How to Get Your New Jersey Medical License

Embarking on a medical career journey in the vibrant state of New Jersey?

Congratulations on taking this significant step towards making a meaningful impact on healthcare!

Acquiring your New Jersey medical license is an essential milestone, and we’re here to guide you through the process.

Navigating the intricacies of licensing requirements, paperwork, and deadlines can be daunting, but fear not – our comprehensive guide is designed to streamline your path to becoming a licensed medical professional in the Garden State

Why Should You Consider New Jersey?

New Jersey has plenty to offer. That includes stunning beaches on the Atlantic Ocean with beautiful boardwalks and stunning natural parks. The Garden State is home to Atlantic City, noted for its casinos and fine dining. It’s also home to Cape May, which has an incredible history, and Liberty State Park noted for its salt marshes and natural preserve. Of course, NJ is also just a short drive from New York City, which makes some areas of it a prime option for those who plan to visit the big city on a routine basis.

What about for physicians though?

New Jersey can be a competitive location for starting a medical practice or starting a career in the medical field. Several large hospital systems are present here, including Hackensack University Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Several research centers exist in this area, too, making it a great choice for those who hope to be a part of their studies.

Physician Requirements to Get Your New Jersey Medical License

To obtain a medical license in New Jersey, you will need to meet all requirements set by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. Those requirements include:

• Medical school verification and transcripts
• USMLE, COMLEX, or NBME examination completion with score
• Internship, residency, and fellowship verifications
• Background check

Applicants must also provide evidence of their education, certification, and work experience as a part of the process. Once these requirements are met, then you can formally apply.

Those who are international medical graduates or those who have worked as medical doctors in another state will need to meet additional requirements. That includes proof of malpractice insurance and statements about character.

In the State of New Jersey, a person who is a D.O. or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is considered fully qualified to practice in the state as an MD or Medical Doctor. They have all of the same licensing requirements as medical doctors. The only difference is that a D.O. must have additional training in bone manipulation.

Related reading: Understanding Your Resident Doctor Employment Agreement

Postgraduate Training in New Jersey

To obtain your medical license in New Jersey, you must complete continuing medical education (CME) requirements. That includes 100 course hours for each license period. You do not have to do this for your first 12 months but have to do so following that period. License periods are biennial.

Your CME hours must include topics such as:

• 40 Category 1 CME hours (with no more than 60 Category 2 credit hours)
• 6 hours of CME in cultural competency
• 90 CME credits can be earned in a single subject area.

What Licensing Exams Are Accepted in New Jersey for Medical Licensing?

In order to become a licensed and practicing doctor in New Jersey, you will need to complete a series of testing. That includes the United States Medical Licensure Examinations (USMLE). You must complete all three steps:

• Step 1: This is a single day test taken by most medical schools at the end of their second year of completed medical school. This test will focus on basic sciences, biochemistry, behavioral sciences, immunology, pathology, anatomy, and pharmacology, among other topics.
• Step 2: This is a two-day test that is typically completed in the fourth year of medical school. This test has two parts to it. The first is a series of multiple-choice questions on clinical sciences. This includes topics related to pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medication, and surgery. The second component requires the individual to examine and diagnose actors who are pretending to be patients.
• Step 3: This is a two day test typically completed after a full year of residency. It is the final assessment to determine if a person is prepared to practice medication. It contains simulations of patient care and questions.

How to Complete the NJ Medical License Application

You can find all information that you need to complete your New Jersey medical license application at the State Board of Medical Examiner’s website. Simply click on the necessary applications below and complete them. Then, print them and mail or email them to the organization.

Completing your application can seem like an intense process, one that you do not want to make a mistake on, as it could take you a long time to correct those concerns. The good news is that it does not have to be too difficult to do so. Here are some tips to help you with this process.

Read the directions

One of the most important steps is to read the directions. The application forms can change from time to time, and small details can make a big difference.

Office transcripts

One of the components of this process is to submit official transcriptions and examination results to the Board. When you do this, contact the issuing organization and arrange for them to send the documents directly to the Board. The Board does not accept any copies of these documents, and any nonofficial transcript sent from a third party will not be honored.

Licensed in another state

You can speed up the process of obtaining your license in New Jersey if you are already a practicing physician by contacting the Licensing Board, where you have your current license. Ask them to send a license verification letter directly to the New Jersey Board. The organization does not accept copies of state licenses as valid proof.

Do not put off the criminal background check

While this is often a fast and straightforward process, that is not always the case. If you are required to provide a criminal history background check, set up an appointment to do so quickly. Request and use the digital fingerprinting system available. This will be a faster method of getting the required information to the Board. You can have your fingerprinting done anywhere in the state, as there are 17 locations. If one cannot schedule your appointment, choose another location that may be less busy.

Explain all concerns

It can be very important for you to provide clarification and details on any instances in which you have been arrested or convicted of a crime in New Jersey or outside of the state. Provide:

• A detailed letter that explains all of the facts in the case
• Provide copies of related police reports and information about the instance
• Submit references letters from those involved
• Provide a copy of all judgments made in the conviction if applicable
• You also should provide details on sentencing
• Include an outline of all termination of probation orders and any type of rehabilitation evidence that you have

Provide all of the details requested

If you are married, submit information that includes a copy of your marriage certificate. If you are divorced or you have your name changed, as a component of that marriage or divorce from it, you will need to send copies of your certificates.

