Step 3, NYS license and DEA numbers

Applying for USMLE Step 3

You can apply for Step 3 through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) at http://www.fsmb.org. Click on "Examination Services" and then the "Step 3 Homepage." You can either apply online or submit a paper application. You can apply for Step 3 under the state of New York in which case you must simultaneously apply for a New York State license; alternatively, you can apply for Step 3 under another state, like Connecticut so you do not have to apply for licensure (and pay for it) at the same time. After you apply for Step 3 you will receive an orange scheduling permit in the mail 2-4 weeks after your application is processed. You can then schedule two consecutive days for Step 3 within a 90-day period from when you receive the scheduling card. Don't submit your application if you cannot take the exam within those 3 months.

You will need:

USMLE Step 3 application (3 pages) with passport-sized photo. This needs to be notarized. Get the application from

http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_instruct_new_york.html

Check for $635.00 (as of 4/06)
Licensure application (if applying under New York State), see below

**For international medical school graduates only: New York applicants who are graduates of international med schools (and not ECFMG certified) need to submit a notarized copy of their Fifth Pathway certificate and medical school diploma.


Applying for New York State Medical License

If you apply for Step 3 through New York State, you must also apply for a NY State license at the same time. To apply for a NYS license, go to the Office of the Professions website at http://www.op.nysed.gov/medlic.htm and click on "License Application Forms" under "Physician." You can submit all the paperwork for both Step 3 and your license simultaneously. If you plan on leaving New York and do not want to pay for a license, you can apply to take Step 3 through the state of Connecticut or New Jersey to avoid the license application. You can also apply for the USMLE through another state even if you plan on staying in NY, but you will have to apply for your NY State License after you have the results of the USMLE (to allow you to stagger the costs of the exam and the license).

You will need:

Form one (6 pages) with a passport photo. This needs to be notarized.

Form two (two pages). Send to your medical school registrar's office after filling out section one.

Form 2PGT (two pages). Fill out Section one and then give to your program director to complete the rest.

Step 1 and 2 transcript requests via EBHAR online. They mail your USMLE scores directly to NY State Education Department Licensure Unit. Go to at www.fsmb.org and click on "Examination," then "Transcripts." The fee is $50 to have your transcripts sent.

If you didn't graduate from a NY State Medical School, you must complete an online child abuse course. This costs $25 and takes roughly one hour to complete. Go to http://www2.nursingspectrum.com/ce/self-study_modules/syllabus.html?ID=79 . When you're done, you will be mailed a certificate of completion which will need to be sent in with your licensure paperwork. If you went to an NYS med school don't worry about this part.
Check for $735.00.

If you attended an international medical school, please see the website for further requirements.

There is a service called the Federal Credentialing and Verification Service (FCVS) which charges you $295 to collect and store all of your medical school, residency, examination, and licensure information. This will make it easier in the future to be credentialed when applying for a job at an institution, however is not required during residency unless you are a foreign medical grad applying for licensure.

Also, consider sending your application in via FedEx or registered mail to have proof of receipt.

Applying for a DEA number

Applying for a DEA number is very simple. Go to www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov and click on "Apply for New Applications for Registration Online." Simply fill out form DEA-224. You are not required to have a personal DEA number as a resident, and thus can still use the institutional DEA# on your prescriptions.