Utah (UT)

Utah Medical License

Get licensed to practice medicine in Utah. 30th largest state by population. IMLC member state for expedited licensure.

Population
3,420,000
Difficulty
Low
  • IMLC Compact member (joined 2016)
  • Telehealth: Allowed
  • CME: 40 hours per 2-year cycle

Medical board

Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)

3-5 business days for general inquiries

Official Website ↗

Quick answer

Quick Answer: Utah Medical License

Time to License
4-8 weeks
Total Cost
$300 - $500
CME Requirements
40 hours per 2-year cycle
IMLC Compact
Yes - expedited licensing available

Healthcare market

Utah Healthcare Market

Key market data for physicians considering Utah.

Healthcare Market

$22+ billion annually

Physician Demand

Very High

Primary Care Avg.

$235,000 - $275,000

Unique Opportunities in Utah

  • Rapidly growing population
  • High quality of life with outdoor recreation
  • Low application fees
  • IMLC early adopter (2016)
  • Intermountain Healthcare headquarters
  • University of Utah medical center

Application sequence

Utah Licensing Timeline

Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks. Here's what to expect.

  1. 1

    Create Account and Begin Application

    Register on the Utah DOPL online licensing portal. Complete the physician application.

    1-2 days
  2. 2

    Submit Application and Fees

    Pay the $190 application fee.

    Immediate
  3. 3

    Complete Fingerprinting

    Complete fingerprinting through approved vendor.

    1-2 weeks for clearance
  4. 4

    Credential Verification

    Request primary source verifications from medical school and training programs.

    2-4 weeks
  5. 5

    Application Review and Approval

    Utah DOPL reviews complete application. Known for efficient processing.

    1-2 weeks
  6. 6

    License Issuance

    Upon approval, license is issued and can be verified online.

    1-3 days after approval

Application path

Utah License Requirements

Complete requirements for your UT medical license.

Medical Education

Must graduate from LCME-accredited (MD) or AOA-accredited (DO) medical school, or approved international school

  • Official transcripts through FCVS or direct from medical school

Postgraduate Training

Minimum 2 year(s) required

  • Minimum of 2 years of ACGME-accredited or equivalent postgraduate training

Licensing Exams

Must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3

  • COMLEX accepted: true

Background Check

Fingerprinting required

  • Fingerprinting through Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification and FBI

Professional References

2 references required

  • Licensed physicians
  • Residency program directors

Practice considerations

Practicing in Utah

What to expect when practicing medicine in Utah.

Specialties in Demand

Salt Lake City metro concentrated (80% of population); significant rural areas in rest of state

  • Primary Care / Family Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Internal Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • OB/GYN
  • Emergency Medicine

Compensation

At or slightly above national average

  • Primary Care: $235,000 - $275,000
  • Specialist: $345,000 - $475,000

Cost of Living

Slightly above national average in Wasatch Front; rural areas below

  • Housing: Moderate to high; Salt Lake City median $530,000; Provo-Orem similar; rural areas more affordable
  • State Tax: Flat rate of 4.65%

Major Markets

Major metropolitan practice markets.

  • Salt Lake City-West Valley City (1.2M)
  • Provo-Orem (680,000)
  • Ogden-Clearfield (700,000)
  • St. George (200,000)

Shortage Areas

Areas with documented physician demand.

  • Rural Utah
  • Southern Utah
  • Eastern Utah
  • Parts of Salt Lake Valley

Major Healthcare Systems

Selected systems in the frozen state resource.

  • Intermountain Healthcare
  • University of Utah Health
  • HCA Mountain Division
  • Steward Health Care

Avoid delays

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't let these common issues delay your Utah license.

Verification Delays

Training programs may be slow to respond.

Solution: Request verifications early; follow up regularly

Common questions

Utah Licensing FAQ

Common questions about getting licensed in Utah.

How long does it take to get a Utah medical license?

Standard processing takes 4-8 weeks for complete applications. IMLC pathway typically takes 3-4 weeks. Utah is known for efficient processing.

Is Utah part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?

Yes, Utah joined the IMLC in 2016 as an early adopter. Eligible physicians can use the expedited pathway.

What are the CME requirements for Utah physicians?

Utah requires 40 hours of CME per 2-year renewal cycle. This includes 3.5 hours of controlled substance prescribing education.

What is the total cost for a Utah medical license?

The application fee is $190. Total costs typically range from $300 to $500, making Utah one of the most affordable states.

Track Utah renewals in one tracker.

Keep requirements, documents, renewals, and proof visible before deadlines.