Program Manager Timeline

A good general practice is to refer to and follow a timeline of tasks for activities and due dates that occur in Graduate Medical Education. The following timelines/documents will assist in providing a general overview of when tasks should be performed:

The timeline below is meant to be a guideline. Tasks, roles, and responsibilities will vary based on each site and program specialty.

First-Year Medical Residents (PGY-1)

Orientation & Onboarding

June – July

Complete regional, hospital and residency program orientation requirements.
Complete NCAL New Employee Orientation (NEO)*Mandatory*
Familiarize yourself with hospital, program and regional policies and procedures.
Meet with your program advisor/mentor to review, plan/outline your training curriculum to ensure you meet all program and specialty requirements.

California Medical License Application and/or Osteopathic Medical Board

Upon hire – June

Familiarize yourself with the California Medical Board (CMB) and/or Osteopathic Medical Board (OMB) requirements.
Begin gathering necessary documentation.
Confirm with residency program leadership before applying for Postgraduate Training License (PTL)
Monitor application status regularly

ACLS/BLS Certification

June-July

Ensure current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications.
Varies by specialty, please confirm requirements with Residency Program Manager.

USMLE Step 3 and/or COMLEX Level 3

September-December

Schedule and take the USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 examination during PGY 1.
If scheduling a retake exam is needed, due so when allowed by the examination board.

Drug Enforcement Administration

Upon receipt of PTL

Confirm with residency program leadership before applying for DEA license

Second-Year Medical Residents (PGY-2)

USMLE Step 3/COMLEX Level 3 Exam Completion

July-September

Schedule and pass the USMLE Step 3 and/or COMLEX Level 3 examination, if not already done.
Submit results to the California Medical Board and/or Osteopathic Medical Board.

Clinical Experience

Schedule a Formal Summative evaluation meeting with advisor/mentor.
Meet with your advisor/mentor to ensure compliance with residency program specialty requirements and board requirements.

California Medical License and/or Osteopathic Medical Board Application (Continued)

Complete and submit online via BreEZe the Physician & Surgeon’s License Application (upon passing USMLE Step 3/COMLEX Level 3 exam).
Monitor application status regularly

Third-Year Medical Residents (PGY-3)

Residency Completion

Formal and Summative evaluation meeting with Program Director.
Meet with your program advisor/mentor to confirm you are on track for completion of all residency program and specialty requirements.
If pursuing fellowship training, ensure compliance with program requirements.
Ensure documentation of all required clinical experiences.

Board Certification

Feb-April

Review specialty board eligibility requirements and application for board certification (exam dates vary by specialty).

Physician & Surgeon’s License (P&S)

July

If applicable, apply for the permanent Physician & Surgeon’s (P&S) license in California.
Follow up with the California Medical License application monthly until license is obtained.

Note: Always refer to the most current guidelines and requirements from the California Medical Board, your specific residency program and specialty board to ensure accuracy and compliance.