Looking to Travel? What It Takes to Be a Traveling Physician

What to Send in with Your Medical License Application

Follow all information that applies to you provided in the medical license application for New Jersey. Most of the time, you will need to send in the following documentation when you are completing the application and going through the verification process.

• Send a check that is payable to the New Jersey Medical Board of Examiners for $325. This must be sent as a certified check or a money order.
• An official copy of your birth certificate or, if international, your passport
• 3 photos (passport-style photos)
• Medical school certification
• Medical school transcriptions (if you attended more than one medical school, provide transcripts for all of them even if you did not graduate from them)
• State Licdensure Verification Examination Transcripts showing your passed the necessary exams
• Undergraduate school transcriptions (whether or not they are in the medical field)
• Profile from the American Medical Association
• A full report from the Ntaional Practitioner Data Bank (this is not a requirement, but recommended)
• Claims history report from the last five years of liability insurance
• Employment reviews and evaluations from the previous 5 years
• Post graduate training and CME requirements met
• Current curriculum vitae, or resume (ensure there are no gaps in your timeline)

If any of your documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated to English by an approved organization.

If you have any past disciplinary actions, liability claims, or criminal history or incidents, you will need to send any documentation that shows what occurred and the outcome of such actions.

Medical License New Jersey Costs

• $325 for an application processing fee
• $515 or $805 for registration (depending on the current registration period)

Contact Information for Medical License in NJ

If you neeed to get in touch with someone at the New Jersey Medical Board, here are your options.

Mailing Address

If you hope to print, complete, and mail in your medical license application in New Jersey, you can do that by sending it to:

P.O. Box 183 Trenton, NJ 08625

Email Address

It is possible to email applications as well as questions or concerns to the State Board of Medical Examiners. To do that, use: bme@dca.lps.state.nj.us

Physical Location

It is possible to visit the physical location of the Board of Medical Examiners. To do that, call to schedule an appointment before doing so. Call: 609 826-7100. Then, visit:

140 East Front Street Trenton, New Jersey 08608

Pathways to Getting Your New Jersey Medical License

There are several pathways that you can follow to obtain your medical license in the state.

Pathway 1: You are already licensed to practice medicine in another U.S. State

In this situation, you currently hold or have recently held registration and licensing in another state. You meet all of the clinical and communication skills requirements for the ECFMG certification.

Pathway 2: Passed OSCE by an Accepted Medical School

This pathway is for those who have passed an objective structural clinical examination (OSCE) for the license that was given by an accepted medical school. You may not have met the requirements under Pathway 1, but you have graduated from a medical school administering this test.

Pathway 3: Medical School Accredited by WFME

You can pursue your license if you have completed an accredited medical school. The school must be accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

Pathway 4: Medial School Accredited by NCFMEA

In this pathway, you have graduated from a medical school that is accredited by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).

Pathway 5: Medical School Issues Joint Degree with LCME

This pathway allows a person to obtain a medical license if a medical school issues a degree alongside the Medical School that’s accredited by the Liaison Committee of the Medical Education (LCME).

Pathway 6: Evaluation by Physicians

The final pathway option is to complete an evaluation of clinical patient encounters by a licensed physician. If you do not meet the other pathway requirements, then your clinical skills will be monitored.

Application Requirements for Foreign Medical Graduates

If you are a graduate of a foreign medical school, you can apply for licensing in New Jersey.. However, the process is a bit more complicated.

If you are submitting a foreign medical school transcription or diploma, you will need to provide a copy of the original diploma and have it notarized. If it is not in English, you will then need to have it translated by an approved translation agency.

All international students that graduated from foreign medical schools must have obtained their education from a certified Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

You must pass Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) in order to work in the field. Then, you must complete a full residency or postgraduate training program as a component of your education.

Keep Reading: ECFMG Certification and Getting Your Medical License in the U.S.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Medical License in New Jersey?

The application process for obtaining your New Jersey medical license is typically between 3 and 5 months. This will include the initial acceptance of the application, verification of all information provided, and then follow up with you.

The process may take longer if there are any concerns related to the following:

• Disciplinary actions
• Arrests or other criminal records
• Malpractice claims history
• Long practice history

If you are recently graduated or are currently working in the field, the process is typically shorter.

Ready to Get Started on Your Path?

In conclusion, the journey to obtaining your medical license in New Jersey may appear to be a labyrinth of forms and regulations, but with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable and rewarding endeavor. As you traverse the path from medical school to practicing physician, remember that each hurdle you overcome brings you one step closer to making a difference in patients’ lives.

By arming yourself with knowledge about the application process, prerequisites, and essential documents, you are equipping yourself for success in your medical career. The Garden State eagerly awaits your contributions to its healthcare landscape, and we wish you every success as you embark on this noble journey.

Looking for more information on living and working in New Jersey? Read our Guide to Practicing Medicine in New Jersey. Here’s to your future as a licensed medical professional in New Jersey!

Still deciding where to go? Read our Top 10 Places to Live & Work and consult our Annual Physician Compensation Report to help with your decision.

Need help with something else?

Work with advisors that know doctors.

Get Financial Planning

Get Free Disability Insurance Quotes

Have Your Contract Reviewed

Subscribe to our email newsletter for expert tips about finances, insurance, employment contracts, and more!