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Transition Toolkit

The instruction Manual For Doctors Considering Career Change

Should doctors who do not want to practice patient care take the USMLE?

6/24/2022

57 Comments

 
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In medicine, the top 3 measures of a physician's value lie in certification, certification and certification. 

This is especially true in the United States.
I have heard from doctors throughout the country who want to know if the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a necessary pre-requisite for non-clinical positions.

The answer to this frequent question is - sometimes the USMLE helps and sometimes it doesn't.

What is the USMLE?
You are required to pass parts 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to get your MD degree from a US medical school. Most DOs trained in the United States also take it. And you cannot receive a medical license without passing parts 1, 2 and 3 of the USMLE.

The tricky part is that it is recommended to take part 3 of the USMLE after your internship- and it has been getting harder and harder for foreign medical graduates, international medical graduates, and some US medical graduates to match into residency programs in recent years. More doctors can't match into an internship than ever before, and thus they cannot get a medical license.

And some doctors-in-training already know that they want to get out of clinical medicine early in the medical training process. This is where the question of how to succeed without taking the USMLE comes up.
To find out more about 'dropping out' of residency, see here.


Success without USMLE?
There are numerous success stories of non-clinical doctors who have reached high salaries and attained prestigious professional appointments in jobs that are outside of patient care. And some did not rely on licensure or certification.

But, your choices without a medical license are limited, so if you have an opportunity to take licensing exams- don't walk away from the opportunity just so that you can more quickly apply for an entry level non-clinical job. If you are a doctor, you know how to pass exams and you know how to score well. Just do it.

If you have a solid non-clinical offer on the table that you don't want to pass up, then it is understandable that you would want to jump at the chance to build your non-clinical experience if your long-term goal is to become a leader or an executive in the non-clinical arena of healthcare. When you have a solid contract in front of you, if you want to take a break from tests and prove your worth in the non-clinical world, by all means go with your gut. Nevertheless, if you have time to study for your board exams while working that non-clinical job, it is best to do both. (I know, this is not what you wanted to hear.)

You can only achieve success without the USMLE if you become distinguished enough that companies want to recruit you. However, it takes some time to build such a stellar resume to be recruitable - and sometimes the entry-level and mid-level work that builds your resume does require medical licensure.

Why take the USMLE?
Whether you are an entrepreneurial minded foreign graduate with years of clinical experience overseas under your belt or whether you are a recent graduate from a medical school in an exotic tropical location or whether you are a U.S. graduate who didn't match- the unpleasant truth is that state licensure and specialty certification opens some doors that your MD or DO does not, even if your goal is in non-clinical work.

So the short answer is- if you don't have a non-clinical offer in place, continue to make yourself the most qualified candidate that you can possibly be. And the USMLE is the most recognized way to do that, even for non-clinical jobs. A medical license is required for most non-clinical positions that require chart review or litigation review. If you have your foot in the door to a non-clinical opportunity, follow the path that best matches your long term goals, but keep in mind that most non-clinical positions are not known for being secure.

What if I can't take the USMLE?
If you absolutely cannot take the USMLE, but still want to work, you have to really decide whether you want to stay in the medical field or not. There are other ways to work in the medical field, and becoming an expert in regulatory matters is one of the most powerful steps you can take.

Fortunately, even without the USMLE, there are a number of non-clinical entry level positions which require some form of official specialty certification. For example, a clinical research associate can earn about $75/hr without residency, and must take a specialized training course.

Learn more about jobs for doctors without residency or licensing here.

57 Comments
nazreen
1/19/2017 10:09:32 am

Reply
Blerona
3/20/2018 02:39:22 pm

What are tj jobs a foreign medical graduate can do, untill he got hes border exam and get ready to continue with usmle exams? Thank u

Reply
Heidi Moawad MD
3/20/2018 03:01:47 pm

Some job options:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/kaplan.html

http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/medical-scribe-position.html

http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Also, here are programs for international medical graduates:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/licensing-and-programs-for-international-physicians.html

Shahin
7/18/2019 07:55:29 am

I have passed all steps and could not get matched in any program.
My score is pretty good without any failure but I am 51 and I used to be an Orthopedic surgeon .
Would you please tell me how can I find any opportunity in U.S.?

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Heidi Moawad
7/30/2019 07:23:59 pm

Dear Dr. Shahin,

Thank you for getting in touch. Orthopedic surgery is a very competitive specialty in the US. Some university programs have fellowship spots for IMGs who have experience- but it is difficult to find a job after that.

Shahin
7/31/2019 06:05:27 pm

Thanks for getting back to me. Would you please be more specific ?
I already know those points but could not find any position. I think here in U.S. many programs choices are not really merit based and it depends only some one knows you and open the door for you!!!

Heidi Moawad
8/8/2019 03:33:27 pm

Residency is very competitive, especially orthopedics. You would have to contact fellowship program directors to specifically ask of they would consider you for a fellowship and a job afterwards.

There are many research positions in universities and pharmaceutical companies. If you want university research, you need to apply to many of them because research labs are usually small with limited funding.

There are many opportunities for doctors without residency in pharmaceutical companies.

http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/useful-links.html

http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

I hope that helps

George
1/13/2020 07:00:47 pm

Take national surgical assistant (CSA) or American board of Surgical assistants exam (SA-C) (cost $500) and you will get a decent job.

Tami hamilton
1/22/2017 05:28:02 pm

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janki
3/27/2017 10:53:17 am

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usoro link
4/16/2017 03:23:22 am

This is so a good post,i think in order to practice medicine,you need to write the usmle,it is really important,very very important.

Reply
Prasad
6/22/2017 09:17:01 pm

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Sushil mistry
8/9/2018 03:03:20 pm

Myself , Dr. sushil mistry from India. I want to know the way to practice in USA without USMLE.

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Heidi Moawad MD
8/10/2018 10:13:55 am

There are many options for you here: http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Funmi
4/14/2018 03:26:00 pm

What options do I have as an IMG, 15years post graduation?

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Heidi Moawad MD
4/15/2018 11:26:30 am

There are some programs specially designed for IMGs: http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/licensing-and-programs-for-international-physicians.html

AND options for doctors without residency-
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

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dr sunil
6/9/2018 02:20:55 am

a 52 year old doctor MBBS MD practising a nephrologist in INDIA with ECFMG certified life long valid can i get a job in usa
dr sunil
0091-9569442424

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Heidi Moawad MD
6/11/2018 05:33:12 pm

If you want a job in the USA, you can apply for residency- open "outside the match" spots are at the top of this page:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Also - there are other jobs for doctors in the USA that you can consider without residency-found below the residency section.

Reply
Fawad
10/23/2019 08:11:48 am

Hi Heidi Moawad,

I am an indian doctor, working as a blood bank officer and I wish to do fellowship in transfusion medicine from usa/canada. Could you plz guide me.

Thanks & regards
Fawad

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Heidi Moawad
10/23/2019 01:08:45 pm

Dr. Fawad,

You can contact the career coaches and mentors on the page below:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/useful-links.html

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Zazou MD
10/23/2019 09:54:49 am

I m a MD specialist in nuclear medicine, I finished my residency in my country (not in the usa) . Now Im living in the usa. Would you help me please how to get a job in medical field? ( I don't like to pass USMEL) THX

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Heidi Moawad
10/23/2019 01:07:45 pm

Dr. Zazou,

You can apply to these programs: http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/licensing-and-programs-for-international-physicians.html

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Avi
12/11/2019 10:01:33 pm

I am 35 years old i graduated from school of medicine in the Iran now i live in the us, i have a question how i can convert my certificate to US? the reason i think that because i was far from education about 9 years

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Heidi Moawad
12/16/2019 05:43:52 am

Dr. Avi, You cannot convert your certificate to US, but you can apply for residency.
See instructions for residency application on this page:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

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Heidi Moawad
1/6/2020 01:37:02 pm

Dr. Tanyous, You have to take the USMLE if you want to apply for the match. But there are other options without residency. See the page here:http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

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My name ihab tanyous
12/27/2019 10:05:18 pm

I have pediatric master degree from Egypt and I A work as medical assistant since 5 years / I evaluated my certificate in USA I have GPA about 3.5 I want to work in good medical field give me your advice I am 50 years old

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Heidi Moawad
5/8/2020 09:38:40 am

Dr. Tanyous,

There are many certifications that you can do faster than residency and USMLE. The pay is not as good as a physician, but it is medical work:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

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lola
5/8/2020 07:19:19 am

I am E.N.T. specialist doctor, was working in Saudi Arabia, graduated from Ukraine. Just moved to Houston, TX, and like to know what opportunities I have to seek.

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Alexander
5/10/2020 12:18:48 pm

Hi, I completed my MBBS in 2003. Unfortunately when I came back home (US) I had to postpone my career due issues that came up. I worked as an assistant at a cancer clinic for 10 years and now have been doing project management for clinical home trials. Yet, I still desire to complete what I had started. I am 44 years old and never practiced medicine nor did any house job/residency. Is it too late to go back? If not can someone kindly provide a roadmap outlining the process? Thanks for all your help!

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Heidi Moawad
5/14/2020 04:13:36 pm

Dr. Alexander,
You can apply for the USMLE and then apply to the match when you pass step 1 and step 2.
Instructions here:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/how-to-become-a-licensed-physician-in-the-usa.html

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Alexander
5/16/2020 09:18:40 pm

Hi Heidi,

I understand that I can take the USMLEs, but I first need to get ECMG certification. Furthermore having been out of medicine since 2003, the possibility of landing residency is pretty slim wouldn’t you think?

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Heidi Moawad
5/22/2020 11:35:47 am

Hi Alexander,

You are correct- you need to take the prerequisite test AND the chances of landing residency are slim after 17 years away from medicine. Sometimes there are positions in less competitive residencies in a small program that is not popular.

It is important that doctors who are unmatched think about all the options and consider the realistic ones. There are also paths for doctors without residency- I don't know if you saw these yet:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Reply
Nathalia Martinez
5/27/2020 03:53:06 pm

Hi, I am a Colombian gynecologist and now I am applying for a fellowship in Canada. I would like to know if once I finish my fellowship, I could work in ISA without taking USMLE. By the way , thanks for all the information that you have posted. It is really helpful.

Reply
Heidi Moawad
6/1/2020 02:04:02 pm

Dr. Martinez,

I'm glad you think the site is helpful. You can work without USMLE, but you cannot work as a physician seeing patients unless you take USMLE and get a medical license,

Options for work without residency:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Reply
Chiropractor Christchurch link
11/12/2020 11:16:11 pm

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Marijeanne Hobson
12/3/2020 03:47:32 pm

We are trying to hire an MD that also had issue with matching into residency programs. He received his MD in March 2016, did, the Step 1, 2 CK, 2 CS, and 3 USMLE and scored well, but where he graduated internationally, his options are limited. He can't even apply for the restricted Associate physician's license because it's been more than 3 years since he graduated. We're located in Utah, does ANYONE know of ANYTHING available for him to be able to practice in Utah?

Reply
Mobile Mohs Techs link
2/15/2021 04:13:36 am

Amazing content! Thanks for sharing the informative information.

Reply
Heidi Moawad
2/15/2021 06:03:15 pm

Thank you!

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Alejandra Rodriguez
2/24/2021 07:54:23 am

Hello. I'm an American citizen living in Honduras. I already graduated as a Medical Doctor 3 years ago. I'm 31 now. How high are my chances of getting a residency or working without doing the USMLE?

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Heidi Moawad
2/25/2021 02:46:54 pm

Hi Dr. Rodriguez, You can get a job without USMLE, but you cannot get residency without USMLE.
Here is how to become a licensed physician in the USA: http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/how-to-become-a-licensed-physician-in-the-usa.html

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Dr bhanu
4/24/2021 12:45:42 pm

I'm dr bhanu ..I done my medicine ( recently graduated ) I want to move us for ms nutrition ..how can I choose best University in texas

Reply
Heidi Moawad
4/25/2021 12:36:08 pm

You can start by looking up the nutrition programs near you and comparing the curriculum on their websites. You can also call them to ask about job placement for graduates and compare that. Best of luck.

