Residency required for a full North Dakota license
U.S. & Canadian graduates
That is the shortest minimum in the country, shared with 29 other jurisdictions.
International medical graduates
29 jurisdictions have a shorter minimum, and 0 others set the same one.
North Dakota requires at least 1 year of accredited postgraduate training (ACGME or AOA) for graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools before a full, unrestricted license. North Dakota requires at least 30 months of accredited postgraduate training (ACGME or AOA) for international medical graduates (IMGs) before a full, unrestricted license. 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 North Dakota
As of September 29, 2026, North Dakota has no operative alternative licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, so IMGs follow the standard route: ECFMG certification, the residency Match, 30 months of accredited training, and USMLE Step 3. Nearby states with an alternative pathway: Minnesota.
See ECFMG certification and J-1 waivers and Conrad 30 for the steps before residency.
Physician demand in North Dakota
North Dakota has 239.6 active physicians per 100,000 residents, ranking 16 of 50 where 1 has the fewest physicians per capita. The state median is 272.0. Lower supply usually means stronger recruiting, more loan repayment programs and more Conrad 30 waiver positions.
Physician jobs and salary in North Dakota
Average physician pay
Ranks 1 of 51, above the median state average of $268,510.
Federal data count 37 primary-care physicians needed to remove every primary-care shortage designation in North Dakota, where 37.7% 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota Board of Medicine website.
North Dakota medical license FAQ
How many years of residency do you need for a medical license in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires at least 1 year of accredited postgraduate training (ACGME or AOA) for graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools before a full, unrestricted license. North Dakota requires at least 30 months of accredited postgraduate training (ACGME or AOA) for international medical graduates (IMGs) before a full, unrestricted license.
Can international medical graduates get licensed in North Dakota?
Yes, through the standard route: ECFMG certification, an accredited U.S. or Canadian residency, 30 months of postgraduate training, and passing USMLE Step 3. North Dakota had no operative alternative pathway for internationally trained physicians as of September 29, 2026.
Is there a shortage of doctors in North Dakota?
North Dakota has 239.6 active physicians per 100,000 residents, ranking 16 of 50 (1 = fewest physicians per capita). That is below the state median of 272.0.
How much do physicians make in North Dakota?
The average annual wage for physicians in North Dakota was $351,270 in BLS May 2023 OEWS data. Pay varies widely by specialty and setting.
Which exams do I need for a North Dakota 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, North Dakota 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 North Dakota medical board before making training or job decisions.