- USMLE Step 1 must be taken and passed prior to starting clerkships. This applies to students taking clerkships directly after Acute Care and Clinical Transitions (ACCT) and those returning from a leave of absence (LOA). If returning from a LOA, then the score report must be received by the college of medicine prior to ACCT.
- The college of medicine 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 college of medicine, this may affect their ability to progress to phase 2 and graduate.
- Students must register 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 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 that would require the student to delay one clerkship, this student must:
- have approval from the office of admissions and student affairs (OASA) and have the schedule coordinated by the office of admissions and student affairs (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
Approved by the Curriculum Committee: July 22, 2025