20 minute read
What is USMLE?
from Beginner’s Guide to United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - eBook by Lincoln American
Beginner’s Guide to United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - eBook by Lincoln American University
Table of Contents What is USMLE? ................................................................................................................................................2
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USMLE Steps ..................................................................................................................................................3
USMLE Eligibility ...........................................................................................................................................5
Eligibility for USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 ....................................................................................5
Eligibility for USMLE Step3.........................................................................................................................6
Time Limit for Completing USMLE............................................................................................................8
USMLE Retake And Limit On Number of Attempts...............................................................................9
USMLE Application: Exam Fees And How to Apply...........................................................................11
USMLE: How To Prepare ...........................................................................................................................13
Exclusive USMLE Preparation For Lincoln American University Students .......................................13
USMLE Results: Minimum Passing Scores, Reporting Schedule, And Recheck Procedure ..15
USMLE Minimum Passing Score ............................................................................................................15
USMLE Results: Reporting Schedule.....................................................................................................15
USMLE Results Recheck .........................................................................................................................16
About Lincoln American University............................................................................................................17
Lincoln American University Advantages.............................................................................................17
Affordable....................................................................................................................................................17
Simple Admission Process .......................................................................................................................17
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
MCI-Recognized University......................................................................................................................17
ECFMG Certified........................................................................................................................................18
USMLE Preparation Support....................................................................................................................18
English Medium..........................................................................................................................................18
Holistic Development Approach...............................................................................................................18
Globally Recognized University...............................................................................................................18
100+ International Students in Campus .................................................................................................19
An Enriching Campus Life ........................................................................................................................19
State-of-the-art Medical Infrastructure ....................................................................................................19
International Exposure & Employment ...................................................................................................19
We Invite You to Become A Doctor.........................................................................................................20
What is USMLE?
USMLE stands for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. USMLE is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. USMLE is conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Throughout this eBook, we will collectively refer to FSMB ad NBME as USMLE Board.
USMLE is governed by a committee that is formed of members from FSMB, NBME, and ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
The content of the USMLE is developed by the members of USMLE test committees which include medical professionals from various medical fields including medical educators, biomedical scientists, and clinicians from every region of the United States (US). USMLE Examination Committee is responsible for the creation of USMLE Examination materials.
USMLE comprises a total of three steps: USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2
To get the license to practice medicine in the US, MD degree holders needs to qualify USMLE. In USMLE Program’s own terms, “USMLE assesses an examinee's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills.” To put it even simpler, USMLE is the gateway for medical licensure in the US.
USMLE Board
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USMLE Steps
USMLE comprises a total of three steps: USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 [Consisting of two parts: Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK)], and USMLE Step 3. A detailed overview of each USMLE Step is tabulated as under:
Particulars
Test-Type
Duration (including break time)
Format
USMLE Step-1
USMLE Step-2
Clinical Knowledge
Clinical Skills
USMLE Step-3
Computer-based Computer-based
8 hours
280 MCQs divided into seven 60-minute blocks each with 40 MCQs. For each question, a student has 90 seconds.
9 hours
USMLE comprises a total of three steps: USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2
About 316 MCQs divided into eight 60-minute blocks. For each question, a student has ~91 seconds.
Held at test centers in the US [Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia (two centers)]
Computer-based
8 hours
Student’s encounter with 12 patient cases and record findings on each patient. 15 minutes allocated for each patient encounter and 10 minutes to note each patient information and findings.
• 8 hours on the first day
• 9 hours on the second day
Day 1 (Foundation of Independent Practice - FIP):
About 233 MCQs divided into six 60- minute blocks.
Day 2 (Advanced
Particulars
Purpose
USMLE Step-1
USMLE Step-2
Clinical Knowledge
Clinical Skills
USMLE Step-3
Clinical Medicine –ACM):
• About 180 MCQs divided into six 45- minute blocks.
• 13 computerbased case simulations (CCS). 10-20 minutes allowed for each simulation.
Test student’s understanding of basic sciences & its application to the practice of medicine.
Test student’s understanding of clinical science and its application.
