License GuideSOC 29-1211

Physician
License.

A Nurse Anesthetist administers anesthesia and pain medications to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They assess patients' medical histories, calculate appropriate drug dosages, and monitor vital signs throughout surgery. They adjust medication levels based on patient response and manage airways to ensure safe breathing. After surgery, they continue monitoring recovery and manage post-operative pain. Nurse Anesthetists work closely with surgeons and surgical teams to keep patients safe and comfortable during medical procedures.

At a Glance

Everything a Physician needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed physicians are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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A Nurse Anesthetist administers anesthesia and pain medications to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They assess patients' medical histories, calculate appropriate drug dosages, and monitor vital signs throughout surgery. They adjust medication levels based on patient response and manage airways to ensure safe breathing. After surgery, they continue monitoring recovery and manage post-operative pain. Nurse Anesthetists work closely with surgeons and surgical teams to keep patients safe and comfortable during medical procedures.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

The national board exam for physicians is the uniform test most states accept. Many states add a jurisprudence exam on state statute.

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You'll take a two-part exam. The first portion covers national medical knowledge and applies across all states. The second tests your state's specific laws and regulations. Most states outsource testing to companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric, which administer the exam at authorized testing centers. You schedule your appointment directly with the vendor. Pass requirements vary by state, but typically you need to score above a set threshold on both portions to earn your license. Check your state board's website for exact passing scores and exam dates.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in every state. Most boards require a mix of general CE and topic-specific units like ethics, patient safety, or opioid prescribing.

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Your state medical board sets specific continuing education requirements for license renewal. Most states mandate a set number of hours per cycle, often including required topics like ethics or state-specific regulations. Check your board's renewal guidelines for exact numbers and approved courses.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the physician role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

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You'll need both technical mastery and practical judgment. The knowledge comes from study and certification exams. But the real skill develops on the job, watching experienced doctors and handling cases yourself. You'll spend hours explaining diagnoses to patients who don't have medical training. You'll make quick decisions with incomplete information. You'll work long shifts, sometimes alone. This work suits people comfortable with responsibility, who listen more than they talk, and who stay calm under pressure.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a physician without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

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Practicing medicine without an active license violates state law across the country. Penalties vary by jurisdiction but commonly include civil fines and forfeiture of any income earned through unlicensed practice. Some states impose criminal charges for repeat offenses, which can result in short jail sentences. The specific consequences depend on state regulations and the circumstances of the violation.

Career Outlook
+4% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034.

The Path

How to Get a Physician License.

To get licensed, you'll follow these five steps across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience for a required period. You'll undergo a background check before approval. Finally, complete continuing education hours between license renewals. The specific requirements change by state, hours needed, degree levels, and experience minimums all differ. Check your state's board for exact rules.

1
Meet minimum education
Most states require graduation from an accredited physician program. Degree level and accreditation body vary by profession.
2
Complete supervised clinical hours
Boards set required supervised practice hours under a licensed supervisor. Hours are logged, verified, and submitted with your application.
3
Pass the national board exam
The national certification exam for physicians is the uniform knowledge test most states accept. Some states add a jurisprudence exam on local statute.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Required education
Degree program at an accredited institution. Varies massively by degree level.
$30,000 to $250,000
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required or strongly recommended in most states.
$300 to $2,500
DEA registration
Federal fee, three-year term. Required only for prescribers.
$0 to $900
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Physician license is active.

Specialty
Pediatric Anesthesiology Subspecialty Certification
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Neurocritical Care Certification
United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties
Core
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
National Association for Healthcare Quality
Specialty
Certification in Critical Care Medicine
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Basic Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography
National Board of Echocardiography
Specialty
Critical Care Echocardiography
National Board of Echocardiography
Specialty
Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology
American Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Certification in Anesthesiology- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
American Board of Anesthesiology
Core
Certification in Anesthesiology - Part 1
American Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Certification in Anesthesiology: Pain Medicine
American Board of Anesthesiology
Core
Certification in Anesthesiology
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography
National Board of Echocardiography
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
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Exam fee
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License fee
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Department of Industrial Relations
Issuing board
Texas Medical Board
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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