How long does it take to get a state issued license?

On 12/22/03 11:21 AM, in article
[email hidden], "bobyu" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I just finished my residence in ophthalmology, and I have applied for licenses in the following
states: Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California.

I have been waiting 3 to 4 months so far, and I would like to know how long on average it takes
for each state. Are there any shortcuts or procedures to follow?

I am very frustrated, because I never get a straight answer. Am I being just impatient or is it
normal that it takes this long?

It varies widely from State to State. Pennsylvania is relatively fast. Once they receive your
medical school and PGY-1 and PGY-2 verification info, etc., your license will be issued
promptly unless there are "issues" with some of the information they receive. From my own
experience obtaining a license from PA, it took four weeks from time of application to having
the license approved.

Obtaining a medical license in California and New Jersey is quite a different matter, partially due
to the complexity of the application but also due to the typical governmental "we don't give a [censored]"
attitude and the sheer incompetence of the staff in licensing offices. Processing times in NJ, for
example, can easily take 6-9 months.

Every week, call the licensing office in each State where you have an application pending and find
out what's missing in your file. One of the biggest stalls to getting a license is when a school or
residency program doesn't send out your verification information in a timely manner. Sometimes the
form will sit on a secretary's desk for several weeks untouched. Other times the completed form
needs to be stamped by the GME office or Registrar, and it sits in a pile of papers for a month.
Ideally, hand-carry these forms through each office if possible; otherwise make phone calls and
politely inquire as to what's going on.

- Dan