How to Get Your Connecticut Medical License

Sometimes, a major consideration that you’ll have when you’re envisioning your future medical career isn’t just what you’ll study but where you’ll practice. After all, your choice of state can impact many aspects of your career moving forward, including the amount of compensation you receive, your work/life balance, and more. For example, you might be wondering, how would I go about getting a Connecticut medical license?

If you have your eye on Connecticut as the state where you wish to practice medicine, this article will walk you through how to get a medical license in Connecticut, some of the advantages of practicing in the state, and other information that will influence your decision.

Why Consider Getting Your Connecticut Medical License?

The first reason why one might consider getting their medical license in Connecticut lies in the beauty of the state itself. Connecticut is a gorgeous state with plenty of breathtaking scenery and lots to do, making it a great place to be for those who are looking to establish themselves somewhere long-term. It benefits from actual seasons (something you might not receive on the West Coast), being right by the coast, and plenty of scenic green trails.

For those either currently in school or almost out, you benefit from multiple prestigious medical school options in Connecticut, the ability to practice in larger cities or more rural areas, and a connected community of professionals that are very serious about what they do.

That said, it’s also important to stay aware of any downsides before making a move. This can include high taxes overall, harsher winters, and a uniquely East Coast culture that you will have to adjust to if you’ve never visited before.

Getting your medical license in Connecticut is like getting your medical license anywhere else. There are multiple considerations to have as you weigh whether or not Connecticut is right for you. Beyond the environment that you will be practicing in and the opportunities at your disposal when you move to the state, you will also need to think about the cost of living (especially in comparison to your expected salary and any existing student loan debts that you need to pay off), what the state has to offer you in terms of quality of living and entertainment, and other factors that you would be taking into consideration when you move to another state.

With all this in mind, you can make a more confident decision when you are figuring out where to get your medical license.

Physician Requirements for U.S. Trained Applicants

As one would expect, Connecticut mandates an extensive list of prerequisites for you to obtain a license to practice in the state. Here’s a breakdown of what is listed on the Department of Public Health’s website for U.S. trained applicants.

Connecticut’s Eligibility Requirements

1. Must hold an M.D. or D.O. degree from a school accredited by the LCME or the AOA.
2. Completed at least two years of post-graduate medical residency in a program accredited by ACGME or AOA.
3. Passed one of the specified examinations, including the State Board Licensing examination (if taken before June 1, 1979), USMLE, NBME, FLEX, NBOME, or the LMCC. Certain combinations of these exams are also acceptable if completed before 2000. For FLEX, a score of 75 is required on each component. Combinations of NBOME and segments of FLEX or USMLE are not accepted for Connecticut licensure.

Connecticut’s Documentation Requirements

1. Online application with a fee of $569.75. ($4.75 covers the cost of querying the National Practitioner Data Bank).
2. Official transcript of medical education confirming the award of an M.D. or D.O. degree*.
3. Verification of the completion of two years of post-graduate residency training*.
4. Official transcript of examination scores*.
5. Verification of any other state licenses held, whether current or expired.

You can alternatively satisfy the required documents marked with an asterisk by submitting an official report from the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS). However, the Department may reject any part of the documentation provided through FCVS.

You shoudl send all of this documentation directly from the source to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Physician Licensure

410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP

P.O. Box 340308

Hartford, CT 06134

Fax: (860) 707-1931

Email: dph.healingarts@ct.gov

Physician Requirements for Those Who Graduated Medical School Outside of the U.S.

If you obtained your degree from somewhere outside of the United States, the process will look a little different. Here’s what you can expect when you’re applying for a Connecticut medical license as a foreigner looking to practice in Connecticut.

Connecticut’s Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicants must graduate from a medical school listed in the 1970 World Health Organization (WHO) Directory of Medical Schools or fulfill all education requirements specified by Connecticut State Agencies.
2. Those who earned a D.O. degree outside the U.S. or Canada are not eligible.
3. Must hold current certification by the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or have completed an American Medical Association-certified Fifth Pathway Program.
4. Completed at least two years of post-graduate medical residency in a program accredited by the ACGME or equivalent.
5. Passed one of the specified examinations (USMLE, NBME, FLEX, NBOME) or the mentioned acceptable combinations. For the FLEX exam, a passing score of 75 is required on each component. Combinations of NBOME and segments of FLEX or USMLE aren’t accepted for Connecticut licensure.

Connecticut’s Documentation Requirements

1. Online application with a fee of $569.75 ($4.75 covers the National Practitioner Data Bank query cost).
2. School Verification Form and official transcript confirming the award of an M.D. degree or equivalent*.
3. Verification of ECFMG certification or successful completion of the Fifth Pathway Program*.
4. Verification of two years of post-graduate residency training*.
5. Official transcript of examination scores*.
6. Verification of any out-of-state licenses, current or expired.

Similar to the previous requirement, you can replace documents marked with an asterisk with an official report from the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS). However, the Department can reject any part of the FCVS documentation.

You should send all of this documentation directly from the source to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Physician Licensure

410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP

P.O. Box 340308

Hartford, CT 06134

Fax: (860) 707-1931

Email: dph.healingarts@ct.gov

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Connecticut Medical License?

The entire medical licensing process in Connecticut generally takes around three to four months. However, there might be reasons why this process takes longer for some than for others. Reasons why you might see an extended process include claims of malpractice, disciplinary action, extensive practice history, and more.

