• Licensure Application Fee

• Supporting Documentation

• Interview with a Board member

• Primary Source Verifications

• Temporary Licensure

• Short-Term Locum Tenens Licensure

• Podiatric Licensing FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Request Application Packet

Requirements for Permanent Licensure

The West Virginia Medical Practice Act and Rules set forth the minimum qualifications for licensure. These requirements include:

1. proof of graduation from a school of podiatry approved by the Council on Podiatry Education or by the Board;

2. successful passage of an accepted exam, such as the PMLEXIS

3. satisfactory completion of at least one year of graduate clinical training in a program approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education or the colleges of podiatric medicine. The Board may consider a minimum of two years of graduate podiatric clinical training in the U.S. Armed Forces or three years of private podiatric clinical experience in lieu of this requirement.

Licensure Application Fee

The fee for permanent licensure is $300. A cashier's check or money order must accompany the application when it is sent to the Board office. This non-refundable fee covers the cost of processing the application and the licensing fee until the next renewal period for the licensee. All Podiatrists expire on June 30 of every odd year. Podiatrists who apply for licensure close to the renewal period may wish to consider holding their applications until just after the renewal. Otherwise, they will be required to pay both the application and renewal fee in short succession.

Supporting Documentation

Documentation that must be enclosed with the application includes:

Copy of podiatry school diploma

Copy of evidence in the form of a letter or certificate of proof of required postgraduate training

Copy of a birth certificate, passport, or baptismal

Copy of proof of a name change (i.e., marriage certificate or court order) if the name you want to be licensed under is different from the name on your podiatric school diploma.

Interview with a Board member

All applicants for licensure must either be interviewed by an individual member of the Board or appear before the Licensure Committee. Only those applicants actually invited to appear before the Licensure Committee will be required to appear. Most applicants are usually cleared to have only an individual interview with a Board member. The following original documents must be taken to the interview or appearance: original podiatry school diploma and original certificate or letter of verification of postgraduate training. Information about scheduling the interview is mailed to the applicant upon completion and receipt of all paperwork associated with the application.

Primary Source Verifications

The following documents must be received from the original source:

Proof of podiatric education

Verification of other state licenses

Examination scores

Federation disciplinary inquiry

In addition, the following documents must be original documents:

NPDB & HIPDB reports

Good Moral Character statement

Temporary Licensure

Since Board meetings are held every other month, an applicant who has completed a successful interview may pay an extra $100 fee for issuance of a temporary license. This temporary license is issued once the fee has been paid and the completed interview form has been received in the Board office from the Board member. The temporary license expires the date of the next Board meeting at which time the applicant will be considered for licensure.

Short-Term Locum Tenens Licensure

The West Virginia Board of Medicine does issue a locum tenens license. This license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The applicant may then request up to two 30-day extensions for a total of three 30-day locum tenens licenses in his or her lifetime. The locum tenens application is very similar to the application for permanent licensure.

Podiatric Licensing FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long will it take to get the license?

The average time is 2 to 3 months. However, it may take longer.

How can I speed the process up?

The longest part of the process is receiving the supporting documentation for the application. You should contact those agencies to see how the reports needed from them may be expedited.

Do I have to come to West Virginia or may I interview over the phone?

You must come to West Virginia.

Do I really have to bring my original diploma (it's 3 feet tall or in a laminated frame, etc.)?

Yes, you must bring your original documents to the interview for the Board member to review. Notarized copies of the required documents are not accepted.

Will a temporary license be issued while I am waiting for my application to be approved?

Once every piece of supporting documentation has been received for the application, you will be mailed an interview form so that you may schedule a personal interview with a Board member. Once the Board member returns the completed interview form to the Board office, you may request a temporary license by paying the extra $100 fee. That temporary license will expire on the date of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting when your permanent license will be considered.

How do I apply for a DEA number?

West Virginia does not have a state controlled substance registration. You register with the Federal DEA office by calling 1-800-882-9539.

How soon after the Board meeting will I receive my license?

If you are approved for licensure, your license will be issued effective the day of the Board meeting. The licenses are typically mailed within one (1) week.

May I call to check the status of my application?

Yes, but please limit the number of calls. Also, do not have your spouse or office staff call to check the status of your application. We will talk only with the applicant.

Request Application Packet by e-mail

Crystal Lowe, Licensure Analyst
crystallowe@wvddhr.org
(304) 558-2921, extension 221
West Virginia Board of Medicine
101 Dee Drive, Suite 103
Charleston, WV 25311