International medical school graduates are of considerable benefit to the United States as they provide culturally diverse care, which improves patient outcomes, reduces health disparities, and encourages enhanced patient satisfaction. Moreover, international graduates are more likely to take positions in the medical field that American doctors devalue.
Unfortunately, most international medical school graduates will have a very difficult time getting their medical license in the state of their choice, especially if they are not U.S. citizens. In fact, a lot of states require them to have completed a residency or other training program in the state in which they hope to receive their medical license.
Trying to get your medical license in Nevada can be completely overwhelming, particularly if the student is a resident of another country. U.S. medical school graduates who are matched with a Nevada hospital for their residency will have an easier time getting their medical license in the state than international medical school graduates or even immigrating physicians.
As such, working with an experienced professional license defense attorney is the best way to ensure you not only understand the licensing process but can defend your position to receive your license when issues inevitably crop up. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense team has spent years helping other medical school graduates navigate the license process. They can help. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.
Licensing Requirements for International Medical School Graduates in Nevada
Nevada has very specific laws surrounding their medical licensing. The applicant must either:
- Have received a medical degree from a medical school that is approved by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) or a medical school that provides a course of professional instruction that is equivalent to the education provided in U.S. based medical schools that is approved by the AMA;
- Be certified by a specialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialties and agree to maintain that certification for the duration of their Nevada licensure, or who have passed all parts of the National Board of Medical Examiners exam, all parts of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, all parts of a licensing exam given by any state or territory of the U.S., if a specialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialties has certified them, all parts of the examination to become a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, or any combination of the National Board of Medical Examiners exam, the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, or an American Board of Medical Specialties specialty licensing exam; or
- Be certified by a specialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialties in the specialty of emergency medicine, preventive medicine, or family medicine and agree to maintain this certification for the duration of their Nevada medical license or
- Has finished 36 months of either progressive postgraduate education as a resident or fellowship training in a U.S. or Canadian program;
- Has finished at least 36 months of postgraduate education, 24 months of which needs to have been done as a resident after receiving a medical degree from a combined dental and medical program or
- Is a resident of a progressive postgraduate training program in the U.S. or Canada and has completed at least 24 months of the program and committed, in writing, to finishing the rest of the program; or
- Passed a written or oral examination, or both, about their qualifications to practice medicine and provide the Board of Medical Examiners in Nevada with a description of the program to show that their clinical training meets the Board's requirements.
If an applicant meets these criteria, they will be eligible to apply for a medical license in Nevada. However, they must also provide the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners with:
- An affidavit that the information provided in their application is correct.
- Their fingerprints.
- Proof they graduated from medical school.
- Proof of completing progressive postgraduate training from a residency program or fellowship training.
The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners statute goes on to state that individuals who graduate from a foreign medical school must also submit proof that they received a medical degree and the standard certificate of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates or a written statement from that Commission that they passed the Commission's examination.
As such, while an international medical school graduate can apply for a medical license in Nevada, they must have completed a U.S. or Canadian-based postgraduate training program, such as a residency or fellowship training. While this may sound simple, as we explained above, it can be quite complicated for international medical school graduates to gain admission to residency or fellowship training programs in Canada or the U.S., especially if they are residents of other countries.
IMG Residency Requirements for U.S. Hospitals
Many international medical school graduates dream of practicing medicine in the United States. However, while the average residency match rate for graduates of U.S.-based medical schools is around 94%, the average residency match rate for international medical school graduates is only 57%. That's a pretty significant disparity, which means that international medical school graduates have a much lower chance of achieving their dreams of pursuing medicine in the U.S.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes this disparity, though, and understands the benefit of having international doctors working within our borders. As such, they recommend based that such graduates participate in an observership rotation in the U.S. prior to graduating from medical school or applying to a U.S.-based residency program.
During the observership, an international medical school student or graduate will have the chance to learn more about working in the U.S. as a physician, the types of specialties they might be interested in, and insight into a U.S. physician's daily life, activities, and responsibilities Moreover, an observership will give them the opportunity to network with other physicians and department heads who might be able to act as a reference for their residency applications. In some instances, these connections may also be used on the international medical school student's Nevada medical license application.
To ensure that international medical school gets the best chance at securing a residency in the U.S., the AMA also suggests they apply to at least 25 residency programs.
