Starting residency · CT
Starting residency in Connecticut
Connecticut requires residents to hold a training license from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Physician Licensure: the Residency training permit. Connecticut has a graduated income tax (top rate 6.99% above $500,000 for 2026).
Training license
- Status
- Training license required
- Called
- Residency training permit
- Renewal
- Covers the training period the program reports; revoked if the resident leaves the program
Who applies: Program. The residency program administrator sends DPH a list of enrolled residents and certifies their eligibility.
No one may take part in a Connecticut residency until DPH issues this permit, which the program requests for the resident. The permit covers graduate medical education only, so moonlighting is not covered. IMGs need ECFMG certification, a Fifth Pathway, or another qualifying credential. DPH publishes no fee or processing time. Some programs also require a full license.
Full license: After 2 years of progressive ACGME or AOA training, for US/Canadian graduates (MD or DO) and IMGs. A full license matters if you plan to moonlight.
Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Physician Licensure
State income tax
Graduated income tax: top rate 6.99% above $500,000 for 2026.
Source: taxfoundation.org
Match Day to your first loan payment
Assumes you enroll in RAP or IBR when the grace period ends, recertify once a year, and file each tax return by April. Your servicer's dates govern.
Mid-March
Match Day
You learn where you'll train. Your program sends its residency (GME) agreement and onboarding steps.
March–April
Connecticut training license
Apply for your Connecticut training license as soon as your program sends instructions. Applications often need school records and background checks that take weeks.
April–June
Credentialing and onboarding
Hospital credentialing, health screening, payroll and benefits forms, and a DEA registration if your program requires one.
Late June–July 1
Move and start
Intern orientation usually starts in the last week of June. When the first paycheck arrives depends on the hospital's payroll schedule, so budget for a few weeks of moving costs without one.
About 6 months after graduation
Federal loan grace period ends
Payments start 6 months after you leave school. Choose a plan before then, or request residency forbearance, during which interest accrues and months don't count toward PSLF.
First year of payments
Payments use last year's income
RAP and IBR use the adjusted gross income on your most recent tax return, which for most new residents is a student year. Payments rise after you recertify with a resident's income.
DPH licenses MDs and DOs, with the Connecticut Medical Examining Board.
Related
- Compare RAP, IBR and Tiered Standard on a resident's income
- Connecticut physician non-compete law, for when you sign your first attending contract
- All states
General information, checked on the date above. Board requirements and fees change; confirm with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Physician Licensureand your program before you apply.