Residency required for a full Washington 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.
Washington requires at least 2 years of accredited postgraduate training (ACGME or AOA) for both U.S./Canadian graduates and 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 Washington
Washington is one of the states that has enacted an alternative licensure pathway for experienced internationally trained physicians. These laws usually require an unrestricted license from another country, several years of recent practice, ECFMG certification or passing USMLE Steps 1 and 2, and a job offer from an in-state employer. Physicians start on a provisional or limited license under supervision and can later qualify for a full license. Many boards are still writing rules, so ask the Washington board whether applications are open.
See ECFMG certification and J-1 waivers and Conrad 30 for the steps before residency.
Physician demand in Washington
Washington has 285.4 active physicians per 100,000 residents, ranking 29 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 Washington
Average physician pay
Ranks 20 of 51, above the median state average of $268,510.
Federal data count 685 primary-care physicians needed to remove every primary-care shortage designation in Washington, where 45.4% 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington Medical Commission website.
Washington medical license FAQ
How many years of residency do you need for a medical license in Washington?
Washington requires at least 2 years of accredited postgraduate training (ACGME or AOA) for both U.S./Canadian graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) before a full, unrestricted license.
Can international medical graduates get licensed in Washington?
Yes. IMGs can follow the standard route (ECFMG certification, U.S. residency, then 2 years of training), and Washington has also enacted an alternative licensure pathway for experienced internationally trained physicians, usually requiring an in-state job offer and a supervised provisional period.
Is there a shortage of doctors in Washington?
Washington has 285.4 active physicians per 100,000 residents, ranking 29 of 50 (1 = fewest physicians per capita). That is above the state median of 272.0.
How much do physicians make in Washington?
The average annual wage for physicians in Washington was $288,560 in BLS May 2023 OEWS data. Pay varies widely by specialty and setting.
Which exams do I need for a Washington 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, Washington 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 Washington medical board before making training or job decisions.