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Vermont (VT)

Vermont Medical License

Get licensed to practice medicine in Vermont. 50th (2nd smallest). IMLC member state for expedited licensure.

Population
600,000
Difficulty
Low
  • IMLC Compact member (joined 2018)
  • Telehealth: Allowed
  • CME: 30 hours per 2-year cycle

Last updated 2025-12-30 · verified

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MD board

Vermont Board of Medical Practice

2-3 business days for inquiries; application updates within 2 weeks

Official Website ↗

Quick answer

Quick Answer: Vermont Medical License

Time to License
4-6 weeks
Total Cost
$650-$1,175
CME Requirements
30 hours per 2-year cycle
IMLC Compact
Yes - expedited licensing available

Difficulty: Low Telehealth: Allowed

Board-specific requirements

Vermont MD and DO Board Details

Vermont maintains separate licensing boards for MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic) physicians. Both boards have similar requirements with the same CME hours (unusually low at 30/2 years), but operate under different state agencies.

MD physicians

Vermont Board of Medical Practice

2-3 business days for inquiries; application updates within 2 weeks

Time To Approval
4-6 weeks (standard), 3-4 weeks (IMLC)
Total Cost Range
$650-$1,175
Application Fee
$650
State Specific Exam Required
No
Reciprocal Licensing
Yes
Cme Requirements
30 hours per 2-year cycle
License Renewal Period
2
Renewal Cost
$525
Renewal Deadline
Biennial renewal
Late Fee
Contact board for late fee information
Note
MD physicians: Application $650 per VT Board of Medical Practice. Renewal $525 biennially. CME: 30 hours per 2-year cycle (lowest in nation) including 2 hours controlled substances for DEA holders.

CME details

30 hours per 2 years

Total Required
30 hours per 2-year cycle
Category1
30 hours Category 1
  • 1 hour hospice, palliative care, or pain management services
  • 2 hours safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances for DEA holders
  • CME relevant to practice area

Reporting: Self-certification at renewal

Official Website ↗

DO physicians

Vermont Board of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons

2-3 business days for inquiries

Time To Approval
4-6 weeks (standard), 3-4 weeks (IMLC)
Total Cost Range
$650-$1,175
Application Fee
$650
State Specific Exam Required
No
Reciprocal Licensing
Yes
Cme Requirements
30 hours per 2-year cycle
License Renewal Period
2
Renewal Cost
$525
Renewal Deadline
Biennial renewal
Late Fee
Contact board for late fee information
Note
DO physicians: Application $650 per VT Board of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (Office of Professional Regulation). Renewal $525 biennially. CME: 30 hours per 2-year cycle.

CME details

30 hours per 2 years

Total Required
30 hours per 2-year cycle
Minimum Osteopathic
12 hours must be osteopathic medical education (40% requirement)
  • 12 hours within physician's scope of practice
  • 2 hours related to safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances for DEA holders or applicants
  • CME relevant to osteopathic practice

Reporting: Self-certification at renewal

Official Website ↗

Board Comparison

Shared requirements

  • Both boards participate in IMLC (joined 2018)
  • Both require ECFMG certification for international medical graduates
  • Both require FBI fingerprint background check
  • Both require 3 professional references
  • Both require 30 CME hours per 2-year cycle (lowest in the nation)
  • Both require 2 hours controlled substance CME for DEA holders
  • Both require PDMP registration (Vermont Prescription Monitoring System)

Key differences

  • Different governing bodies: MD board under Dept of Health, DO board under Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation
  • Application fees: Same ($650) but different agencies process payments
  • Renewal fees: Same ($525) but different renewal systems
  • Different board contact information
  • Different board websites and application portals
  • MD board regulates all allopathic physicians; DO board has separate statutes and rules

Healthcare market

Vermont Healthcare Market

Key market data for physicians considering Vermont.

Healthcare Market

$5.5 billion (estimated 2024)

Physician Demand

High

Primary Care Avg.