In addition to this advice, there are many medical schools in the Caribbean that maintain close connections with U.S. hospitals in the hope that their students will have an easier time gaining residencies there. These schools typically have a higher rate of residency matching than other international medical schools located elsewhere. For example, Ross University School of Medicine, which is located in Barbados, maintains partnerships with five specific U.S. communities, including:
- Trinity Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan
- St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Queens, New York.
- California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles, California
- Center for Haitian Studies in Miami, Florida
- Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago, Illinois
This program is called “Return Home” and allows Ross University School of Medicine students who live within a certain radius of these hospitals to complete their core clinical rotations and elective clinical rotations at the hospital within their community. After completing the Return Home program, these students have a much better chance of being matched for residency within their home state because they were given a unique opportunity to create a relationship with local physicians who will advocate for their residency match.
That being said, if an international medical school student is unable to secure a residency in the U.S. or Canada, it will be much harder, though not impossible, for them to receive a Nevada medical license.
Licensing Problems for International Medical School Graduates in Nevada
International medical school graduates face several challenges when seeking a Nevada medical license, including:
- Residency requirement: international medical school graduates must complete a residency program in the U.S. or Canada before obtaining a medical license. This is a crucial step in the licensing process.
- Visa hurdles: before applying for residency, international medical school graduates must secure appropriate visas. Even if they are matched with a residency program, it doesn't mean that their visa application will automatically be approved. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure proper documentation for the visa application and avoid common application mistakes.
- Cultural and language barriers: non-native English speakers may struggle with communication during residency, which is essential for patient care, treatment plans, and collaboration with colleagues. These challenges can impact their ability to complete their residency program successfully and maintain their medical license in the future.
- Discrimination and microaggressions: international medical school graduates may face subtle or overt discrimination, which can negatively affect their residency training and overall well-being. These experiences can hinder their progress and potentially impact their ability to obtain licensure.
- Educational equivalency: international medical school graduates must demonstrate that their foreign medical education is equivalent to the standards in the United States, particularly the ones in Nevada. This often involves passing additional exams and obtaining certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.
- Licensing exam requirements: international medical school graduates must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps 1, 2, and 3. These exams test medical knowledge and clinical skills and can be challenging for those education in different medical systems.
- Credential verification: the licensing process involves thorough verification of an international medical school graduate's credentials, including medical school transcripts, diplomas, and previous medical experience. This can be time-consuming and complex, especially when dealing with international institutions.
- Competition for residency spots: As explained above, international medical school graduates often face fierce competition for limited residency positions because they compete against U.S. medical school graduates and other international applicants.
- Adapting to the U.S. healthcare system: international medical school graduates must quickly familiarize themselves with U.S. medical practices, healthcare policies, and legal requirements, which may differ significantly from their home countries.
- Financial challenges: the licensing process, including exams, applications, and potential relocation, can be expensive. This financial burden may be particularly difficult for international medical school graduates who are not yet established in the U.S.
Given these interconnected challenges, international medical school graduates seeking medical licensure in Nevada should consider seeking professional assistance to navigate the complex process effectively and increase their chances of success.
Where the Lento Law Firm Can Help in Nevada
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team has helped students and physicians navigate medical school, medical licensure, and licensing issues nationwide. As such, they have worked with individuals in Nevada, including in such areas as:
- Las Vegas
- Henderson
- Reno
- North Las Vegas
- Sparks
- Carson City
- Fernley
- Elko
- Mesquite
- Boulder City
- Carlin
- Caliente
- Fallon
- Lovelock
- Wells
- West Andover
- Yerington
Wherever you are hoping to work as a medical doctor in Nevada, the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help.
How the Lento Law Firm Can Help
International medical school graduates face significant challenges when seeking medical licensure in Nevada. The primary requirement is participating in and completing a U.S.-based or Canadian residency program or fellowship training program, which can be a major hurdle for such graduates. In fact, they often struggle to secure residency matches in the U.S. or Canada, especially if they are not currently citizens of either country.
The process is further complicated by visa requirements. Failure to obtain a visa or match with a U.S. or Canadian postgraduate program severely limits the chances of licensure in Nevada.
Given these challenges, the licensing process for international medical graduates in Nevada is typically longer and more complex than it usually is for students who graduated from medical school in the United States or Canada. The best way to navigate this intricate process and hopefully achieve a Nevada medical license is to work with an experienced professional license defense attorney. The Lento Law Firm can help. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.
