Healthcare Market
$200+ billion annually
New York (NY)
New York Medical License
Get licensed to practice medicine in New York. 4th largest state by population.
- Population
- 19,571,216
- Difficulty
- High
- Telehealth: Allowed
- CME: No CME required for license renewal (except infection control, child abuse)
Medical board
New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions
5-10 business days for general inquiries
- Phone
- (518) 474-3817
- medbd@nysed.gov
Quick answer
Quick Answer: New York Medical License
- Time to License
- 4-6 months
- Total Cost
- $895-$1,495
- CME Requirements
- No CME required for license renewal (except infection control, child abuse)
- IMLC Compact
- No - standard process required
Healthcare market
New York Healthcare Market
Key market data for physicians considering New York.
Physician Demand
High
Primary Care Avg.
$260,000
Unique Opportunities in New York
- World-renowned academic medical centers and research institutions
- Diverse patient populations in NYC metropolitan area
- High concentration of specialty practices
- Major teaching hospitals with research opportunities
- Significant rural healthcare needs in Upstate New York
- International patient base in Manhattan hospitals
Application sequence
New York Licensing Timeline
Typical timeline: 4-6 months. Here's what to expect.
- 1
Register with NYSED and Begin Application
Create account with New York State Education Department Office of the Professions. Begin online application process for physician licensure.
1-2 days - 2
Submit Application and Fees
Pay application fee and submit completed application. New York processes applications in order received.
Immediate - 3
Complete Fingerprinting
Schedule and complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO. Results sent to DCJS and FBI for background check.
2-4 weeks for processing - 4
Complete Required Training Courses
Complete mandatory child abuse identification training (2 hours) and infection control training (4 hours).
1-2 days - 5
Credential Verification
Department verifies medical education, 3 years of postgraduate training, and exam scores. This is typically the longest step.
8-16 weeks - 6
Professional Reference Review
Three professional references must submit attestations of character and competence.
2-4 weeks - 7
Final Review and Approval
Department conducts final review of complete application. Applications meeting all requirements approved administratively.
2-4 weeks - 8
License Issuance
Upon approval, license is issued and can be verified on NYSED website. Registration required to practice.
1-2 weeks after approval
Application path
New York License Requirements
Complete requirements for your NY medical license.
Medical Education
Must graduate from registered medical school or school determined by Department to maintain standards substantially equivalent
- Official transcripts required directly from medical school; New York has specific credential evaluation requirements
Postgraduate Training
Minimum 3 year(s) required
- Minimum of 3 years of postgraduate hospital training in programs registered by New York or accredited by ACGME
Licensing Exams
Must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3; all steps required
- COMLEX accepted: true
Background Check
Fingerprinting required
- Fingerprinting through IdentoGO; results sent to New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and FBI
Professional References
3 references required
- Licensed physicians familiar with applicant's professional qualifications
- Residency program directors
Practice considerations
Practicing in New York
What to expect when practicing medicine in New York.
Specialties in Demand
NYC metro area has highest physician density in nation; significant rural shortages in Upstate NY
- Primary Care / Family Medicine
- Psychiatry
- General Surgery
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- OB/GYN
Compensation
Above national average but offset by high cost of living; NYC salaries higher
- Primary Care: $260,000
- Specialist: $420,000
Cost of Living
NYC 187% of national average; Upstate NY closer to national average
- Housing: Extremely high in NYC metro (median $700K+); more affordable Upstate ($250K-$400K)
- State Tax: Progressive rates 4% to 10.9%; NYC residents pay additional city tax (up to 3.876%)
Major Markets
Major metropolitan practice markets.
- New York City (8.3M city, 19M+ metro)
- Buffalo-Niagara Falls (1.1M)
- Rochester (1.0M)
- Albany-Schenectady-Troy (880K)
Shortage Areas
Areas with documented physician demand.
- Rural Upstate New York counties
- Adirondack region
- Southern Tier
- Western New York rural areas
Major Healthcare Systems
Selected systems in the frozen state resource.
- Northwell Health
- NewYork-Presbyterian
- Mount Sinai Health System
- NYU Langone Health
Avoid delays
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't let these common issues delay your New York license.
Not Meeting 3-Year Training Requirement
New York requires 3 years of postgraduate training, more than most states (which typically require 1-2 years). Physicians may assume their training is sufficient.
Solution: Verify you have completed 3 full years of ACGME-accredited or New York-registered training before applying. Fellowship time typically counts.
USMLE 10-Year Rule Expiration
New York requires Step 3 be passed within 10 years of Step 1. Physicians with gaps may have expired sequences.
Solution: Calculate your USMLE timeline carefully. If expired, contact NYSED for options which may include retaking exams.
Missing Required Training Courses
Child abuse identification (2 hrs) and infection control (4 hrs) are required before licensure. Often overlooked.
Solution: Complete these courses early in the application process. Many online options available.
Slow Credential Verification
New York's thorough verification process combined with slow-responding institutions creates delays.
Solution: Start credential requests immediately; use FCVS if available; follow up persistently with training programs.
Common questions
New York Licensing FAQ
Common questions about getting licensed in New York.
How long does it take to get a New York medical license?
Typical timeline is 4-6 months for complete applications. The lengthy timeline is primarily due to thorough credential verification and the 3-year training requirement verification.
Is New York part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
No, New York is not a member of the IMLC and has not indicated plans to join. Physicians must complete the full New York licensing process regardless of licenses held in other states.
Why does New York require 3 years of training?
New York has historically maintained higher training requirements than most states. Three years of ACGME-accredited or New York-registered postgraduate training is required for full licensure.
What are the CME requirements for New York physicians?
New York does not require general CME for license renewal. However, one-time courses in infection control (4 hours) and child abuse identification (2 hours) are required. Prescribers need pain management training.
Does New York require a jurisprudence exam?
No, New York does not require a state-specific jurisprudence exam. However, you must complete infection control and child abuse identification training.
What is the total cost for a New York medical license?
The application fee is approximately $735. Additional costs include fingerprinting, required training courses, and credential verification services. Total costs typically range from $735 to $1,200.
What is I-STOP and do I need to register?
I-STOP (Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing) is New York's prescription monitoring program. Registration is required, and you must check the PMP before prescribing Schedule II-IV controlled substances.
Can I practice telemedicine in New York with an out-of-state license?
Generally, no. You need a New York medical license to treat patients located in New York, including via telemedicine. Limited exceptions exist for consultations with New York-licensed physicians.
What is the 10-year rule for USMLE?
New York requires that you pass USMLE Step 3 within 10 years of passing Step 1. If your sequence has expired, you may need to retake exams or seek an exception from the Board.
I'm an International Medical Graduate. What should I know?
IMGs must have ECFMG certification and meet New York's specific credential evaluation requirements. The same 3-year training requirement applies. New York has rigorous evaluation of international medical education.
Related states
Also Considering These States?
Many providers licensed in New York also practice in these states.
California License
Similar complexity; both are non-IMLC states; major healthcare markets
View state guideNew Jersey License
Neighboring state; many physicians licensed in both; NJ is IMLC member
View state guideConnecticut License
Neighboring state; NYC metro overlap; IMLC member
View state guidePennsylvania License
Neighboring state; major healthcare markets in both; PA is IMLC member
View state guideMassachusetts License
Similar academic medicine focus; Northeast corridor; MA is IMLC member
View state guideTrack New York renewals in one tracker.
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