Healthcare Market
$14 billion (estimated 2024)
Idaho (ID)
Idaho Medical License
Get licensed to practice medicine in Idaho. 38th. IMLC member state for expedited licensure.
- Population
- 1,900,000
- Difficulty
- Low
- IMLC Compact member (joined 2017)
- Telehealth: Allowed
- CME: 40 hours per 2-year cycle (Category 1)
Medical board
Idaho Board of Medicine
2-3 business days for inquiries; application updates within 2 weeks
- Phone
- (208) 327-7000
- info@bom.idaho.gov
Quick answer
Quick Answer: Idaho Medical License
- Time to License
- 4-8 weeks
- Total Cost
- $200 + license fee
- CME Requirements
- 40 hours per 2-year cycle (Category 1)
- IMLC Compact
- Yes - expedited licensing available
Healthcare market
Idaho Healthcare Market
Key market data for physicians considering Idaho.
Physician Demand
Very High
Primary Care Avg.
$255,000
Unique Opportunities in Idaho
- Rapidly growing population creating healthcare demand
- Severe physician shortage
- Low 5.3% flat income tax rate
- High quality of life with outdoor recreation
- Boise metro growing rapidly
- Rural areas have critical shortages
Application sequence
Idaho Licensing Timeline
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks. Here's what to expect.
- 1
Submit Application
Complete online application through Idaho Board of Medicine.
1-2 days - 2
Pay Fees
Submit application fee.
Immediate - 3
Background Check
Complete fingerprinting.
2-3 weeks - 4
Verification
Credential verification.
2-4 weeks - 5
Approval
Board review and license issuance.
1-2 weeks
Application path
Idaho License Requirements
Complete requirements for your ID medical license.
Medical Education
Graduate from LCME or AOA-accredited school, or approved international school
- Official transcripts required
Postgraduate Training
Minimum 2 year(s) required
- 24 months ACGME-accredited training
Licensing Exams
Pass USMLE Step 1, 2 CK, and 3
- COMLEX accepted: true
Background Check
Fingerprinting required
- FBI fingerprint background check
Professional References
2 references required
- Licensed physicians who have known applicant professionally for at least 1 year
Practice considerations
Practicing in Idaho
What to expect when practicing medicine in Idaho.
Specialties in Demand
Mostly rural; Boise main urban center experiencing rapid growth
- Primary Care
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
- OB/GYN
- General Surgery
Compensation
At or above national average
- Primary Care: $255,000
- Specialist: $380,000
Cost of Living
96.2 (3.8% below national average)
- Housing: Rising; Boise median $450,000; rural more affordable
- State Tax: 5.3% flat rate (reduced from 5.8% in 2025)
Major Markets
Major metropolitan practice markets.
- Boise-Meridian-Nampa (800K metro)
- Idaho Falls (160K metro)
- Coeur d'Alene (175K metro)
Shortage Areas
Areas with documented physician demand.
- Nearly all rural counties
- Northern Idaho
- Eastern Idaho
- Central Idaho mountains
Major Healthcare Systems
Selected systems in the frozen state resource.
- St. Luke's Health System
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
- Kootenai Health
Avoid delays
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't let these common issues delay your Idaho license.
Underestimating Housing Cost Increases
Idaho's rapid growth has driven up housing costs, especially in Boise.
Solution: Research current housing market; consider areas outside Boise metro
Rural Isolation
Rural Idaho can be very remote with limited resources.
Solution: Research location thoroughly; understand telehealth support options
Common questions
Idaho Licensing FAQ
Common questions about getting licensed in Idaho.
How long does Idaho medical licensure take?
Typically 4-8 weeks for complete applications.
Is Idaho in the IMLC?
Yes, Idaho is an IMLC member state.
What are Idaho CME requirements?
40 hours per 2-year cycle.
Is there a physician shortage in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho has one of the worst physician shortages in the nation, creating strong demand and incentives.
What is the quality of life like in Idaho?
Idaho offers excellent quality of life with outdoor recreation, low crime, and growing communities.
Related states
Also Considering These States?
Many providers licensed in Idaho also practice in these states.
Washington License
Neighboring state; proximity to Spokane and Seattle
View state guideMontana License
Neighboring state; similar rural landscape; IMLC member
View state guideUtah License
Neighboring state; IMLC member
View state guideNevada License
Neighboring state; no income tax; IMLC member
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