It’s not like anyone wakes up in the morning and thinks to themselves, “Hm, I’ll let my medical license expire today, that seems like fun.” No. That license wasn’t easy to get, and nobody in their right mind would let it expire just like that. 

But people tend to think that mishaps like this happen to others, never to them. You’re too organized for that, and besides, it’s just a form every couple of years; there’s no way you’ll forget about it.

And then you do. Renewal feels pretty simple when you first get your license, but life happens, you have patients to treat, you have a life outside of work, and the renewal date always seems so distant. 

Like those 2 years are never going to pass, and that date is never going to come. But before you know it, a few years have gone by, or maybe the state changed its rules, and now you’re stuck with needing 10 more continuing education credits you don’t have.

How did it come to this when you know you’re not an irresponsible person?

Why Renewal Deadlines Catch People Off Guard

Licenses have fixed schedules, and you’re well aware of that. 

But it’s not like anything will remind you of it in your daily life, not even at work. You have back-to-back patients today, a 12-hour shift tomorrow, and when you check the calendar, you still have a year until renewal. So you figure you’ll remember. 

It’s on your calendar, so how could you not? Or you think you’ll deal with it later because you really don’t have the time for it now.

Memory is a tricky thing, though, especially when that deadline seems like it’s way in the future. 

You don’t feel like it’s anything urgent because it’s not yet, so you push it to the back of your mind and move on with your life. But your routine is exactly the problem; it creates a false sense of security. Everything goes smoothly, you feel fine, the work is fine, etc. Maybe you get a reminder from the board as the deadline comes closer, but that gets buried in your inbox. 

You might glance at it, but that’s pretty much it.

The point of all this is that it isn’t your laziness or lack of responsibility that’s the issue. The main problem is that the system is built in a way where the only thing you have to rely on is your memory, and possibly a calendar app.

Not All States Work the Same, and This Is Where Problems Start

Aside from life getting in the way, the fact that every state has its own rules doesn’t help the situation. There’s no standardized renewal system, so what applies to your friend in a neighboring state could look completely different for you, even though you both have the same job.

Generally speaking, there are 2 main ways states handle renewals. 

Some follow a simple system based on time; you renew your license every set period, and in order to renew it, you submit an application and pay a fee. If you do it on time, your license stays active. 

If not, well… You get the idea. 

Another way is the credit-based system, which doesn’t focus as much on timing. In this system, you have to complete a certain number of education hours before you can even apply to have your license renewed. So, not only do you have to be careful with the date, but you also have to track your progress and make time for classes.

It’s easy to see why and where people start to fall behind, especially those who move states. The rules change as soon as you cross the border, and nobody lets you know; you’re simply expected to have it all figured out. 

But the deadlines vary, and so do the requirements.

Let’s explain this with an example – you’re a medical cosmetologist, and you live in California.

Your friend has the same profession, but they live in Florida. 

When the time comes for you to renew your license, you just need to make sure you submit the form on time and pay the fee. But your friend has to complete Florida cosmetology continuing education credits before applying, which means extra work. But because they’ll get prepared for the licensing exam (which you have to take upon each renewal cycle), they’ll likely also pass it with flying colors.

This doesn’t seem so complicated, right? 

And it’s now on its own, but remember how busy you get. In reality, it’s really easy to lose sight of license renewals.

Conclusion

Keeping up with your renewals can be really tricky, even though it might not feel like that in the beginning. No matter how great you are at your job, nothing can protect you from the realities of everyday life, especially once you fall into a routine. The renewal process isn’t a part of it, and that’s why it’s so easy to miss.

Bottom line? Once you’re aware of this, it becomes easier to be intentional. 

And, hey, if all else fails, make sure to set a REALLY annoying reminder that won’t let you miss the deadline.