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Mary Ann R. Lopez
5/15/2021 02:30:22 am

I'm planning to move in US with my US citizen husband
Iam a practicing physician here in the Philippines..what are medical jobs I can get in US if ever I decide not to take USMLE....and what are my options if I decide not to take USMLE then do non clinical jobs?

Reply
Heidi Moawad
5/15/2021 07:47:21 am

Dr. Lopez,
If you do not take USMLE, you can look for a job without residency such as the jobs here:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Reply
Murhaf Alkaddour
5/19/2021 09:34:43 pm

Hi Dr. Heidi,
Thank you for the post.

I am a US citizen IMG. I wanted to ask - can you elaborate on some nonclinical careers in which completing the USMLE/being ecfmg-certified would be useful? I graduated from medical school three years ago (currently doing an MPH) & I’m wondering whether to give the usmle a shot. My chances of landing a residency are prob not high, but I want to know how the usmle would help for nonclinical jobs.

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Heidi Moawad
5/21/2021 11:29:12 am

Dr. Alkaddour, The USMLE is necessary for a medical license. Some non clinical jobs require a medical license, even of they do not require board certification. You need 1 year of internship to get a medical license in most states.
Jobs you can get without residency might require license:
http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

Getting a license:http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/how-to-become-a-licensed-physician-in-the-usa.html

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Chris Pederson link
5/28/2021 10:10:05 am

I didn't know people have to pass two parts of a Medical Licensing Exam. That changes things up a bit. Makes me want to trust those who pass it just a little bit more.

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Hayder
10/2/2021 04:34:17 am

I am a physician and have master in medical physiology from Iraq what are my options to work in USA without residency or usmle

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Heidi Moawad
10/3/2021 07:55:00 pm

Dr. Hayder,

You have many options- consider the choices here: http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

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Madhu Sirivole
1/26/2022 01:40:14 pm

I am a medical doctor from India , and I have masters in chemical pathology . I am a citizen . How can get placement as physician or do I need to appear for USMLE certificate . Do I eligible for any fee waver for application . Dr Madhu MD

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Heidi Moawad
1/30/2022 07:48:04 am

Hi Dr. Sirivole, Thank you for getting in touch. If you want to work as a physician, you need to pass the steps of the USMLE.

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mary
5/16/2022 08:32:37 am

Hello everybody. I am a Green-Card holder internist. I am not willing to take USMLE since I am 40 and I am not sure if I get matched after taking those long steps. However, I would like to study in a shorter relative field. 
Is it possible to study genetics (Ph.D.) in the US with IMG background or does it need Ecfmg certification? Also, options like nurse practitioner, accelerated optometry program, etc which is not long. What other options do you suggest to study? Thanks. 

Reply
Heidi Moawad
5/17/2022 01:28:10 pm

Hi Mary- there are options without USMLE/license: http://www.nonclinicaldoctors.com/careers-for-physicians-without-residency.html

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Dr. Sharanya
7/7/2022 10:33:39 pm

Hi, I m 35 yrs, just finished ophthalmology residency in my country. I m a US green card holder. What options i have to continue as an ophthalmologist in US without undergoing residency again ?

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Heidi Moawad
7/8/2022 07:05:46 am

Hi Dr. Sharanya,

The only way to practice ophthalmology in the US is to do a residency and become board certified. Some fellowship programs may recognize your training and allow you to do a fellowship, but then you can only practice under supervision of a board certified ophthalmologist.

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Jey
3/5/2023 11:43:20 pm

Hello! I am a board-certified family medicine doctor from outside of the US. For the past six years, I have been working in a microbiology lab in the US (postdoc, project scientist with MD PhD degrees), which means I have not been practicing medicine during this time. Although I do not plan on applying for a residency to practice medicine again, I am interested in finding a faculty position in the medical microbiology department at a US medical school. I am wondering if passing USMLE 1, 2, and 3 (ECFMG certification) would still be worth pursuing and helpful in achieving this goal.

Reply
Heidi Moawad
3/7/2023 02:42:07 pm

Jey, Thank you for your comment. If you specifically are looking for a position in microbiology, it is probably better for you to focus on microbiology instead of USMLE.

Reply



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  • Non-clinical jobs for doctors
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