Tennessee will be short for nearly 6,000 doctors by 2030, according to a 2020 study. This is due to a combination of more physicians retiring than those being hired and low population growth in the state.
To ensure this doctor shortage doesn’t become a crisis, Tennessee has passed a law that enables international medical graduates (IMGs) licensed in another country to practice in the state without having to complete a U.S.-based residency.
This means that if you’re looking to start your career in medicine, Tennessee might be a great option. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about medical licensure in Tennessee.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee allows international doctors to practice without repeating U.S. residency.
- IMGs can practice under supervision for two years before full licensure.
- Licensure options include full medical, locum tenens, and temporary, among others.
- Physicians Thrive assists doctors with contract negotiations and career advice in Tennessee.
Table of Contents
Can Foreign Doctors Practice in Tennessee?
Yes. In 2023, Tennessee became the first state to pass a law that enabled international doctors to practice in the state without repeating their residency training in the U.S. This was followed by Virginia, Alabama, and Florida.
The law allows IMGs to temporarily practice in Tennessee under the supervision of a hospital with an accredited residency program for two years before being given their unrestricted or permanent license.
Most physicians who qualify under this new law can expect to work in rural and underserved areas due to more work opportunities.
Types of Licenses Issued by the Tennessee Medical Board
Applicants can apply for the following medical licenses in Tennessee:
| License Type | Authorizations/Limitations |
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Each license type comes with regulations physicians have to comply with. You can learn more about them here.
Tennessee Board Licensure Requirements
The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has different requirements for U.S. and international medical graduates. Here are the requirements for full and permanent licensure in the state:
| U.S. Graduate | International Medical Graduate |
| Graduation from an LCME-accredited medical school | Graduation from a medical school that meets or exceeds LCME standards |
| Completion of a one-year ACGME-approved U.S. training program before applying for licensure | Completion of a U.S. residency program (The board will grant waiver if the applicant has an ABMS recognized specialty board certification) |
| Letters of recommendation by medical professionals | Two letters of recommendation |
| U.S./Canadian citizenship or evidence that they can work in the U.S. (such as naturalization papers, current visa, birth certificates) | U.S./Canadian citizenship or evidence of legal right to live and work in the U.S. |
| Completion of a board-approved licensure examination like USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 | Completion of a board-approved licensure examination, such as USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 in no more than seven years |
| Verified medical license(s) held currently or previously | Verification of previous licenses held |
| Criminal background check in accordance with the Division of Health Related Boards’ processes | Criminal background check |
International medical graduates also have to provide a notarized copy of their ECFMG certification.
Plus, both types of applicants also have to disclose any denial of licensure by any other state they applied to if they want to get their medical license. You can learn more about the requirements for other types of licenses (such as those for physician assistants) here.
How Long Does It Take for a Tennessee Medical License?
The medical licensing application process length varies from applicant to applicant because the Tennessee State Board doesn’t consider an application complete unless every document has been provided and every application question answered.
This process can be delayed due to slow responses from educational institutions for credential verification, delayed responses to board inquiries, and extended background checks. As a result, it can take the board anywhere from three to four months to issue licenses.
Begin Your Tennessee Medical Journey With Physicians Thrive
Due to a combination of an aging population, fewer medical graduations, and strict licensure requirements, there is a massive shortage of physicians in Tennessee. This means starting your practice in the state could be an excellent move for your career.
But while you’re helping underserved people improve their health, you also need to assess current competence and make sure you’re not being taken advantage of. At Physicians Thrive, we help doctors understand the contract stipulations they’re agreeing to before they sign their contracts.
If you’re looking to understand what your residency program or hospital job contract actually means and want to negotiate for better pay, reach out to us.
