Healthcare Market
$50+ billion annually
Virginia (VA)
Virginia Medical License
Get licensed to practice medicine in Virginia. 12th largest state by population.
- Population
- 8,640,000
- Difficulty
- Low
- Telehealth: Allowed
- CME: 30 hours per 2-year cycle
Medical board
Virginia Board of Medicine
3-5 business days for general inquiries
- Phone
- (804) 367-4600
Quick answer
Quick Answer: Virginia Medical License
- Time to License
- 4-8 weeks
- Total Cost
- $302-$700
- CME Requirements
- 30 hours per 2-year cycle
- IMLC Compact
- No - standard process required
Healthcare market
Virginia Healthcare Market
Key market data for physicians considering Virginia.
Physician Demand
High
Primary Care Avg.
$245,000 - $280,000
Unique Opportunities in Virginia
- Washington DC metro area with major federal healthcare presence
- Strong military and VA healthcare opportunities
- Growing Northern Virginia tech corridor
- Multiple academic medical centers
- Rural health opportunities in Appalachian regions
- IMLC member with fast processing times
Application sequence
Virginia Licensing Timeline
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks. Here's what to expect.
- 1
Create Account and Begin Application
Register on the Virginia Department of Health Professions online portal. Complete the physician application.
1-2 days - 2
Submit Application and Fees
Pay the $302 application fee online.
Immediate - 3
Complete Fingerprinting
Complete fingerprinting through approved vendor. Results sent to Board.
1-2 weeks for clearance - 4
Credential Verification
Request primary source verifications from medical school and training programs.
2-4 weeks - 5
Application Review and Approval
Board reviews complete application. Virginia has efficient processing.
1-3 weeks - 6
License Issuance
Upon approval, license is issued and can be verified online.
1-3 days after approval
Application path
Virginia License Requirements
Complete requirements for your VA medical license.
Medical Education
Must graduate from LCME-accredited (MD) or AOA-accredited (DO) medical school, or approved international school
- Official transcripts sent directly to the Board or through FCVS
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 Virginia State Police; results sent to Board
Professional References
2 references required
- Licensed physicians who have observed clinical work
- Residency program directors
Practice considerations
Practicing in Virginia
What to expect when practicing medicine in Virginia.
Specialties in Demand
Northern Virginia is highly urban (DC metro); significant rural areas in Southwest and Southside Virginia
- Primary Care / Family Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- OB/GYN
- Emergency Medicine
Compensation
Slightly above national average
- Primary Care: $245,000 - $280,000
- Specialist: $350,000 - $480,000
Cost of Living
Northern Virginia 30% above national; rest of state at or below national average
- Housing: Very high in Northern Virginia ($600,000+); moderate in Richmond ($350,000); affordable in rural areas
- State Tax: Progressive rates from 2% to 5.75%
Major Markets
Major metropolitan practice markets.
- Northern Virginia (DC Metro - 3M+)
- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (1.8M)
- Richmond (1.3M)
- Roanoke (300,000)
Shortage Areas
Areas with documented physician demand.
- Southwest Virginia (Appalachian region)
- Southside Virginia
- Eastern Shore
- Parts of Hampton Roads
Major Healthcare Systems
Selected systems in the frozen state resource.
- Inova Health System
- Sentara Healthcare
- VCU Health
- UVA Health
Avoid delays
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't let these common issues delay your Virginia license.
Delayed Verification Requests
Medical schools or training programs may be slow to respond to verification requests.
Solution: Request verifications early; use FCVS for streamlined process; follow up regularly
Not Understanding IMLC Eligibility
Physicians may not realize they don't qualify for IMLC due to exam attempts or discipline history.
Solution: Review IMLC eligibility carefully before applying; use standard pathway if not eligible
Common questions
Virginia Licensing FAQ
Common questions about getting licensed in Virginia.
How long does it take to get a Virginia medical license?
Standard processing takes 4-8 weeks for complete applications. IMLC pathway typically takes 3-4 weeks. Virginia is known for efficient processing.
Is Virginia part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
Yes, Virginia joined the IMLC in 2016 as an early adopter. Eligible physicians can use the expedited pathway.
What are the CME requirements for Virginia physicians?
Virginia requires 30 hours of CME per 2-year renewal cycle. CME should be relevant to your area of practice.
What is the total cost for a Virginia medical license?
The application fee is $302. Total costs including fingerprinting and verifications typically range from $302 to $700.
Does Virginia require a jurisprudence exam?
No, Virginia does not require a state-specific jurisprudence examination.
Related states
Also Considering These States?
Many providers licensed in Virginia also practice in these states.
Track Virginia renewals in one tracker.
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