Taking the USMLE: Important Guidelines


What is the USMLE?

Many nations have medical licensure examinations that allow physicians to practice medicine in their country. In order for you to practice medicine in the United States, you need to take the USMLE, or the United States Medical Licensing Examination. This is a battery of tests, consisting of three parts that evaluate doctors as they apply knowledge, concepts, and principles that they learned in medical school.  It is also designed to test a physician’s ability to demonstrate basic skills in caring for patients.

Goals of the Examination and Eligibility Requirements

Those who are considering taking the USMLE need to understand that it is not a licensing authority. The State Medical Boards in US states and territories are in charge of issuing licenses. The results of the examination are reported to these authorities and they, in turn, will use the information from the assessments in granting the initial license to practice medicine.

Many students think that in order to be eligible to take the exam, they need to be a graduate of a U.S. or Canadian medical school. However, you can be a graduate of a school outside these countries as long as they are members of the World Directory of Medical Schools (WFME). They must also adhere to the principles and guidelines of ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).

Study Medicine Abroad

Prospective medical students are being deterred from getting a medical degree in countries such as the U.S. due to obstacles such as expensive tuition fees and fiercely competitive admissions. However, there are now lots of opportunities for students to get their medical degrees abroad. Leading schools in Europe offer more reasonably-priced and more accessible medical programs that are taught in English. There are excellent medical school options in countries such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia, and more.

Pre-Medical Programs

If you want to pursue a general medicine program, Medical Doctor International Academy is here to help you with their innovative pre-medical programs. Their programs are designed to prepare you for entrance exams to medical schools in Europe. As you pursue your dream of becoming a doctor in one of these medical schools, you will be equipped with ample knowledge and proficiency to take the USMLE and practice in the U.S.

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