The application process will take roughly four months. Processing time will take longer during the months of February through August, due to the increased number of residents and relocating physicians. We recommend you allow four to six months of total processing time if you wish to be granted a license during these months.
The North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) licenses physicians (MDs and DOs), resident physicians, physician assistants (PAs), perfusionists and anesthesiologist assistants. It also registers polysomnographic technologists and business entities such as professional corporations and professional limited liability companies
Licensing
Successful applicants for licensure in NC must demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and credentials, as well as the character, to practice safely. Learn more about the licensure process. Registrations for sleep techs and medical corporations are also included in this section.
Renewals
Licensed and registered medical professionals and professional businesses must renew their professional license or registration, typically on an annual basis, even if the license was recently approved. Learn more about the renewal process.
Inactivation
If a licensee wishes to cease active clinical practice in NC, NCMB can change their licensure status from “active” to “inactive” upon request. Learn more about options for inactivating a license.
Reentry
Medical professionals who have not held an active professional license for a period of two or more years are required to demonstrate to NCMB that they are competent to practice medicine to obtain a license and reenter clinical practice. Applicants may be required to develop and complete a reentry program to do this. Learn more about reentry.