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  • USMLE Step 1 must be taken and passed prior to starting clerkships. This applies to students taking clerkships directly after ACCT and those returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA). If returning from a LOA, then the score report must be received by COM prior to ACCT.
  • The COM must receive notification of a passing score directly from the USMLE prior to students starting Phase 2. If a student requests that the NBME not share their USMLE registration or scoring information with the COM, this may affect their ability to progress to Phase 2 and graduate.
  • Students must register (pay and submit CIF) prior to the Clerkship lottery, which occurs in December at the end of Phase 1. If a student is not registered, the student will not participate in the lottery and will be assigned the order of Phase 2 Clerkships based on availability.
  • If the student is unable to take Step 1 by the start of the Acute Care and Clinical Transitions (ACCT) Block, the student must:
    • have permission from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs (OASA).
    • be under the direction of their Director of Academic Advisor (DAA) with regards to a plan for successful completion of the exam prior to the start of the student’s first Clerkship.
    • not take the exam on the ACCT curricular days.
  • If there are extremely unique and extenuating circumstances which would require the student to delay one Clerkship, this student must:
    • have approval from the OASA and have the schedule coordinated by the OASA.
    • be under the direction of their DAA with regards to a plan for successful completion of the exam prior to the start of the student’s first Clerkship.
    • understand that Financial Aid may not be available until a passing score is posted by USMLE.
  • A delay of more than 12 weeks after the ACCT will necessitate a delay of graduation.
  • If a student is taking the USMLE Step 1 for the second or third time, a passing score must be provided by USMLE PRIOR to the student starting a Clerkship.

Approved by the Curriculum Committee: May 28, 2024
Approved by the Curriculum Committee: January 28, 2025