Healthcare Recruiting
Arizona Physician License 2026: AZMC Process, IMLC Fast-Track, Timeline & Banner / HonorHealth / Mayo Credentialing
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing physician markets in the US, driven by rapid Phoenix metro population growth. The Phoenix metro is now the 5th largest in the US and is significantly under-bedded relative to population. Arizona Medical Board (AZMC) is an IMLC member.
IMLC vs Standard AZMC
| Path | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IMLC | 4-6 weeks | $700 LOQ + $700 AZ = $1,400 |
| Standard AZMC | 8-12 weeks | $700 |
Standard AZMC application
- Apply at azmd.gov
- $700 application fee
- Arizona DPS fingerprinting (IdentoGO)
- FCVS profile (accepted)
- Primary source verification for all licenses, training
- NPDB self-query
Major health system credentialing (AZ)
- Banner Health (Phoenix / statewide): Largest AZ system. 75-105 days community credentialing. Banner's recruiters are experienced and volume-oriented, efficient process relative to size.
- HonorHealth (Scottsdale / Phoenix North): 75-105 days. Strong cardiology and orthopedics.
- Mayo Clinic Hospital (Phoenix / Scottsdale): 120-150 days academic credentialing. Mayo's Phoenix campus is among the fastest-growing academic medical centers in the Southwest.
- Dignity Health / CommonSpirit (AZ): 75-105 days community system.
- Valleywise Health (Phoenix): 90-120 days county/safety-net system; trauma, psychiatry, and primary care demand.
- Phoenix Children's Hospital: 90-120 days pediatric subspecialty credentialing.
- University of Arizona / Banner University Medicine (Tucson): 120-150 days academic credentialing.
Arizona-specific requirements
- Arizona CSPMP: Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program registration required for Schedule II-IV prescribers
- CME: No state-mandated CME for AZ MD license (though hospital credentialing requires it)
Renewal
- Biennial renewal
- Renewal fee: $500
- No state-mandated CME hours (though DEA and hospital privileges require it)
What we see at Ava Health
Phoenix is one of our fastest-growing placement markets. Primary care, hospitalist, and EM shortages are acute. The Tucson market has significant academic demand at UA/Banner University Medicine. Yuma and Flagstaff offer geographic premiums for rural primary care. Mayo's expansion in Scottsdale has created strong academic subspecialty demand in oncology and cardiovascular surgery.
Related: California Physician License 2026, Nevada Physician License 2026.
Hiring in this space?
Ava Health places physicians, nurses, and therapists nationwide
Permanent, locum, and travel placement. No fees to candidates.
Explore staffing services →Be on the launch list
Salary data, hiring plays, and market trends. We'll email you when issue 1 ships. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.