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Announcing the Clinical Experience Graduate Pilot Program

The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) is pleased to announce a new opportunity for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

The 2026 passage of Senate Bill 5185 allows the WMC to launch a Clinical Experience Graduate Pilot Program. This novel initiative creates a clear and structured pathway for internationally trained physicians, who previously lacked access, to gain a license to practice as primary care doctors in Washington state.

This program will build on the success of the WMC’s Clinical Experience Licenses. The pilot also explores a solution for the state’s ongoing critical shortage of primary care providers and supports continuity of care for Washington patients.

With this program Washington becomes the first state in the nation to implement a functional experience-based pathway that integrates IMGs into the healthcare workforce.

Clinical Experience License Pilot Program Guidelines:

Individuals who obtained a Clinical Experience License (CE) prior to July 1, 2026, can become eligible for full, unrestricted licensure as primary care physicians in Washington.

The information below outlines the CE Pilot Program requirements as established in statute.

*Please note the WMC required rulemaking is underway which will define specific program participant prerequisites (see below).

Pilot Program Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the Clinical Experience Graduate Program applicants must have:

• Acquired a CE License issued on, or before, July 1, 2026
• Completed two years of continuous supervised practice under the CE License
• No active disciplinary actions
• Satisfactory clinical assessment evaluations from the supervising physician
• Attestations from the supervising physician or CMO
• A written endorsement from the medical director of a participating program facility

Full Unrestricted Primary Care License Eligibility Requirements:

Qualifications for full unrestricted primary care license upon successful completion of the pilot program:

• Requirements of the CE License
• Completion of Step Three of the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam
• Two years of continuous supervised practice under the CE License, in addition to the two years of continuous supervised practice as a prerequisite of the graduate program
• Passing a clinical competency assessment approved by the WMC

Eligible Facilities:

Washington Based Facilities eligible for the graduate program include:

• Hospitals
• Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Government entities
• Private practice or physician groups with at least ten full-time equivalent, board-certified physicians delivering in-person care
• Mental and behavioral health facilities

Timeline implementation:

The implementation of the pilot program is currently in progress. The program requires rulemaking, operational development, and coordination with participating partners, its start date will be set key implementation phases are completed.

The anticipated rule making (how many words) timeline is approximately 12 to 18 months. This estimate reflects the time needed to complete the rulemaking process, establish program infrastructure, and finalize detailed requirements and procedures.

 

Background and Program Overview:

This landmark legislation establishes a Clinical Experience Graduate Pilot Program, creating a clear and structured pathway for internationally trained physicians to obtain full, unrestricted licensure to practice primary care.

Senate Bill 5185 enhances accountability while helping address the state’s critical health care provider shortage.

Goals of the pilot program are to demonstrate:

• Expansion of access to high-quality primary care
• Reduction in the state’s physician shortage
• Improved health outcomes
• Improved quality of life for Washington residents
• Enhance cultural competency within the healthcare system

To inform the legislature of progress, the WMC will deliver an annual report detailing practice patterns and recommendations on expansion of the program.

By creating new opportunities for internationally trained physicians, Washington is positioning itself as a leading destination for IMGs across the country, helping to meet both workforce demands and the diverse needs of its communities.