Education
Graduate from an accredited medical school (MD or DO).
International medical graduates must hold ECFMG certification.
Postgraduate Training
Nebraska requires:
1 year of ACGME- or AOA-accredited postgraduate training for U.S./Canadian graduates.
3 years of accredited postgraduate training for international medical graduates.
Examination Requirements
Applicants must pass one of the following:
USMLE (Steps 1–3)
COMLEX-USA (Levels 1–3)
NBME/FLEX/LMCC combinations accepted if meeting Nebraska regulations
Exam Rules
Maximum 3 attempts per USMLE Step (more than 3 attempts requires Board review).
All Steps must be completed within 7 years (10 years for MD/PhD applicants).
Step 3 can be taken during residency if permitted.
Competency, Conduct & Moral Character
Must demonstrate good moral character and professional competence.
Any prior disciplinary actions or malpractice cases require detailed explanation.
Criminal Background Check
Mandatory state and FBI fingerprint-based background check.
Fingerprints must be submitted through an approved Nebraska provider.
1. Apply via the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Online Portal
Select application type:
Initial medical license
Reciprocity/Endorsement
IMLC expedited license
Temporary/Training license
2. Submit Required Documentation
Medical school diploma & transcript
Postgraduate training verifications
USMLE/COMLEX score reports
ECFMG certificate (if IMG)
Chronological CV (no gaps)
Malpractice history (10 years)
Official identification
Name change documents (if applicable)
3. Complete Background Check
Nebraska and FBI fingerprinting required
Fingerprints submitted via approved vendors listed by DHHS
4. Credential Verification
FCVS profile is strongly recommended, especially for IMGs and applicants with training outside the U.S.
5. Board Review
DHHS reviews all application materials and may request additional details or clarifications.
6. License Issuance
When all requirements are satisfied, the license is granted and visible in the online portal.
Temporary Educational Permit
For residents and fellows in Nebraska training programs.
Locum Tenens / Temporary License
Short-term license issued for physicians practicing temporarily under specific conditions.
Volunteer License
For retired or inactive physicians providing free medical services.
50 CME hours every 2 years
At least 25 hours Category 1
Nebraska may require education on prescribing controlled substances for DEA registrants (updated periodically).
Nebraska medical licenses renew every 2 years.
Renewal completed through the DHHS online system.
Licensees must attest to CME completion and may be audited.
License by Reciprocity / Endorsement
Physicians licensed in another U.S. state may qualify if:
Current license is active and unrestricted
Completed required postgraduate training
No disciplinary history
Passed accepted licensing examinations
Credentials verified through FCVS or primary source
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
Nebraska participates in the IMLC, allowing eligible physicians to obtain an expedited license.
Requirements include:
Clean disciplinary record
Board certification (typically required)
Primary state of licensure approval
Typical timeline: 6–10 weeks, depending on:
Background check processing
FCVS verification speed
Completeness of application
Response time from training programs and schools
IMLC applicants may receive licensure faster.
Nebraska Board of Medicine & Surgery (DHHS)
https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Medicine-and-Surgery.aspx
Online Licensing Portal
https://nebraska.mylicense.com
Fingerprinting / Background Check Instructions
https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Fingerprinting.aspx
CME Requirements (CME Passport)
https://content.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/nebraska
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
https://www.imlcc.org
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