The USMLEs (United States Medical Licensing Examinations) are a set of medical exams designed to evaluate your readiness to safely enter the American medical system. The organization that governs the application of foreign nationals to the American Medical system is the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and they administer the USMLEs outside the USA.
A pass in USMLE is mandatory for a medical graduate get the permission to practice in USA. The exam consists of three steps complementing to one another, and the candidates need a pass in all the three, to apply for a license. The exam determines the ability of the student to apply the medical knowledge safely and intelligently, the readiness of the person to enter U. S residency.
USMLE are multiple choice exams that are only held online. A large number of cities across the world function as centers for the exams practically every working day of the year. You can register with the ECFMG who administer the test internationally, and reserve a place at your local centre for a time ready to take the examination.
The first part, USMLE step 1, is a multiple choice exam of eight hours duration consisting of about 300 questions, conducted in a single day at the test center. The test covers all of the basic sciences namely Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Statistics, Behavioral science, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathology and Ethics. Scores are reported in two or three digits.
Many programs look for two digit scores of at least 80-85 for entry. 66% of international medical graduates pass this exam with each sitting, while the US medical students who pass the exam sum up to 91%.
The second part has two sub divisions, USMLE step 2ck (clinical knowledge) and USMLE step 2cs (clinical skills). USMLE step 2 ck + cs is the examination that American medical students take before being awarded graduation at the medical school. USMLE step 2ck consists of a similar one day computer-based examination that covers all of the clinical sciences including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, forensics, emergency care, ENT, ophthalmology, tropical health and ethics. It is usually taken in the final year of medical school. Step 1 has approximately 350 multiple choice questions. More than 75% of international medical graduates/students pass this exam on first sitting, while 95% of American medical students do.
The USMLE Step 2cs brings examinees face-to-face with ten patient cases. You are tested on your ability to rapidly assess a patient, communicate your thoughts to them, and to write a note about your assessment and plans. Each candidate will be given about 15 minutes to examine the patient. The test lasts approximately eight hours.
USMLE step 3 is taken by American students during their residency program within a year or so of completing graduation. International students are required to take the USMLE part 3 only if they plan to immigrate on an H-1B visa (recommended over a J-1).
As the test is being conducted only in the United States, this exam requires you to travel to the USA to take it. Also, only a few states (California, Connecticut, Louisiana, New York, Utah, or West Virginia) allow you to take the part 3 in their jurisdiction without being in an American residency program.
Step three of the examination has approximately 480 multiple choice items, to be completed in 45-60 minutes. This two day examination involves computer stipulations.
USMLE is offered round the year, except for a limited period in January.
More details are available at http://www.usmle.org/index.html Back