Test the ability to examine patients, gather information, and communicate the findings.
Test student’s knowledge & understanding of biomedical & clinical sciences and its application in practice of medicine & patient management in an ambulance.
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USMLE Eligibility
Eligibility for USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2
A student is eligible to apply for USMLE Step 1 as well as USMLE Step 2 if he or she meets any one of the following requirements:
A.
B.
C.
Student is officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school leading to the MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree.
Such US or Canadian medical school should be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) which is an accrediting body for MD programs in the US and Canada and recognized by US Department of Education. [LCME Accredited US or Canadian medical schools]
OR
Student is officially enrolled in or a graduate of a US medical school leading to the DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.
USMLE Eligibility
Such US medical school should be accredited by American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) which is an accrediting body for osteopathic schools, colleges and universities in the US and recognized by US Department of Education. [AOA Accredited US medical schools]
OR
Student is officially enrolled in or a graduate of a medical school outside the US and Canada listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) which meets ECFMG eligibility requirements and criteria. [WDOMS listed medical schools outside US and Canada and meeting ECFMG criteria]
[Eligibility of Lincoln American University falls under this requirement]
Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and also fulfills the eligibility requirements and criteria of ECFMG. Therefore, LAU students are eligible for USMLE Step 1 as well as USMLE Step 2.
Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine
Eligibility for USMLE Step3
Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
A student is eligible to apply for USMLE Step 3 if he or she meets all of the following requirements:
A.
B.
• Student holds MD (or its equivalent; like MBBS) degree from LCME Accredited US or Canadian medical school OR;
• Student holds DO degree from AOA Accredited US medical school OR;
• Student holds MD (or its equivalent; like MBBS) degree from WDOMS listed medical school outside the US and Canada and possess ECFMG Certification. [Applicable in case of Lincoln American University]
AND
Student has passed USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 [Clinical Skills (CS) as well as Clinical Knowledge (CK)]. [Applicable in case of Lincoln American University]
Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) meets all the requirements established by ECFMG and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Further, while students pursue their medical education at the University, LAU provides its students with USMLE coaching and guidance from USMLE qualified professionals in collaboration with Kaplan Medical, the world’s largest provider of USMLE preparation facilities. US-based medical curriculum and world-class USMLE coaching help our students clear USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 during the LAU MD Program itself. By the time LAU students complete their medical graduation, they can have the first 2 steps of USMLE already qualified. Then, after completing their MD Program, LAU students can apply for ECFMG certification and then apply for USMLE Step 3.
LAU Medical Graduates Are Eligible For USMLE Step 3
Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine
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Time Limit for Completing USMLE
USMLE Bulletin of Information (USMLE BoI) doesn’t specify any limit regarding time frame within which a student shall complete USMLE. However, it does mention that “Many state medical boards require that all Steps of the USMLE be successfully completed within a certain time frame, usually seven years.”
Therefore, 7 years can be considered as the standard time limit to complete the USMLE. It implies that a student shall complete all the USMLE Steps within a period of 7 years.
USMLE Bulletin of Information, 2019
Time Limit for Completing USMLE
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USMLE Retake And Limit On Number of Attempts
Within a period of 12 months, a student can give maximum 3 attempts for the same USMLE step. To take the 4th attempt, a student must wait for a period of 12 months after the first attemptand a period of 6 months after the third attempt. It means that in the first 12-month period, there can’t be more than 3 takes (including retakes) and to try for the 4th and subsequent time, students are required to wait for 6 months from the date of their last attempt.
Further, USMLE BoI states that “An examinee may not take the same Step or Step Component more than six times, including incomplete attempts.” So, the maximum number of total attempts allowed to qualify each USMLE Step is 6. It means that students need to qualify each USMLE Step in maximum 6 attempts.
Illustration: Time Limit On Number of USMLE Step Attempts
Mr. A appeard for USMLE Step 1 on January 01, 201 7 but could not qualify. He re-appeared on April
01, 201 7 and then, on September 01, 201 7. Unable to qualify in September attempt, Mr. A is planning
USMLE Retake And Limit On Number of Attempts
to appear for the 4 th attempt. When will Mr. A become eligible for the 4 th attempt?