There are numerous services out there that are designed to help you expedite this process in the event that you feel it’s too much to go through on your own or in the case where you need support. This may be beneficial for some aspiring medical professionals who want to start practicing in Connecticut as soon as possible.

Interested in being a traveling physician? Read this: What It Tkakes to be a Traveling Physician

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Medical License in Connecticut?

As we stated above, you’re going to be paying a fee of $569.75, plus an additional $4.75. This, of course, doesn’t count the cost of education, moving, and other costs that will be associated with all the work leading up to you actually getting your medical license in the state of Connecticut. If you choose to opt for a service that helps you apply for your license and speed up the process, they will likely add a fee on to the application costs for your license. Make sure you have a comprehensive idea of how much it all costs before you begin the application process to avoid any potential financial surprises.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Given that there’s an extensive amount of information out there regarding Connecticut medical licensure, having everything you need to know prior to undergoing the licensing process can be extremely helpful.

As such, we’ve compiled some of the more basic information regarding licensing as well as specifics to help you navigate the process with greater confidence.

General Information About Securing Your Connecticut Medical License

Here’s a breakdown of what the Department of Public Health wants you to know regarding the odds and ends of getting your medical license:

• The Department of Public Health (DPH) Office only meets with visitors by scheduled appointment. For document submissions, a drop-box is available, but mailing or digital submission is recommended. Cash payments are not accepted. Initial and renewal licensure fees are distinct, and all fees are non-refundable and specific to the associated application. Inactive applications for over a year are discarded and reapplication requires a new fee.
• The Department can evaluate an applicant’s eligibility based on criminal or disciplinary backgrounds. They consider various factors, including the nature and timing of any offenses. Applicants can check the status of their required documents online. Once an application is complete, a decision is made within three to four weeks, and upon approval, license details are communicated.
• The Department can’t issue licenses to applicants with unresolved complaints in other states. Licensure requirements may change due to legislation, rules, policies, or regulations. Examination feedback is limited and social security numbers, required for applications, are kept confidential and only shared with government entities.
• All application supporting documents must come directly from the original source. Out-of-state healthcare practitioners can provide volunteer services in Connecticut under specific conditions, including association with free clinics or events like the Special Olympics, provided they meet certain criteria and are under supervision. Organizations holding such events are responsible for ensuring that practitioners comply with state requirements.

Relocating? Read this: How Moving Can Help Physicians Pay Off Student Loans

Information Regarding Continuing Education

Your only concern isn’t just getting your medical license, but maintaining it as well once you’ve applied in Connecticut. Whether you’re a physician or a surgeon, you must complete continued education (CMEs) to maintain your license, making it important to understand Connecticut’s requirements. Here’s a closer look at all of the requirements laid out by the Connecticut General Statutes:

Hours Required: Physicians renewing their license must have completed complete 50 contact hours of CME in the previous 24 months. One contact hour is equal to 50 minutes of educational activity.

Qualifying CMEs

• Must be relevant to the physician’s practice and meet public health care needs.
• During the initial renewal requiring CME and then at least every six years, the education should include training on: infectious diseases (such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus), risk management (such as prescribing controlled substances and pain management and, for registration periods beginning on or after October 1, 2019, potential topics like screening for inflammatory breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancers), sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency, and behavioral health. Starting from January 1, 2016, the behavioral health segment of CMEs may include at least two contact hours of training during the initial renewal period. This training should be revisited at least once every six years. The focus of this training is on prevalent mental health conditions among veterans and their families. This includes identifying if a patient belongs to the veteran community, screening for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality, depression, and grief, as well as training on suicide prevention.
• Acceptable CME activities are those by recognized organizations such as the AMA, AOA, CHA, and others, or courses from accredited academic institutions, hospitals, and health departments.

Waivers

The medical board can waive up to 10 hours of CME for physicians engaged in specific roles, like those who:

• Participate in duties associated with serving on the Connecticut Medical Examining Board, as outlined in Section 20-8a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• Take part in tasks connected to their role on a medical hearing panel, as per section 20-8a.
• Support the department in fulfilling responsibilities to various boards and commissions, as specified in section 19a-14.

Documentation

• Physicians must attest to meeting CME requirements when renewing their licenses.
• CME completion certificates shouldn’t be sent to the Department unless asked.
• Licensees must retain CME records for six years and produce them within 45 days if requested by the Department. Non-compliance can lead to disciplinary action.

Exemptions

• First-time renewal applicants are exempt until their next registration.
• Physicians not in active practice or with medical disabilities can be exempt if they submit a notarized exemption application before the registration period’s end.

Returning to Practice

• If exempted for less than two years, a physician needs 25 contact hours of CME in the 12 months before returning.
• Those exempt for two or more years must pass the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) by the Federation of State Medical Boards.

Reinstating a Lapsed License: To reinstate a lapsed license, a physician must document 25 hours of CME in the year before applying for reinstatement.

If you’re considering opening your own practice, read our guide on How to Start a Medical Practice

Ready to Get Started on Your Path?

Getting your Connecticut medical license can seem daunting, but it’s much easier than it looks when you have all the relevant information that you need at a glance. The guide above gives you an overview of everything the state wants you to know if you plan on becoming a licensed medical professional there, regardless of whether you’re from the U.S. or are a foreigner looking to move here to practice.

Interested in learning more about the different licensing requirements and some of the top places for physicians to work?

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

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