Jacksonville FL

Get a Florida ACN License to Practice Independently Without a Medical Residency

Train and Practice under licensed physicians as a graduate assistant physician then practive independently as an ACN licensed physician.

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A Path to Florida Medical Licensure - without Residency

Our Program ➡ Florida GAP License ➡ ACN License ➡ Practice Independently

Our program includes U.S. Clinical experience and USMLE Steps 2 & 3 Prep.
pathway to ACN Chart

Timeline to Success

Follow our structured timeline to achieve your career goals:

  • Begin Seeing Patients:

    Begin working at our clinic under the supervision of licensed physicians. Gain hands-on clinical experience and prepare for your USMLE exams if needed.

  • Study and Pass USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3:

    All three USMLE Steps must be taken and passed to qualify for the Florida Graduate Assistant Physician (GAP) License.

  • Apply for Graduate Assistant Physician License:

    Receive an official offer letter from Medical Physicians Group and submit your application for the Florida GAP Physician License.

  • Gain Experience as a GAP Physician:

    Continue working at our clinic under the GAP Physician License to further enhance your clinical skills and experience.

  • Apply for ACN License:

    Apply for an Area of Critical Need License after gaining sufficient experience under the GAP License. Placement may include clinics or hospitals in underserved areas.

  • Work Independently With Your ACN License:

    Begin practicing more independently in outpatient clinics, family medicine, or other primary care settings. This role serves communities in critical need throughout Florida.


*Individual timelines and progression may vary.

Requirements for an Area of Critical Need (ACN) License

The following requirements must be met to obtain an ACN license in Florida:

  • Medical Education:

    Graduation from an accredited medical school. If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG), you must provide proof of equivalency through ECFMG certification or similar credentials.

  • Professional Experience:

    At least six months of clinical experience as a licensed GAP Physician in Florida or equivalent medical experience in another approved setting.

  • Employment Offer or Approved Facility:

    Secure an offer of employment from an ACN-approved facility or receive approval to open your own practice in an area of critical need. Examples of approved facilities include:

    • County Health Departments
    • Correctional Facilities
    • Community Health Centers funded under the U.S. Public Health Service Act
    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Clinics
    • Other state-approved institutions serving underserved populations

  • Competency Demonstration:

    Provide evidence of clinical competency and the ability to practice independently. This may include performance reviews, supervisor recommendations, or other documentation of proficiency.

  • Examination Requirements:

    While not always required, successful completion of the USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 or equivalent examinations strengthens your application. Some exemptions apply based on your background and qualifications.

  • Good Standing:

    No history of disciplinary action, malpractice settlements, or criminal charges that would disqualify you from licensure.

  • Background Check:

    Submit to and pass a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.

  • Malpractice Insurance:

    Comply with Florida’s financial responsibility requirements by maintaining appropriate malpractice insurance coverage.

Note: Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances, and the Florida Board of Medicine reserves the right to evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis.

Program Details

Program Setting Family Medicine & Urgent Care Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida
Program Track The GAP license in Florida provides a pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to gain the necessary experience and credentials to practice medicine under supervision in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The Florida GAP license allows IMGs to work in various medical settings, develop their clinical skills, and gain valuable experience.
Practice Independently A GAP license can serve as a bridge for IMGs to gain the necessary experience and credentials to qualify for the Area of Critical Need License in Florida. This specialized license allows qualified physicians to practice independently in critical care settings, such as ICUs, emergency departments, cardiac care units, trauma centers, prisons, and other institutions with critical care needs.
Program Length Up to 12 months or more (depending on your progress and dedication)
Tuition $6,500 (up to 12 months)
Clinic Shift Hours Mon - Fri, 8am - 6pm + on call shifts In Person
Didactic/Morning Report Daily 8am - 9am In Person
Venue Medical Physicians Group Clinic
11555 Central Parkway, Jacksonville, FL
Housing Room and board extra. Find a room at Pad Split
Job Placement We occassionally hire graduates who obtain a Florida GAP License when vacancies are available. We also help place our successful graduates in Physician jobs in Florida. Job placement is not guaranteed and depends on many factors.
Disclaimer We have assisted several students in obtaining GAP or ACN licenses in Florida. However, we must caution that this path is not a substitute for an ACGME Residency program and its comprehensive training. We strongly recommend considering the completion of a Residency program over this alternative route.

Rotation Requirements

  • Students must arrive at the clinic on time and be well-prepared to see patients from their first day.
  • Students are expected to be present during clinic hours, Monday through Friday.
  • Professional dress and demeanor are required; scrubs are not permitted during practice hours.
  • No time off is allowed during the rotation unless pre-approved or in the case of an emergency.
  • Students must bring a stethoscope, white coat, and laptop.

Faculty


Dr. Patrick Leung, MD PharmD
Medical Director
  • Dual expertise in medicine and pharmacy.
  • Commitment to patient well-being and continuous learning.
  • Active in medical research and community outreach.

