There are jobs for physicians without residency and board certification
It is challenging to find a job if you are a physician without residency. It takes persistence, resourcefulness and hard work.
Limitations for physicians who are looking for jobs include: If you have any of these limitations- use the resources on this page as you navigate your job search
If you are an MD without residency training and you are looking for a job, you already know that your job options are different and more limited than the choices for physicians who have completed residency and who are licensed or board certified physicians.
However, for many reasons, some physicians have an MD but cannot get accepted into residency training or do not want to complete residency training. Every year, there are many US medical school graduates and international medical school graduates who do not match in a residency spot. If you have either left your residency or if you are unable to begin a residency in the first place, there are still a number of job possibilities and certifications available for you. If you are considering dropping out of residency, you should read this before you make any final decisions.
How to become a licensed physician in the USA
  •  Most traditional jobs for physicians require a medical license.
  •  Becoming licensed as a physician in the United States requires passing a set of examinations and completing training.
  •  In general, USMLE part 1,2 and 3 are required (information here) as well as at least 1-3 years of residency training.
  •  The medical licensing requirements differ slightly for each state and can be found here.
  •  Most residency positions are obtained through the National Resident Matching Program (information here) 
  •  There are a few positions available at other times during the year outside the match when unexpected circumstances open a residency position. See a list of updated unfilled residency slots here.
  • You can find more information about international medical licensing and programs for international medical doctors here
  • Find out how international medical school graduates can obtain US clinical experience here
Alternative certification and training options for MD’s without residency training/ medical license
There are other health related jobs that that MDs can get with some additional training or certification. Usually, entry into these courses is not as competitive as entry into residency programs, and the time to complete the programs is typically shorter than residency. Most of these options cost money for course tuition and examination fees. Starting salaries for some of these jobs may be lower than the starting salaries of residency trained physicians, but they can offer full time employment in the health care field with a salary and benefits. These jobs can serve as a stepping-stone to leadership positions, promotions and even entrepreneurial opportunities in the future. 
Jobs that do not require residency or a medical license
  • Research is a competitive field that requires experience and completion of a post doctorate-training program. Most post doctorate-training programs will pay you a stipend while you train in a research lab. In general, they do not require residency and they are usually filled outside of the match. 
  • Clinical Research Associate is a common route for foreign MBBS holders and MDs who do not take the USMLE and choose to become a CRA,  which has a median pay of $90-150k with 33% growth potential. CRAs supervise clinical trials and have the option to work remotely or have expenses covered for travel around the country to many clinical sites. Training for this position is required and can be condensed into 4 weeks. Information here.
  • Sleep medicine is a post residency specialty, but there are also certifications for non MDs and non residency trained professionals. See eligibility requirements here.
  • Emergency Medical Technicians provide emergency medical care and transportation. Find out about training and certification here.
  • Personal trainers work with people who need fitness counseling and coaching. Fitness trainers must take courses and obtain certification. Find more information here.
  • Pain management using the MELT Method. Instructions about training and certification here.
  • Physician Assistants care for patients, generally in a team setting. Information about training and requirements here.
  • Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) and Certified Surgical First Assistants work in the operating room on the surgical team. Information about CST training and certification here. Information about CSFA training and certification here. Surgical technician courses and licensing information here
  • Certified anesthesiologist assistants are qualified to assist with anesthesia patient care. Information about certification and training here. 
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography qualification can be obtained through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography which can train you for Medical Sonography, Cardiac Sonography, Vascular Technology and Musculoskeletal Sonography. Course and examination information is available here.
  • Genetics counselors also see patients and are generally paid through patients’ insurance plans. Most large medical systems and academic hospitals have genetics counselors. Find more information about training, certification and licensing here.
  • Electrodiagnostic medicine technicians work in electrophysiology labs. Find information about eligibility here and learn more about the work of an electrodiagnostic technician, the training and certification process here. 
  • Ultrasound technicians and lab directors need to obtain training, courses and certification. Information can be found here.
  • Respiratory therapists have direct patient care responsibilities. Information about qualifications and examinations to become a credentialed respiratory therapist here.
Jobs that require a medical license- ABME board certification is not necessary
  • Medical Review Officers review lab tests for workplace drug testing. Learn about training and certification here.
  • Cosmetic services, such as providing enhancement with procedures such as botulinum toxin injection require training and certification. More information here.
  • Aesthetic medicine involves a variety of procedures that range from hair removal to fillers. Find information about licensing here.
  • Hair restoration is a field which you can enter through several routes. Find out about the qualifications and certifications here. 
  • Acupuncture is a field that would allow you to see patients and perform procedures. Find more information about certification and examinations here. More Information about eligibility requirements here.
  • Lifestyle medicine is an option that incorporates working with patients on issues such as weight loss and addiction. Find information about courses and certification here.
  • Preventative medicine is an area that offers the opportunity to gain certification. Information about requirements can be found here.
  • Naturopathic medicine is an option that would allow you to see patients. Naturopathic medical practice requires a license. You can take courses and then sit for qualifying examinations. Find more information about licensure requirements here, about board requirements here and about educational programs here. 
Jobs that require board certification and a medical license
  • Medical informatics is a growing field that is open to physicians. This field involves working with electronic medical records and implementation of technology. Find out the eligibility requirements and how you can become certified in medical informatics here. 
Job options for MD's without residency training
There are also positions that you can apply for without obtaining certifications such as those described above. 
Technical writing/scientific writing
Writing is an option for physicians who want to work for pharmaceutical companies or medical media companies to write grants, clinical trials reports, basic science studies, applications for approval of new medical products and safety inserts, among other assignments. Writing should be impeccable and sometimes fluency in another language or translating capabilities are a plus. Find a list of medical writing and strategy agencies here.
Medical editing
Medical textbook publishers and medical journal publishers often employ writers and editors with a health background for copywriting and editing assignments. These jobs do not require residency training or a medical license.
Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical companies have jobs for physicians who are not licensed or board certified. These jobs are in the areas of clinical trials, basic science research, product development, marketing, administration and finance. 
Pharmaceutical sales and pharmaceutical liaison positions generally do not require an MD and there are international medical graduates who find jobs in pharmaceutical sales or pharmaceutical liaison. 
Business
Financial firms that have investments in healthcare companies hire MD's to review and report on investments. These are generally full time jobs that require travel and can provide opportunities for executive level promotions. 
Health/medical instruction
Teaching at the medical school or university level is another career path for physicians. Most science departments in research universities employ full time faculty primarily for research and allow limited time for teaching courses, with research as the primary focus.
Researchers in major universities are usually required to obtain funding for research projects through grants. This requires research experience and proficiency with grants. Some colleges employ faculty for teaching jobs without a research obligation. Community colleges, nursing schools and chiropractic medicine schools are among the colleges that have full time and part time teaching positions for doctors without a research requirement.
To apply for these jobs, visit the useful links page.
Non-clinical job options that are usually not open to MD’s without residency training
Besides clinical practice, there are some non-clinical healthcare jobs that generally require a medical license or residency or board certification.
They include :
  • Medical-legal work- usually requires clinical experience, licensing and board certification.
  • Health writing for the general public typically requires specialization and clinical experience in a prominent medical center. 
  • Chart review jobs, including healthcare utilization review and disability review, require board certification.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and there are numerous examples of physicians who have achieved exceptional success without residency training. For more instructions on how to find a non-clinical job, explore nonclinicaldoctors.com or see Careers Beyond Clinical Medicine, available at most booksellers.  

To find and apply for the jobs on this page, visit the useful links page.