Limit 1: Wait for 12 months after the first attempt: In this case, Mr. A took the first attempt on January
01, 201 7 and the wait period 12 months after that date will expire on January 01, 2018. So, Limit 1
will not be applicable for the 4 th attempt made on/ after January 02, 2018.
Limit 2: Wait for 6 months after the third attempt: In this case, Mr. A took the third attempt on
September 01, 201 7 and the wait period 6 months after that date will expire on March 01, 201 8. So,
Limit 2 will not be applicable for the 4 th attempt made on/ after March 02, 2018.
While Mr. A is realeasd from Limit 1 (wait period of 12 months after the first attempt) on January 02,
2018, Mr. A is released from Limit 2 (wait period of 6 months after the third attempt) March 02, 2018.
Accordingly, Mr. A will be able to appear for 4 th attempt on/ after March 02, 2018.
State Specific Requirements on USMLE Retake And Number of Attempts Limit
The maximum number of total attempts allowed to qualify USMLE Steps varies depending on the US State in which a student wants to practice. Different states impose different limits on the number of attempts allowed to qualify USMLE.
State Specific Requirements (SSR) regarding USMLE time and attempts limit can be found on the website of Federation of State Medical Boards.
Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine
State Specific Requirements on USMLE Retake And Number of Attempts Limit
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USMLE Application: Exam Fees And How to Apply
If a student is eligible to apply for USMLE, he or she can apply online for USMLE Steps depending on his or her medical school as under:
Student’s Medical School Category
LCME Accredited US or Canadian medical school OR AOA Accredited US medical school
USMLE Steps
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge)
USMLE Exam Fees
$630
$630
USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Skills)
$1290
USMLE Step 3
WDOMS listed medical schools outside US and Canada
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge)
$875
$940
$940
USMLE Application –How To Apply
How To Schedule Test Date
Advance Scheduling
Apply on NBME Application Website
USMLE Application: Exam Fees And How to Apply
(www.nbme.org)
Schedule on Prometric Website
(www.prometric.com)
Schedule on USMLE Website
(www.usmle.org)
Apply on FSMB Website
(www.fsmb.org)
Apply on ECFMG Application Website
(www.ecfmg.org)
Schedule on Prometric Website
(www.prometric.com)
Schedule on Prometric Website
(www.prometric.com)
Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.
Post application, student is allotted a 12-month eligibility period. USMLE BoI advice students to schedule test date at least 6 months in advance.
Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.
Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.
Student’s Medical School Category
USMLE Steps
and meeting ECFMG criteria
[Applicable in case of Lincoln American University]
USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Skills)
USMLE Exam Fees
$1580
USMLE Step 3
$875
USMLE Application –How To Apply
How To Schedule Test Date
Advance Scheduling
Apply on FSMB Website
USMLE Application –How To Apply
(www.fsmb.org)
Schedule on USMLE Website
(www.usmle.org)
Post application, student is allotted a 12-month eligibility period. USMLE BoI advice students to schedule test date at least 6 months in advance.
Schedule on Prometric Website
(www.prometric.com)
Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.
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USMLE: How To Prepare
USMLE program has not sanctioned any test preparation courses for the USMLE preparation. However, USMLE Practice Materials and Self-Assessment Services are available on the website of USMLE and NBME respectively.
The curriculum of the LAU MD Program is based on US medical curriculum and complies with USMLE requirements. Also, LAU has a tie-up with Kaplan, the world’s largest provider of USMLE preparation facilities to facilitate its students prepare for USMLE along with their medical education.
USMLE: How To Prepare
Lincoln American University has collaborated with Kaplan Medical (Kaplan), the world’s leading provider of USMLE preparation facilities to help its students prepare for the US medical licensing examination. All the LAU students enjoy extended access to Kaplan’s Special USMLE Preparation Program with the following facilities:
▪ ▪
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
▪ ▪
Over 220 hours of concise and engaging video lectures 2,600 warm-up and post video test questions Question bank with over 2,100 USMLE-style questions Structured Content and Guided Study Plan 1 Diagnostic Exam 9 Subject-Based Assessment Exams 2 full-length simulated Step 1 exams Latest, up-to-date Step 1 lecture notes
Besides USMLE coaching, LAU students get help from USMLE qualified faculty members in the University to better prepare themselves for the USMLE Steps. LAU’s USMLE coaching, counseling from
USMLE qualified professors, and USMLE focused curriculum ensure that students are well-prepared to crack this most prestigious examination in the world of medicine and become eligible for medical licensure in India, United States, and several other countries worldwide.
