Residency required for a full New Jersey license
U.S. & Canadian graduates
30 jurisdictions have a shorter minimum, and 14 others set the same one.
International medical graduates
4 jurisdictions have a shorter minimum, and 24 others set the same one.
New Jersey requires both U.S./Canadian graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) to complete 2 years of accredited postgraduate training and hold a signed contract for a third year. A full license is not the same as finishing residency: specialty board certification through ABMS member boards or the ABPS, and most attending jobs, still require a completed ACGME-accredited program.
International medical graduates in New Jersey
As of September 29, 2026, New Jersey has no operative alternative licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, so IMGs follow the standard route: ECFMG certification, the residency Match, 2 + contract of accredited training, and USMLE Step 3.
See ECFMG certification and J-1 waivers and Conrad 30 for the steps before residency.
Physician demand in New Jersey
New Jersey has 313.3 active physicians per 100,000 residents, ranking 40 of 50 where 1 has the fewest physicians per capita. The state median is 272.0. Supply is above the median, so competition for jobs in metro areas can be stronger, though rural areas may still be short.
Physician jobs and salary in New Jersey
Average physician pay
Ranks 50 of 51, below the median state average of $268,510.
Federal data count 24 primary-care physicians needed to remove every primary-care shortage designation in New Jersey, where 70.2% of the need is currently met (HRSA via KFF, December 31, 2025). Shortage areas qualify for National Health Service Corps loan repayment and, for IMGs, Conrad 30 J-1 waiver positions. Search openings on HRSA's Health Workforce Connector or through 3RNet.
How to apply for a New Jersey medical license
- Complete the training minimum above and pass USMLE Steps 1–3 (or COMLEX Levels 1–3).
- Build a credentials file with the FSMB Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS), which many boards accept or require.
- Submit the New Jersey application with transcripts, exam scores, training verification from your program director and fingerprints for a background check.
- If you'll practice in several states, check whether the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact can speed up extra licenses.
- Once licensed, register for a DEA number and any state controlled-substance registration.
Current forms, fees and processing times are on the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners website.
New Jersey medical license FAQ
How many years of residency do you need for a medical license in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires both U.S./Canadian graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) to complete 2 years of accredited postgraduate training and hold a signed contract for a third year.
Can international medical graduates get licensed in New Jersey?
Yes, through the standard route: ECFMG certification, an accredited U.S. or Canadian residency, 2 + contract of postgraduate training, and passing USMLE Step 3. New Jersey had no operative alternative pathway for internationally trained physicians as of September 29, 2026.
Is there a shortage of doctors in New Jersey?
New Jersey has 313.3 active physicians per 100,000 residents, ranking 40 of 50 (1 = fewest physicians per capita). That is above the state median of 272.0.
How much do physicians make in New Jersey?
The average annual wage for physicians in New Jersey was $204,450 in BLS May 2023 OEWS data. Pay varies widely by specialty and setting.
Which exams do I need for a New Jersey medical license?
MD graduates and IMGs need USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3; DO graduates may use COMLEX-USA Levels 1–3. Like most boards, New Jersey may limit the number of attempts and the time allowed to pass all Steps, so confirm the current rule with the board.
Compare nearby states
Figures are for allopathic (MD) boards from FSMB tables and enacted legislation, re-checked monthly. Osteopathic boards may differ, and waivers exist. Confirm every requirement with the New Jersey medical board before making training or job decisions.