Education in the United States: Useful Information->Medical Education in the U.S. #0

USMLE and Residency Programs in the U.S.

the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2-Clinical Knowledge examination are administered worldwide at the test centers of Thomson Prometric but you can not take the USMLE Step 2-Clinical Skills (CS) examination outside of the U.S. Registered applicants select a test center, subject to availability, when they schedule a test date.

The Step 1 exam is an eight-hour, computer-based, multiple-choice exam covering knowledge in the basic medical sciences: anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology and interdisciplinary topics

The Step 2 CK is a nine-hour, computer-based, multiple-choice test that covers clinical sciences including diagnosis, the understanding of disease mechanisms, and care management principles.

The Step 2 CS exam must be taken at a regional clinical skills evaluation centers in the United States. The day-long exam consists of twelve fifteen-minute examinations of standardized patients with ten minutes to compose a written record of the encounter (Patient Note). You will be graded on your medical history and physical examination data-gathering skills, communication and interpersonal abilities, and English language proficiency.

The definitive source of information on Step 2 Clinical Skills is the USMLE Bulletin of Information. For additional information on the USMLE, refer to the USMLE website www.usmle.org. For more about the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification requirements, please visit the following Website: www.ecfmg.org

After passing these required exams and achieving ECFMG certification, you can apply to the residency programs of your choice through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). This typically occurs during September and October. http://www.ecfmg.org.eras

After reviewing the applications, admissions officers invite select applicants for interviews which typically take place during November, December and January.

In February, following the interview process, both applicants and programs rank each other through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) http://www.nrmp.org a service which provides an impartial venue for matching the preferences of applicants and programs.

Following acceptance, the medical school sends an information packet and contract, The J1 visa is the typical visa for residents Once the final certifications have passed between you, and the medical program, contact your U.S. Embassy or Consulate to set up a visa interview and inquire about all of the documents required for your visa.

Useful Information: Medical Education in the U.S.