Can I work as a doctor in the USA after an MBBS in India?

Can I work as a doctor in the USA after an MBBS in India? It is a dream for many Indian students who have completed their MBBS in India because the USA is known for its advanced healthcare system, high-paying medical jobs, and top-ranked medical hospitals. The process for doing work as a doctor in the USA is not as straightforward as it might seem. If you are looking for “Can I work as a doctor in the USA after MBBS in India?”, the short answer is yes—but it requires fulfilling certain requirements, including licensing exams and additional training.

How to Become a Doctor in the USA After MBBS From India

After completing your MBBS in India, you need to qualify for the licensing entrance (United States Medical Licensing Examination) because you will not be allowed to directly start practising in the USA, which is a three-step exam that assesses your medical knowledge, clinical skills, and patient management abilities.

Take the USMLE Exams

Focuses on basic medical sciences.

Tests clinical knowledge.

Evaluates your ability to practice independently.

Apply for ECFMG Certification

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates which called as ECFMG certifies international medical graduates before they can apply for residency in the USA.

Complete Residency Training in the USA

Even if you’ve done an internship in India, you must complete a U.S. residency program in your chosen speciality to be eligible to practice. Residency duration varies from 3 to 7 years depending on the field.

Obtain State Medical License

Can Indian Doctors Work in USA Without USMLE?

This is a very common question. The reality is no, Indian doctors cannot work as practising physicians in the USA without clearing the USMLE. The exam is mandatory to prove your qualifications and get licensed. If Indian medical graduates want to work in USA without qualifying licensing entrance exam, they can work in research, public health, hospital administration, or allied healthcare roles. But these positions do not allow them to practice as licensed doctors.

Courses After MBBS in USA Without USMLE

If you do not want to take the USMLE, you can explore other medical-related courses in the USA that can build your career in healthcare. Some popular courses include:

• Master of Public Health (MPH)

• Master of Health Administration (MHA)

• Master of Clinical Research

• Biomedical Sciences

• PhD programs in Life Sciences

These courses open doors to careers in research, teaching, health policy, and hospital management, though they won’t qualify you to practice as a doctor.

PG in USA After MBBS in India Cost

The cost of pursuing postgraduate medical education (residency) in the USA after an MBBS in India will totally depend on the type of college/university and student lifestyle. On average:

USMLE exam fees: Around 80 to 85K for all steps.

Residency application fees (via ERAS): 9 to 40K, depending on the number of applications.

Residency itself is not paid for by students—in fact, residents earn a stipend of 50 TO 70K per year. However, the initial costs of exams, applications, and travel can add up to INR 10–15 lakhs (approx.).

MBBS in USA After 12th for Indian Students Fees

After completing the 12th grade, many Indian students also question whether they can pursue MBBS directly in the United States. MBBS is not offered directly in the USA. Instead, students must first complete a 4-year pre-medical course (Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field) and then apply for a 4-year MD program, which is equivalent to MBBS.

The cost for MBBS (MD) in the USA after 12th for Indian students can lie between

Tuition fees can be 26 lakh to 40 lakh per year.

The total MD program cost can be approximately 1.5–2.5 crore.

Living expenses are around 13 lakh per year.

Scholarships are available, but competition is very tough.