New York is a hub for healthcare career opportunities. The New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions provides details on the license requirements for physicians who intend to practice in the state. The following document is meant to serve as a guide for aspiring doctors in New York.
Should I Become a Doctor in New York?
If you want to become a doctor in the state of New York, then you have to follow the following steps.
| Education Required | A professional or a doctoral degree in mandatory |
| License/Certification | Licensure is mandatory |
| Experience/Training | Residency of 3 – 9 years |
| Key Skills | Patience, empathy, organizational skills, ability to handle pressure, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Annual Mean Salary – New York (2020) | $204,290 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Job Outlook – New York (2018-2028) | 17% (Physicians, All Others) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Steps to Become a Doctor in New York
If you want to practice as a doctor in New York, you need to meet a stringent set of requirements. The following steps would help you understand the process better.
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree
You are not required to complete this degree in a specific major, though it is recommended that you take up some coursework in biology, chemistry and other science subjects. You must complete 60 credit hours of college study from a New York State registered program.
- Pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
This standardized test is used as a judgment measure by most medical colleges across the country. It is a multiple-choice exam meant to determine your aptitude in fundamental medical knowledge.
- Complete Medical School
Once you have enrolled into a medical school, it will take four years to complete it. The first two years would comprise of general coursework in medical sciences, along with lab work. The last two years would be more focused on clinical experience in a supervised setting. This program must be accredited by the New York State Education Department, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
- Complete a Residency
A medical residency can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty chosen. The minimum requirement set forth by the state of New York is one year of postgraduate training.
- Get Licensed
You will be required to complete Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination or Part I, Part II and Part III of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in New York?
The duration to become a doctor in New York depends on the type of doctor you want to become and the time it takes to fulfill those requirements. You need at least a bachelor’s degree and then a medical degree of four years to become a doctor in New York. Then there is the residency programs and internships that can take anywhere between 3 to 9 years, depending on the specialization you choose. If you opt for subspecialization, then it will take you another 1-3 years.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Doctor in New York?
Candidates that want to become doctors in New York have to complete the following steps.
• Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Candidates should have a medical degree.
• Candidates should complete residency or internship.
• Candidates should clear a licensing exam.
Salary of Doctors in New York
As per the information provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean income of “Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” in the state of New York was $204,290 in 2020.
Job Outlook for Doctors in New York
According to the latest figures provided by O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Others” are expected to enjoy an exceptional job growth of 17% between 2018 and 2028.