How To Crack USMLE?: Handbook For Lincoln American University Students
All the students of Lincoln American University shall be provided with the University’s exclusive handbook on “How To Crack USMLE?” The handbook is a culmination of:
✓ Best resources online for USMLE reference;
✓ Books to refer for USMLE preparation;
✓ A definitive action plan for USMLE preparation;
✓ Advice and guidance from USMLE experts; and
✓ Inspiration to keep going and more!
To enquire about “How To Crack USMLE?” Handbook or give feedback on “USMLE Beginner’s Guide” e-Book, you can write to our team at info@laumed.org. You feedback will be incorporated in the next edition with due credit to you.
How To Crack USMLE?: Handbook For Lincoln American University Students
Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine
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USMLE Minimum Passing Score
USMLE program provides separate results (in terms of “pass” or “fail”) for each USMLE step. Scores are also reported for Step 1, Step 2 (CK), and Step 3. No scores are reported for Step 2 (Clinical Skills). Current Minimum Passing Scores required to qualify USMLE are:
USMLE Steps
USMLE Step 1
Minimum Passing Scores
194
USMLE Step 2
Clinical Knowledge (CK) 209
Clinical Skills (CS)
Scores not reported for Step 2: Step 2 results are declared only as Pass or Fail outcome
USMLE Results: Minimum Passing Scores, Reporting Schedule, And Recheck Procedure
USMLE Step 3 196
The recommended minimum passing scores of USMLE Steps are reviewed periodically (approximately once in every 4 years) and are subject to change. As per the latest USMLE BoI, students must answer 60-70% of MCQs correctly to achieve a passing score. In the case of USMLE Step 3, student’s performance in computer-based case simulations (CCS) is also considered in the determination of the score.
USMLE Results: Reporting Schedule
Once the USMLE score is out, students get an email notification from the organization with which they registered for USMLE Step. USMLE score report remains available online for 120 days from the date of declaration of USMLE results.
USMLE Step1, USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) and USMLE Step 3 are computer-based exams and their results are posted online on the website of NBME, ECFMG, and FSMB. Usually, USMLE score
report for Step1, Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 3 are available within 3-4 weeks after the test date.
However, USMLE BoI suggests that students should wait for up to 8 weeks for the results. USMLE students can check the results on NBME or ECFMG or FSMB website depending on the category of their medical school and with which organization they applied for the USMLE Step.
For results of USMLE Step-2 (Clinical Skills), there is a reporting period of 4-5 weeks after the test. Results for the majority of the students (about 98-99% students) are reported by the third Wednesday of the reporting period. For other 1 -2% students, results are declared by the end of reporting period.
USMLE Results Recheck
USMLE Results Recheck
If for any reason, a student is not satisfied with his or her USMLE score, he or she can apply for USMLE score recheck within 90 days from the declaration of USMLE results. Till date, score recheck of any student has not resulted in a score change or change in the pass or fail status.
Should you need to know more about USMLE? Do contact us and ask all your USMLE queries and questions from our career experts.
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About Lincoln American University
Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) is one of the fastest growing and wellrecognized Caribbean medical colleges in South America situated in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. The University was founded to bridge the gap between means and the ability to get a quality medical education and provides an affordable opportunity to study medicine in America.
Currently, University offers an International-Standard medical program for MD in Guyana (equivalent to MBBS) which is recognized in India, USA, Canada, and other countries worldwide. 150+ students from Guyana, India, Nepal, Africa, and other regions worldwide are studying medicine in Guyana Campus of the University and moving forward in their journey of becoming a doctor.
