When looking to start or move your practice to the Silver State, there are many things to start adding to your checklist. While Nevada is well-known for its scenic deserts, beauty, and high tourism rate due to the incredible nightlife and popular activities, it can be one of the most stringent states in regard to medical licensing. The Nevada Medical Board places a 6-month limit on your application, meaning that everything needs to be ready to go once you have started the process of your application.
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Why Consider Nevada As Your Home State To Practice
While some may be off-put by the strenuous requirements of a Nevada medical license, it also means that the higher barrier to entry increases your chances of successful completion if everything is in order. Your practice will be much more appealing and beneficial due to Nevada fostering a more professional environment. Once your files are deemed “complete” by the Medical Board, you will receive the necessary accreditation and certification to practice. There is no physical interview needed in many circumstances.
According to a recent news article, Nevada ranks 48th in the nation in shortage of physicians. Nevada has 17 counties, and all the municipalities report a shortage of licensed physicians to care for the public. Furthermore, physicians that work in Reno and Las Vegas see some of the highest salaries, sometimes north of 400k per year.
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How To Apply For A Nevada Medical License
Applying for a license in the state of Nevada can seem cumbersome at first, but it is important to keep track of it to receive the best results. As with many other states, there are different licensing requirements for DO (osteopathic physician) and MD (Medical doctor). Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine have slightly different licensing requirements and a regulatory body due to the unique nature of their practice. DOs look to treat the person with a science-based holistic approach, rather than specialize in different wounds, diseases, or injuries that could target specific areas and body parts.
DO requirements and licensing are handled by the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine
MD requirements and licensing are handled by the Board of Medical Examiners
Requirements To Get Licensed as a DO in Nevada
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine is the regulatory body for those wishing to get licensed as a DO. Its mission statement is to protect the public by providing all the tools and guidelines necessary for the proper accreditation of its practitioners. It speaks volumes when a state is low on physicians but does not want to relax its requirements, as this would undermine public opinion and increase cases of malpractice.
The process is simple, but tedious, and includes:
- Submitting Credentials
- Background Checks
- Gathering Personal Information
- Declaring Veteran Status
- Verification of your Licenses and Practice
- Submitting your Academic Degrees
- …And any other section to be filled within the Licensing system.
Overall, it can take between 3 to 4 months if done correctly, and less if you are using a dedicated system to help you through the process.
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Quick Overview
- The application process is readily available through an online form found here. You are also able to verify your credentials in one of two ways, sending in a Primary Source Verification document, or completing the Federation Credentials Verification System. You are also able to get in contact with the Nevada State Osteopathic Board by calling them at 817-868-4000 to obtain more information. If you do not have your Credentials, but have your degree, you can log in at the Federation of State Medical Boards to establish a repository (lifetime) of verified core conditions, and you can request your resident training records. You must also schedule and pass your exam at FSMB.
- You must submit to background and criminal checks under NRS 633.309. All applicants without a special license must submit to the board a set of fingerprints to be checked by the NCIC. It is worth noting that the State of Nevada does not necessarily disqualify those with a minor criminal record, but it does play heavily into the morality of their decision to grant licensure. There is also a $25 prepaid fee that goes with the application. Once the application, verification of your examination credentials, and your fingerprint/background check have been completed – it must be submitted to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine via their site.
When everything has been received and all checkmarks have been made on the submission list, the Executive Director will review the application and send it to the Board for review. All packets are completed within 30 days of any board meeting (scheduled) to be considered for that meeting. If the packet is then accepted, you will receive a physical letter in the mail that you have been successfully scheduled for consideration at the next meeting.
DO License by Endorsement – Nevada Medical License Expedited
As of 2008, Nevada allows its DOs to be licensed through a quicker option. If you are currently completing, or have completed a residency within a postgraduate program in the state of Nevada, you can be enrolled in the “Licensed by Endorsement” program. This requires:
- Completing 24 months of the program
- Firm written expressed commitment to completing the postgraduate program
- Finally, proof of completion within 120 days of completing the program
Additionally, a meeting with the Executive Director may be required to explore the packet more thoroughly if certain information or inconsistencies were found throughout the application process. After that, you will be notified within 21 working days.
You are encouraged to contact Nikki Montano for DO Application Needs on the Board Website.
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Requirements To Get Licensed as an MD in Nevada
As a citizen of the US, you have certain federal rights and benefits in your quest to become a licensed MD in Nevada. In addition to your educational requirements, you must also have completed your post-graduate residency training.
Application and Verification Process
To obtain your MD in the State of Nevada, a comprehensive application must be submitted online to the Board of Medical Examiners. It is extremely detail-oriented, and various mandatory forms need to be completed throughout the process. Furthermore, there are ad-hoc forms that should be completed in the case that a specific or extenuating circumstance arises. Such forms include
- Medical Education Verification
- Postgraduate Training verification
- Verification of State Licensure
- Malpractice Claim Verification
- Hospital Privileges
- Insurance Carriers
Due to the nature of needing a variety of information, the Board has also provided an application checklist, which contains everything required to obtain a general MD license. There are also Physician Special Purposes License Applications, which have their own checklist.
