population: Louisiana is home to a diverse population, allowing physicians to work with patients from different cultural backgrounds.
3. A Vibrant Culture: People know Louisiana for its vibrant culture, including music, food, and festivals. This makes it an attractive destination for physicians who enjoy a rich cultural experience.
4. A Cost of Living Advantage: Louisiana’s cost is relatively low compared to other states, making it an affordable place to live and work.
5. A Great Place to Raise a Family: Louisiana offers excellent schools, safe communities, and plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, making it a great place to raise a family.
6. A Supportive Medical Community: Louisiana has a solid and supportive medical community, providing physicians with a network of colleagues and resources to help them succeed in their careers.
7. LSBME support: The LSBME is dedicated to assisting physicians with getting a medical license in Louisiana and providing helpful and accurate information.

Wrapping it Up

Becoming a licensed physician in Louisiana is a complex process requiring significant time, money, and effort. However, the state of Louisiana offers many benefits for physicians.

These benefits include a diverse population, a thriving healthcare industry, and a variety of professional growth and advancement opportunities.

If you intend to become a licensed doctor in Louisiana, consider familiarizing yourself with the Louisiana Medical Board requirements and regulations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your application is complete and that you are well-prepared to become licensed in Louisiana.

And if you ever get stuck in the process, you can contact us.

At Physicians Thrive, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that physicians face when starting their careers. We offer expert assistance with contract review and negotiation, income protection, life insurance, and more.