Lincoln American University Advantages
Affordable
About Lincoln American University
Fees structures of LAU is one of the lowest in the entire American region. The entire MD Program can be completed in an estimated amount of $53,000 (including Admission, tuition, exam, hostel, and mess charges).
Simple Admission Process
LAU follows simple, merit-based admission approach. You don’t need to pay any donation. Admission acceptance is primarily based on NEET qualification. If you qualify NEET, you are eligible for admission.
MCI-Recognized University
LAU is recognized by the Medical Council of India. LAU graduates can start clinical practice in India after clearance of the MCI screening test.
ECFMG Certified
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) assesses the readiness of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to enter residency or fellowship programs in the United States that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). LAU is one of the few medical universities in Caribbean Region which is certified and approved by ECFMG.
USMLE Preparation Support
Lincoln American University has collaborated with Kaplan medical, the world’s largest provider of USMLE preparation facilities, and all the LAU students have access to USMLE preparation facilities in form of USMLE Preparation Program, USMLE based medical curriculum, and advice and guidance from USMLE qualified professors.
English Medium
Guyana, South American country, which is home to LAU Campus, is an English-speaking country. At LAU, English is used for all the communications. You don’t need to learn any language.
Holistic Development Approach
USMLE Preparation Support
At LAU, life goes beyond education! In the university, you will be provided with plenty of opportunities to participate in recreational activities and community welfare programs like health outreach, seminars, blood donations and health services camps, to name a few! At Lincoln American University, you will not become just an exceptional doctor, but an exceptional human being as well.
Globally Recognized University
Besides recognition from MCI, LAU is listed in World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), certified by Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), registered with Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), and National Accreditation Council of Guyana (NAC, Guyana).
LAU is also a member of Global Alliance Medical Education (GAME) and Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), international organizations promoting excellence in healthcare.
100+ International Students in Campus
In our Georgetown Campus, about 100+ International students from countries across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean are studying medicine, pursuing their dream medical career, and feel proud to be a part of one of the finest medical colleges in South America. In Lincoln American University, you get the opportunity to study with a truly diverse international community shaping you for the practice of medicine in an international setting.
An Enriching Campus Life
Situated in Georgetown, the capital and largest city of Guyana, LAU Campus offers enriching learning and fulfilling life experiences amidst pristine Caribbean beauty, great Guyana culture and all things Guyana has to offer, not to mention, beaches, mountains, rivers, soothing atmosphere and pleasant climate of this hidden gem of Caribbean.
State-of-the-art Medical Infrastructure
LAU is also a member of Global Alliance Medical Education (GAME) and Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), international organizations promoting excellence in healthcare.
At LAU, we have fully equipped laboratories including Anatomy Lab, Microbiology Lab, Physics & Chemistry Lab, Computer Lab, classrooms with modern teaching facilities and other amenities required to provide medical education in the Caribbean at the pace of technology and the changing world of healthcare.
International Exposure & Employment
LAU offers clinical training in affiliated teaching hospitals in Guyana, and countries across Asia, and the Caribbean with developing opportunities in the USA, Canada, and other countries. Cross-border clinical experiences prepare you for the global practice of medicine and enhance your employment and career opportunities at a global level. Further, there is no scarcity of top-notch employment for International Medical Graduates, and you will become one after your medical graduation from Lincoln American University.
Lincoln American University is affiliated with some of the best and top reputed hospitals across the Caribbean, Asia, including countries like Guyana, India, and Nepal. Also, University is actively developing opportunities for clinical training in hospitals of USA, Canada, Africa, and other regions worldwide. Global clinical experiences offer an opportunity for you to explore diversity in medical requirements of each country, explore different cultures, and get ready for the worldwide practice of medicine.
We Invite You to Become A Doctor
Global Clinical Experiences For Lincoln American University Students
We invite you and all the medical aspirants who are looking forward to an affordable opportunity to get a quality medical education and become a doctor - Go on, apply for medical education in Guyana, enroll in our MCI-Recognized Medical Program, come to our Georgetown Campus, and study medicine in one of the finest medical colleges in South America.
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Lincoln American University | School of Medicine
Lincoln American University
