Requirements for IMGs in Tennessee
Requirements for IMGs in Tennessee

It’s imperative to understand and navigate the licensure requirements with precision. Our expertise in medical licensing provides a clear roadmap for this process:

  • Comprehensive Post-Graduate Training or Clinical Practice

The cornerstone of eligibility is either a three-year post-graduate training (residency or fellowship) completed in your country of origin or a minimum of three years of clinical practice out of the past five years outside the United States. This prerequisite underscores the importance of substantive clinical experience in ensuring readiness for the U.S. healthcare environment.

  • Verification of International Medical Education

As an IMG, furnishing proof of your international medical education is essential. This documentation serves as a testament to your educational background and is critical for the validation process in the licensing journey.

  • Securing a Relevant Job Offer

A pivotal step involves obtaining a job offer from a Tennessee healthcare provider that operates an ACGME-accredited post-graduate training program. This requirement is not merely procedural; it aligns your professional trajectory with institutions that uphold the highest standards in medical training and patient care.

  • Competency Assessment by the Medical Board

The Tennessee Medical Board conducts a rigorous evaluation of your professional competencies. This assessment is a comprehensive review, scrutinizing your clinical acumen, decision-making abilities, and overall professional preparedness to ensure that you meet the high standards expected in the U.S. medical field.

  • Mandatory ECFMG Certification

Possession of the ECFMG certification is non-negotiable. This certification is a benchmark for evaluating whether the medical education and training received abroad are on par with the standards established in the United States.

Qualification Requirement Details for IMGs
Education ECFMG-accredited school
USMLE Steps 3 USMLE Steps
Medical Practice Experience Accredited medical residency abroad/legally practiced and held a valid license for at least three of the past five years
Legal Status in the US Legal US citizen, permanent resident, or legally entitled to live or work in the US (e.g., have a legal visa with a work permit), OR be sponsored and employed by a Tennessee healthcare provider that also trains residents
English Proficiency Fluency in English