As in many other states, you have a number of options to complete the verification process. You may obtain licensing through the FSCV to complete the verification process. You are also able to submit Primary Source Verification through your school records. Or you may call and email the board to provide your documents directly. The FSCV is the preferred choice, as schools must provide a checklist and form of the verification of your education and training. There is a $600 application fee. New and active MDs in the State of Nevada can expect to pay up to $1,050 for application, registration, and a criminal background check. You can find a full list of applicable fees here.
Approval
Once you have submitted, there are still numerous things that need to occur. The Board of Medical Examiners will convene to review your Nevada Medical License. You must have already attached a copy of the American Board of Medical Specialities, or have found this in your FCVS packet. If you are holding a historical, or lifetime, certification you can submit a notarized statement agreeing that you will solemnly maintain your specific board certification for the time you are licensed within the State of Nevada.
- The Medical Board of Examiners will Verify the following, which you should have submitted in the earlier steps
- Verification of Medical Education (or official transcripts)
- Your Postgraduate Training Program Completion
- Minimum 24 Months of Training After Postgraduate Program (Residency)
- Verification of Board Examinations
- License Verifications
- Malpractice Carrier Verification
- Hospital Verification
Once approval has been made to be presented to the Board, they will notify you of your packet within 21-30 days. You must fill out the required directive for it to be presented before the board. Be careful, as this step can sometimes disqualify otherwise great candidates due to not following the rules to the letter.
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Endorsement
Of course, there are certain pathways to obtaining your MD license on an expedited basis, much like the other categories. The full application and checklist can be found here. It is to be completed online and submitted through the portal on the Medical Examiner Board website, or mailed in at the following contact information:
Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners
9600 Gateway Drive
Reno, NV 89521
Phone: (775) 688-2559
Toll-Free: (888) 890-8210
Fax: (775) 688-2321
Email: nsbme@medboard.nv.gov
The Board is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is closed on all legal holidays.
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The Board may need to establish an interview through their Executive Director to fully understand your process if anything has come up or if there are any inconsistencies. Generally, the person must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a corresponding valid and unrestricted license in DC or any state/territory of the US
- Is certified in a specialty that is recognized by the ABMS
- Has not been disciplined or under investigation
- Has not been held civilly or criminally liable for malpractice
- A complete set of fingerprints and background check provided
- Submitting an affidavit that the material is true and correct
- Answers any questions or meetings that the Board requires
After receiving the application for endorsement, the Board will provide written notice no later than 15 business days. They will notify you if they require any accompanying material. Unless they outright declined it, the board will approve the application within 45 days after receiving all required and requested information, or 10 days after receiving a report on the applicant’s background. Current fees for endorsement submission are $750.
Exam Requirements
The state of Nevada recognizes various programs for the proper submission of your examination records to be considered to be brought before the board. Nevada has requirements for both domestic and foreign medical license applicants, the latter of which we will detail in the below section.
The National Board must certify the domestic application, and can also recognize FLEX, USMLE, LMCC or SPEX scores.
If you are state licensed, a person must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination, beyond Steps I, II, and III. You must do this within seven years after the date on which the person first passes any step of the SMLE. The requirements limit the applicant to a combined maximum of nine attempts for the three steps. It is worth noting that Step III can only be attempted a total of three times on the USMLE. Fortunately, these can all be accessed through the FSMB portal, which houses your exam transcripts, credentials, and licensure services.
Foreign Applicants
Foreign applicants can also be accepted to apply for a Nevada medical license if they have received a certification status report from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
The ECFMG is currently streamlining its process to allow more submissions and swifter application status for candidates as of 2024. Currently, the medical school where the person is accredited must meet the requirements established by the ECFMG. This is found on their site. If eligibility is possible, the individual is encouraged to apply for ECFMG Certification and subsequent examination. This will allow most candidates to come and work in the State of Nevada, including their scores and credentials.
As of 2024, candidates will be able to apply and take the required examination of their school recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education which will be an additional requirement that the school must be listed in the World Directory. ECFMG states if the school isn’t found in the directory, you may not be able to apply at this time.
The form is relatively intuitive and can be found as an Interactive Web Application.
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Living and Working in Nevada
In conclusion, there are many different pathways to choose from when working to obtain your Nevada Medical License. You may find your love the scenic views, professional industry, and abundant and diverse life within the state of Nevada. If you’re moving here to practice, we hope we have made it easier to become licensed in beautiful Nevada.
Still, deciding where to practice? Check out our top 10 places for physicians to live and work in the US. Or check out our library of State Medical Licensing articles!
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