You have completed your MBBS and MD degrees in India but want to practice in the USA. Is there a pathway that can make this dream come true? Well, taking USMLE after PG in India is a pivotal step that will put you on a course to practice medicine in the USA. The USMLE exam evaluates the abilities of candidates to use concepts, principles, and knowledge while showcasing their patient-centric capabilities. The US Medical Licensing Exam is regulated by a committee including members from the FSMB, ECFMG, NBMF, and the general public.
Prior to applying for medical licenses, candidates should pass the three-step USMLE examination or the board exam, which is compulsory for foreign medical graduates who have done their MBBS from medical colleges and schools outside Canada and the USA for obtaining licenses to practice as doctors in the country. Hence, doing medical PG in the USA without USMLE is possible, but the latter examination is crucial for practicing here.
Eligibility Criteria for USMLE
There are simple eligibility criteria to appear for USMLE after PG in India. Physicians who have MD/MBBS degrees from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and meet the eligibility criteria of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), are eligible to appear for the examination. Passing it will grant them the scope to practice in the USA.
How to Apply
The application procedure involves three crucial steps. Here is a guide to each one of them.
USMLE Step
What is it about?
When should you apply?
How can you apply?
Where can you take the examination?
Step 1
1-day examination
7 blocks of 60 minutes each (administered through an 8-hour session of testing).
Number of questions on a block varies, but will be a maximum of 40.
The total items on the examination form will be a maximum of 280.
Candidates should be enrolled in/graduates of medical schools outside Canada/USA, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
It covers areas like Aging, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Nutrition.
After completing the second year of medical school.
Online at the official ECFMG website with fees of $965
The two parts are Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills
CK is a one-day test, divided into eight 60-minute blocks and covers a 9-hour testing session. The question count varies, but will not cross 40. The total items on the test will not cross 318.
CS is an interactive test and candidates get a 12-month eligibility period for this examination. It is an 8-hour examination with 12 individual patient encounters.
ECFMG certification can be applied for, after completing this step, satisfying clinical skills and medical science examination requirements, along with the residency in the United States.
After completing USMLE Step 1 and after second year of medical school for CK.
Fourth year (as per most students) for CS.
Online through the ECFMG website with fees of $965 for CK.
The CS fee is $1550.
Multiple Prometric testing centers worldwide for CK.
Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration (CSEC) testing centers at Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, and Philadelphia.
Step 3
Final examination, leading to the license to practice medicine in the USA.
Two-day examination with day 1 (Foundations of Independent Practice) containing 232 MCQ items (6 blocks of 38-39 items). 60 minutes are given for completing every block with 7 hours of testing.
Day 2 (Advanced Clinical Medicine) has 9 hours with 5-minute tutorials followed by 180 MCQ items (6 blocks of 30 items) with 45 minutes given to complete every block. There is a 7-minute CCS tutorial and 13 case simulations, each of 10-20 minutes.
After completing Step 2 and obtaining the ECFMG certification.
Only at Prometric testing centers in the USA and its territories.
There are several USMLE sample questions that you can find in order to bolster your USMLE preparation strategies.
Scope of USMLE after MBBS
The vast scope of USMLE after MBBS is a boon for aspirants. The examination is the core licensing examination that gives you the opportunity to practice in the United States. You should clear the test with good marks (more than 230) for this purpose. You can take the USMLE-2 CK test in India to qualify for US residency.
You will have to pass the USMLE Parts 1 and 2 in order to receive your MD degree from a medical school in the US After clearing the examination, there will be a validity period of 5-7 years, and candidates should obtain PG admission within this duration.
Conclusion
The USMLE examination is an indispensable part of your dreams to practice medicine in the US. You should chalk out a solid preparation strategy, list down the USMLE exam dates in 2023, and assemble your study resources accordingly. Seeing as doctors are some of the most handsomely-paid professionals in the U.S., you can dream of embarking on a fulfilling career ahead. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you apply for USMLE after MBBS?
Yes, you can apply for USMLE Step 1 after completing your MBBS program in India.
Can I go to the USA after MBBS?
You should complete four years at the undergraduate level, while clearing the MCAT examination for completing your MBBS in the US. An Indian MD is valid in the USA, provided you clear the USMLE.
What is the age limit for USMLE?
There is no specific age limit for taking the USMLE examination. It is one of the features that make this test easily accessible to all aspirants.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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