$248,000

Unique Opportunities in Vermont

  • Smallest population state with strong healthcare system
  • Separate MD and DO licensing boards with different governing agencies
  • Lowest CME requirement in nation (30 hours per 2-year cycle)
  • UVM Medical Center academic opportunities
  • Exceptional quality of life and natural beauty
  • Progressive healthcare policies

Application path

Vermont License Requirements

Complete requirements for your VT medical license.

Medical Education

Must graduate from LCME-accredited (MD) or AOA-accredited (DO) medical school, or approved international school. Both boards accept both types of degrees.

  • Official transcripts required for both boards

Postgraduate Training

Minimum 2 year(s) required

  • MD Board: 24 months ACGME-accredited training. DO Board: 24 months ACGME or AOA-accredited training

Licensing Exams

MD Board: Must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3

  • COMLEX accepted: DO Board accepts COMLEX-USA or USMLE. MD Board accepts USMLE.

Background Check

Fingerprinting required

  • FBI fingerprint background check required for both boards

Professional References

3 references required

  • Licensed physicians
  • Program directors

Avoid delays

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

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

Applying to Wrong Board

Vermont has separate MD and DO boards under different state agencies. Physicians may not realize they need to apply to the board corresponding to their degree type.

Solution: MD graduates apply to Vermont Board of Medical Practice (Dept of Health). DO graduates apply to Vermont Board of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (Office of Professional Regulation). Different websites and contact information.

Limited Market Size

Vermont is the 2nd smallest state by population.

Solution: Understand limited job options; UVM Health Network dominates

Higher Income Tax

Vermont has relatively high income tax rates (3.35% to 8.75%).

Solution: Factor into compensation negotiations

Osteopathic CME Requirement Confusion

DO board requires 12 of 30 hours to be osteopathic medical education; MD board has no such requirement.

Solution: DO physicians: Ensure 12 hours are osteopathic CME. MD physicians: Any Category 1 CME acceptable.

Common questions

Vermont Licensing FAQ

Common questions about getting licensed in Vermont.

I'm an MD - which Vermont board do I apply to?

MD (allopathic) physicians apply to the Vermont Board of Medical Practice under the Department of Health (healthvermont.gov/board-medical-practice). Application fee is $650, biennial renewal is $525. You'll need 30 hours of CME per 2-year cycle - the lowest requirement in the nation.

I'm a DO - which Vermont board do I apply to?

DO (osteopathic) physicians apply to the Vermont Board of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons under the Office of Professional Regulation (sos.vermont.gov/osteopathic-physicians). Application fee is $650, biennial renewal is $525. You'll need 30 hours of CME per 2-year cycle, with 12 hours in osteopathic medical education.

How long does Vermont medical licensure take?

Both MD and DO boards: Typically 4-6 weeks for complete applications. IMLC pathway available for eligible physicians (both boards joined 2018).

Is Vermont in the IMLC?

Yes! Both the MD and DO boards joined the IMLC in 2018. Eligible physicians can use the expedited pathway regardless of degree type.

What are Vermont CME requirements?

30 hours per 2-year cycle - the lowest in the nation. MD physicians: All Category 1. DO physicians: 30 hours total with 12 hours in osteopathic medical education. Both boards require 2 hours controlled substance CME for DEA holders.

What is the healthcare landscape like in Vermont?

UVM Health Network dominates the market. Vermont has progressive healthcare policies and a strong focus on primary care. Very rural state with Burlington as the only significant city. Excellent quality of life but limited job market.

What is the total cost for a Vermont medical license?

Both MD and DO boards: $650 application + $525 biennial renewal. Higher than many states but reflects Vermont's smaller market and comprehensive oversight.

Why does Vermont have two separate medical boards?

Vermont is one of 12 states that maintains separate regulatory boards for allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians. The MD board operates under the Department of Health, while the DO board operates under the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation. Both boards have equivalent licensing authority.

Related states

Also Considering These States?

Many providers licensed in Vermont also practice in these states.

New Hampshire License

Neighboring state; no income tax alternative; IMLC member

View state guide

Maine License

Similar rural New England state; also has dual MD/DO boards; IMLC member

View state guide

Massachusetts License

Neighboring state; larger market; IMLC member

View state guide

Oklahoma License

Also has separate MD/DO boards; IMLC member; comparison state

View state guide

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