ABPS Urgent Care Physician Board Certification Eligibility Highlights

Urgent CareIn addition to the standard requirements for eligibility expected of every application with the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), physicians who seek board certification through the Board of Certification in Urgent Care Medicine (BCUCM) must meet the specific requirements of that specialty.

The primary BCUCM-specific eligibility requirement is completion of a residency training program approved by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and deemed acceptable to the Board of Certification in Urgent Care Medicine. Failing that, an applicant can become eligible by holding current Board Certification acquired prior to Dec. 31, 2001.

In addition to the primary eligibility requirements above, applicants must meet at least one of the following general qualifications:

  • Two consecutive years (2,800 hours) of Urgent Care Medicine practice or are currently practicing Urgent Care Medicine and have acceptable equivalent acute care experience, in addition to the prescribed residency
  • Two consecutive years as a full-time Urgent Care Medicine instructor with 2,800 hours of Urgent Care practice
  • Five consecutive years of Urgent Care Medicine practice (7,000 hours) or are currently practicing Urgent Care Medicine and have acceptable equivalent acute care experience and the appropriate residency or board certification
  • Completion of a 12-month Urgent Care Medicine Fellowship training program approved by the academic committee of the Urgent Care Association of America

For more details on the eligibility requirements for applicants who wish to achieve board certification through the BCUCM, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine