SCHOOL OF MEDICINE STUDENT HANDBOOK

USMLE REQUIREMENTS
USMLE STEP 1 REQUIREMENTS

USMLE Step 1 Requirements (University and College Programs)

1. Students who pass the examination proceed normally through their schedule.

2. Students who do not pass Step 1 may finish the specific core rotation (basic core or research block) in which they are engaged when they receive their score and then either:

   1. Take a one-month board study elective, retake the exam, and then take elective or advanced core rotations for which they have fulfilled the pre-requisites until the next opportunity to begin a core rotation, or

   2. In consultation with their adviser, complete the remaining basic core(s), take a one-month board study elective prior to retaking the examination, and then proceed with elective or advanced core rotations until results are known.

University and College Program students may petition to delay sitting for Step 1. This request must be reviewed and approved for University students by their Society Dean and Vice Dean for Education, and for College students by their Physician Adviser and Associate Dean for Student Affairs.  These delays will be approved only when there is a compelling reason to delay the examination.  Students must take the USMLE Step 1 within 8 weeks of completing the first basic core.  Students in the University program may not take the research block until they have taken the examination.

University Program students are required to take the examination prior to beginning the research block.

1. University Program students who learn that they failed the examination during the first research block may take at least one basic core prior to retaking the exam, which will make them eligible for elective or advanced core rotations after retaking the examination.

2. University Program students who learn that they failed the examination during a basic core rotation are required to retake the exam prior to beginning the research block.

All students (University and College) who do not pass on their first attempt are required to retake the exam within 8 weeks of completing the second basic core rotation.

1. Students who do not pass on their second attempt may complete the rotation they are doing when they receive their score report but then must cease all future rotations until they take the examination.  Students in the University Program will meet with the Committee on Students (CoS) and students in the College Program with the Medical Student Promotions and Review Committee (MSPRC).  After taking the exam for the third time, students may begin a clinical rotation while awaiting the results.

Students who do not pass the examination on their third attempt will be referred to the Committee on Students (University) or the Medical Student Promotions and Review Committee (College) with a formal recommendation for dismissal.

Passed by the CME 2-9-06, amended 3-9-06