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West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia Medical License

Get licensed to practice medicine in West Virginia. 39th. IMLC member state for expedited licensure.

Population
1,800,000
Difficulty
Low
  • IMLC Compact member (joined 2017)
  • Telehealth: Allowed
  • CME: 50 hours per 2-year cycle

Last updated 2025-12-30 · verified

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MD board

West Virginia Board of Medicine

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

Official Website ↗

Quick answer

Quick Answer: West Virginia Medical License

Time to License
4-8 weeks
Total Cost
$400-$850
CME Requirements
50 hours per 2-year cycle
IMLC Compact
Yes - expedited licensing available

Difficulty: Low Telehealth: Allowed

Board-specific requirements

West Virginia MD and DO Board Details

West Virginia maintains separate licensing boards for MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic) physicians. Both boards participate in IMLC, but have different CME requirements and fee structures.

MD physicians

West Virginia Board of Medicine

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

Time To Approval
4-8 weeks
Total Cost Range
$400-$850
Application Fee
$400
State Specific Exam Required
No
Reciprocal Licensing
Yes
Cme Requirements
50 hours per 2-year cycle
License Renewal Period
2
Renewal Cost
$400
Renewal Deadline
Biennial renewal
Physician Health Program
$50 biennial surcharge
Note
MD physicians: Application $400. Renewal $400 + $50 PHP surcharge = $450 total biennial. CME: 50 hours per 2-year cycle with mandatory opioid prescribing education.

CME details

50 hours per 2 years

Category1
50 hours Category 1
Mandatory Topics
Opioid prescribing training required
  • Mandatory controlled substance prescribing education
  • Pain management CME

Reporting: Self-certification at renewal

Official Website ↗

DO physicians

WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine

2-3 business days for inquiries

Time To Approval
4-8 weeks
Total Cost Range
$400-$850
Application Fee
$400 + 2.25% processing fee
State Specific Exam Required
No
Reciprocal Licensing
Yes
Cme Requirements
32 hours per 2-year cycle (16 hours must be AOA Category 1A/1B osteopathic)
License Renewal Period
2
Renewal Cost
$400
Renewal Deadline
Biennial renewal by June 30
Background Check Fee
$47.25 (additional fees may apply for out-of-state applicants)
Note
DO physicians: Application $400 + 2.25% processing fee. Renewal $400 biennially by June 30. CME: 32 hours per 2-year cycle with 16 hours osteopathic (AOA Category 1A/1B) and 3-hour controlled substance course.

CME details

32 hours per 2 years

Total Required
32 hours per 2-year cycle
Osteopathic Required
16 hours must be AOA Category 1A or 1B Credit (Osteopathic)
  • 16 hours AOA Category 1A or 1B osteopathic medical education
  • 3-hour board-approved course on controlled substance prescribing practices (for licensees who prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances)
  • Board pre-approval mandatory before enrollment in CME courses

Reporting: Self-certification at renewal; Board may request documentation at any time

Official Website ↗

Board Comparison

Shared requirements

  • Both boards participate in IMLC (joined 2017)
  • Both require ECFMG certification for international medical graduates
  • Both require FBI fingerprint background check
  • Both require 3 professional references
  • Both require PDMP registration (West Virginia Controlled Substances Monitoring Program)
  • Both require 2 years minimum postgraduate training (24 months ACGME)
  • Both have biennial (2-year) renewal cycles
  • Both require controlled substance prescribing CME

Key differences

  • CME requirements: MD requires 50 hrs/2 years, DO requires 32 hrs/2 years
  • Osteopathic CME: DO board requires 16 hours of AOA Category 1A/1B osteopathic CME
  • Controlled substance CME: DO board requires specific 3-hour board-approved course
  • Application fees: MD $400, DO $400 + 2.25% processing fee
  • Background check: DO board specifies $47.25 fee
  • Renewal deadline: DO board specifies June 30 deadline
  • CME approval: DO board requires pre-approval for CME courses
  • Different board contact information and websites

Healthcare market

West Virginia Healthcare Market

Key market data for physicians considering West Virginia.

Healthcare Market

$16 billion (estimated 2024)

Physician Demand

Very High

Primary Care Avg.

$238,000

Unique Opportunities in West Virginia

  • Severe physician shortage - among worst in nation
  • Separate MD and DO licensing boards with different CME requirements
  • DO board has lower CME requirement (32 vs 50 hours)
  • Very low cost of living
  • Aging population with high healthcare needs
  • Substantial loan repayment programs

Application path

West Virginia License Requirements

Complete requirements for your WV 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 West Virginia license.

Applying to Wrong Board

West Virginia has separate MD and DO boards with different websites, CME requirements, and fee structures. Physicians may not realize they need to apply to the board corresponding to their degree type.

Solution: MD graduates apply to West Virginia Board of Medicine (wvbom.wv.gov). DO graduates apply to WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine (wvbdosteo.org). Different CME requirements: MD 50 hrs, DO 32 hrs (16 must be osteopathic).

Underestimating Opioid Crisis Impact

WV has been hardest hit by opioid epidemic; affects practice.

Solution: Understand controlled substance regulations; MD board requires opioid prescribing CME, DO board requires 3-hour board-approved course. Consider addiction medicine training.

Missing Loan Repayment Opportunities

Many programs available but require specific commitments.

Solution: Research NHSC, state, and employer loan repayment before committing

Osteopathic CME Pre-Approval Requirement

DO board requires mandatory pre-approval before enrollment in CME courses; MD board does not have this requirement.

Solution: DO physicians: Obtain board pre-approval before enrolling in CME courses. MD physicians: No pre-approval needed.

Common questions

West Virginia Licensing FAQ

Common questions about getting licensed in West Virginia.

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

MD (allopathic) physicians apply to the West Virginia Board of Medicine (wvbom.wv.gov). Application fee is $400. Biennial renewal is $400 + $50 Physician Health Program surcharge = $450 total. You'll need 50 hours of CME per 2-year cycle including mandatory opioid prescribing education.

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

DO (osteopathic) physicians apply to the WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine (wvbdosteo.org). Application fee is $400 + 2.25% processing fee. Biennial renewal is $400 by June 30. You'll need 32 hours of CME per 2-year cycle, with 16 hours in AOA Category 1A/1B osteopathic CME and a 3-hour board-approved controlled substance prescribing course. Important: Board pre-approval is mandatory before enrolling in CME courses.

How long does West Virginia medical licensure take?

Both MD and DO boards: Typically 4-8 weeks for complete applications. Both boards participate in IMLC for expedited multi-state licensing.

Is West Virginia in the IMLC?

Yes! Both the MD and DO boards joined the IMLC in 2017. Eligible physicians can use the expedited pathway regardless of degree type.

What are the controlled substance requirements?

Strict requirements due to opioid crisis. MD board: Mandatory opioid prescribing CME education. DO board: 3-hour board-approved course on controlled substance prescribing practices. Both boards: Must check CSMP before prescribing, 7-day initial limit for opioids.

What are West Virginia CME requirements?

MD physicians: 50 hours per 2-year cycle (all Category 1) with mandatory opioid prescribing education. DO physicians: 32 hours per 2-year cycle with 16 hours AOA Category 1A/1B osteopathic CME and 3-hour controlled substance course. DO board requires pre-approval before enrolling in CME.

Are there loan repayment programs?

Yes, substantial programs available due to severe physician shortage. Both MD and DO physicians eligible.

Why does West Virginia have two separate medical boards?

West Virginia is one of 12 states that maintains separate regulatory boards for allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians. Both boards have equivalent licensing authority and both participate in IMLC. The main differences are CME requirements (MD: 50 hrs, DO: 32 hrs) and fee structures.

Related states

Also Considering These States?

Many providers licensed in West Virginia also practice in these states.

Virginia License

Neighboring state; Eastern Panhandle near DC metro; IMLC member

View state guide

Ohio License

Neighboring state; larger market; IMLC member

View state guide

Kentucky License

Neighboring state; similar rural challenges; IMLC member

View state guide

Pennsylvania License

Neighboring state; also has separate MD/DO boards; IMLC member

View state guide

Vermont License

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

View state guide

Oklahoma License

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

View state guide

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