Unless you are a radiologist, you must have a DEA license to practice medicine anywhere in the US. You will need it to write any form of prescription.
Your residency program may have a blanket hospital DEA license covering residents. This covers you during your training. However, you will eventually need a personal DEA. Having a permanent address and specified worksite in the same state as your original medical license makes the process much simpler. And you may be eligible for reduced student rates.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the process should take between six and eight weeks. Click here for instructions and to download an application. If you have decided to work locum tenens assignments with VISTA, our licensing team will be happy to assist you with the process. Ask your recruiter and work it into your plan.
A US DEA is not required for international work.
Learn More: Contact VISTA to Learn More about Locum Tenens
Next: Getting an NPI