Dr. Stephen Fitzmeyer, MD
Attending and Program Director
  • Physician Informaticist with expertise in healthcare technology.
  • Dedicated to education, research, and mentorship.
  • Actively involved in informatics research, contributing to cutting-edge technologies.


Clinical: Participants will operate autonomously within a Primary and Urgent Care clinic under the direct supervision of licensed medical physicians. Duties include documenting medical histories, conducting physical examinations, performing laboratory work, administering vaccinations, assisting with minor procedures, managing patient records, and undertaking other tasks as deemed appropriate by the medical staff.

The Importance of U.S. Clinical Experience for IMGs
If you want to maximize your chances of matching into a U.S. medical residency, securing clinical experience in the U.S. is your best shot. Whether you work at a hospital or private practice, the benefits you receive will be endless in making that transition from an aspiring resident to matching into residency.

USMLE Review: Students are required to take and pass all three steps of the USMLE before they can graduate and get a letter of recommendation for ACN License. Past failures are ok.

Medical Licensing Alternatives: for those not pursuing a Medical Residency but would like to practice medicine in Florida, we can help you acquire a Florida GAP License or Area of Critical Care (ACN) License. This program is geared for doctors who meet at least one: are older, unmatched, multiple USMLE failures, don't wish to attend a Residency, want to work in an Area of Critical Need.

Program Disclaimer: This program will make you a better doctor and a well-rounded, appealing candidate to Residecy Programs but it does not guarantee Residency or Medical Licensure. However, our Medical Director, Dr. Leung, has helped all trainees obtain a Residency in the last three years and/or helped them get full medical licensure as an ACN Physician License. Dr. Leung was a residency program interviewer for five year and was on the residency applicant rank committee for four years.

Commitment: This program requires full-time commitment (40+ hours per week) and participants are required to move to the Jacksonville area while in the program.

Application: The application process is selective and candidates commit to up to 12+ months program.

Required Documents: All applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, copy of medical school transcript(s) (unofficial copies ok), one page USMLE transcript that lists ALL usmle attempts, and last ERAS if applicable. IMG's should also include a copy of their ECFMG certificate. Gather all your documents before applying. Instructions for uploading will be provided during the application process.

Interview: interviews are in person only at our Jacksonville, FL clinic. Fill out the application to get scheduled for an interview.

Start Dates: First Monday of each week.

Positions Available: 5 slots per month. If your first choice is not available you will be put on the waiting list and given an estimated Monday start date.

Venue: Medical Physicians Group, a Primary and Urgent Care Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.

About Medical Physicians Group (MPG): Medical Physicians Group PLLC is a Primary and Urgent Care Clinic in Jacksonville, FL and is a trusted healthcare facility serving over 3,000 patients at multiple locations. The clinic emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, providing exceptional medical care with a patient-centric approach.

Refund Policy

Fees are non-refundable if a student was not able to show up to the rotation (if notice was given 60 days ahead of the rotation start date, a 50% refund will be processed).

You have the option to change your start date.

About the Program: The Pre-Residency Training Program, offered by the Medical Physicians Group PLLC, is specifically designed for candidates preparing for the 2025- 2026 Match. Whether you have previously failed to Match or are entering the Match for the first time, this program is tailored to meet your needs.

Our program offers an immersive experience with direct patient care in a clinical setting, providing valuable hands-on experience before applying to a residency program. Additionally, it includes preparation for the USMLE Step 2 and USMLE Step 3 exams. While the primary goal is to enhance your chances of matching successfully, it's important to note that participation in the program does not guarantee residency placement.

Prerequisites:

  • Graduate of a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
  • Studying for or passed USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3.
  • Planning to enter a future Match or seek a Florida GAP or ACN Medical License.
  • Foreign medical school graduates must be ECFMG certified. Visas are not sponsored.
  • Malpractice insurance is required and must be bought by the student prior to rotation start. The cost is generally quite low, as you will be covered under the supervising physician's policy or the institution's policy. The annual premium might range from $200 to $500.
  • VISA: Students will be given a paper that proves their participation in the rotation and this paper can be used for proving the rotation dates in the embassy. However, it is the student’s responsibility to get a visa to the US to attend the rotation. We are not qualified to answer any questions related to US visas (please reach out to a lawyer in that regard).

Daily Schedule (Monday - Friday, some weekends)


CLINICALS: Monday to Wednesday:

  • Weeks 1-2:
  • Orientation and Onboarding
  • Shadow Attending Physicians
  • Weeks 3+:
  • 8 am: Didactics/Morning Report
  • 9 am - 5 pm: See Patients.
  • 12 pm: Lunch/Grand Rounds
  • 1 pm: See Patients.
  • 3 pm. - 5 pm: Telemedicine Patients.
  • 6 pm: On-Call shifts begin.

USMLE: Every Wednesday & Thursday

  • 11 am - 2 pm: USMLE Class