Practice Medicine in Arkansas Without US Residency (IMGs) – Learn how to qualify, get licensed, and secure positions under new state laws.
Becoming a doctor in the United States is a dream for many people around the world. However, if you were trained in a medical school outside of the U.S. (known as an International Medical Graduate, or IMG), it can be quite tricky to practice medicine in the U.S. Most IMGs must complete a U.S. residency program to obtain a medical license. But did you know that in Arkansas, there’s a law that allows IMGs to practice medicine without going through a U.S. residency? Below are the details.
Law on Academic License Pathway
Under this law, qualified IMGs can obtain an academic licence to practice medicine in Arkansas without a US Residency.
Law introduced on
The academic license pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Arkansas was introduced in 2019
Law Status as of January 2025
As of January 2025, this pathway remains in effect. It continues to provide an alternative route for qualified IMGs to obtain full licensure in Arkansas, addressing the need for healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
Key Provisions of the Law
Supervised Clinical Practice
The acdemic license allows the IMGs to practice medicine in a supervised capacity only, typically within the institution or affiliated clinical settings.
Pathway to Full Licensure
This law provided IMGs a pathway to an unrestricted medical license to practice medicine in Arkansas. This eliminates the requirement to complete a U.S. residency program, which is typically mandatory for obtaining an unrestricted medical license in most states.
Requirements for Supervision
- Supervision is required by a fully licensed physician who is a faculty member and holds an unrestricted medical license in Arkansas.
- The supervising physician is expected to oversee the clinical care provided by the IMG, ensuring quality and safety in patient care.
- The supervising physician might be required to regularly assess the IMG’s performance and report on progress to the state licensing board.
Eligibility Requirements for IMGs
While this law offers hope to many IMGs, it comes with specific eligibility requirements. If you’re an IMG looking to practice medicine in Arkansas without completing a U.S. residency, here are the key qualifications you’ll need to meet:
Educational Requirements
- Complete medical education at a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Medical degree must be recognized as equivalent to U.S. standards.
- School must meet standards set by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
Licensing Examination
- Must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps.
Clinical Experience
- Must have clinical experience in the U.S. to demonstrate practical skills.
- Clinical experience can include electives, externships or observerships in U.S. hospitals.
Post Gradute/Residency Training outside of United States
- IMGs must have completed a residency program in another country, and that training must be verified through official documentation.
Home Country Medical License Requirement
- The unrestricted home country medical license is a prerequisite to ensure that the IMG is a fully licensed medical professional in their home country. An unrestricted license typically indicates that the physician has met all the regulatory and training requirements in their home country without any limitations on their practice.
- Without this, you would not be able to meet the requirements for the Academic License.
Other Documentation
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or other government-issued identification.
- Medical History: A record of your health, including vaccinations.
- Background Check: A criminal background check will be performed to ensure you are suitable for medical practice in Arkansas.
Type of License
Academic License
- An acdemic license is a temporary license that allows IMGs to begin practicing under supervision while they fulfill additional requirements for full licensure.
- While holding an academic license, IMGs must work under the supervision of a licensed physician in a institutional or clinical setting.
- It gives IMGs a chance to gain practical experience in the U.S. medical system before they are granted full independence to practice.
- After holding the academic license for a specified period, typically two years, the IMG qualify for full licensure.
- After you receive full licensure, you will no longer need to practice under supervision and can begin treating patients independently.
Visa Options for IMGs
It’s important to note that while Arkansas offers this pathway for IMGs, the state does not facilitate visa sponsorship. Therefore, International medical graduates must independently secure their immigration from the institution; either a J1 Visa or a H1b Visa.
Challenges Faced by IMGs to Practice Medicine in Arkansas Without U.S. Residency
While the new law offers a pathway for IMGs to practice medicine in Arkansas without a U.S. residency, there are still some challenges they may face:
Competition
The academic license is only available to a limited number of applicants each year, so you might face stiff competition for approval.
Supervision Requirements
You must find a licensed physician willing to supervise your practice. In some cases, this might be difficult depending on where you live and what specialties you are interested in.
Limited Scope of Practice
While practicing under acdemic licensure, you are not allowed to practice independently. You will be restricted to performing tasks only within the scope allowed by your supervising physician and may have to limit your responsibilities in some cases.
Sponsorship for VISA
IMGs face a significant challenge in finding an institution that is willing to sponsor the required visa for them.
List of other states where IMGs can practice medicine without US Medical Residency
For more news on which states allow IMGs to practice medicine without U.S. residency, please read the article: States Where IMGs Can Practice Without U.S. Residency (2025).
FAQs
Q1: Can IMGs with no clinical experience apply for the academic license in Arkansas?
No, clinical experience is an important requirement. You must have completed some hands-on patient care to qualify for the academic license in Arkansas.
How long does it take to get approved for the academic license in Arkansas?
The approval process can vary depending on how quickly you submit the required documents and pass the necessary exams. Generally, it can take several months from application submission to final approval.
Next Steps for IMGs
If you are an IMG interested in obtaining an academic license to practice medicine in Arkansas, here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the educational, clinical experience, and other requirements.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including your medical degree, clinical training records, and proof of proficiency in English.
- Pass Licensing Examinations: Complete the necessary parts of the USMLE exam and any other required tests.
- Submit Application: Apply for the academic license through the Arkansas State Medical Board.
- Apply for a Visa: Depending on your situation, apply for the appropriate visa to work in the U.S.
- Await Approval: Once your application is submitted, you’ll need to wait for approval before you can begin practicing in Arkansas.
Share your thoughts
What do you think about this law for International medical graduates in Arkansas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
