COMLEX vs USMLE

[uclabruin2003]

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ok. i guess i was confused. i thought that all DOs took the USMLE?

I think i figured out that DOs take the COMLEX and MDs take the USMLE?

I know both have 3 tests each. Can DOs take USMLE instead of COMLEX? Or in addition? Does it really matter what you take?

Can someone better explain the process of taking these tests? In addition, does this make your board certified? Or are there other tests?

 

[DeLaughterDO]

UCLABruin,

Hi. I'm a 3rd year at Texas college of Osteo Med (TCOM) in Fort Worth. I hope maybe I can help you out w/ your question.

In order to be licensed by your accrediting body (AOA/LCME) each student must take the appropriate licensing exam. For Osteopaths, this exam is the COMLEX. Likewise, for Allopaths, it is the USMLE.

As far as can Osteopathic students take the MLE, YES! and in fact, many do. The reason is, many of the more competitive allopathic residencies would prefer having everyone have the MLE in order to better compare applicants. In fact, some require it. That said, it is not mandatory - meaning that many osteopathic students have gone to competitive allopathic residencies w/o taking the MLE. It is just a matter of preference, what the residency programs you're interested in want, and whether (for your own edification) you would like to be able to say "I took the same test you did and passed/whatever."

As far as how the tests work, I would recommend searching the COMLEX/USMLE forum here for descriptions of the test - this has been discussed ad nauseum.

Board certification and licensure are 2 different things. One must take the USMLE/COMLEX in order to become licensed in your particular state. Board certification comes after you complete residency and take another set of exams (generally a written and oral part). This certification exam is then repeated every 5-10 years.

Hope this helps. If I'm incorrect, please (anyone) feel free to correct me.

jd

 

[drusso]

UCLABruin,

Hi. I'm a 3rd year at Texas college of Osteo Med (TCOM) in Fort Worth. I hope maybe I can help you out w/ your question.

In order to be licensed by your accrediting body (AOA/LCME) each student must take the appropriate licensing exam. For Osteopaths, this exam is the COMLEX. Likewise, for Allopaths, it is the USMLE.

As far as can Osteopathic students take the MLE, YES! and in fact, many do. The reason is, many of the more competitive allopathic residencies would prefer having everyone have the MLE in order to better compare applicants. In fact, some require it. That said, it is not mandatory - meaning that many osteopathic students have gone to competitive allopathic residencies w/o taking the MLE. It is just a matter of preference, what the residency programs you're interested in want, and whether (for your own edification) you would like to be able to say "I took the same test you did and passed/whatever."

As far as how the tests work, I would recommend searching the COMLEX/USMLE forum here for descriptions of the test - this has been discussed ad nauseum.

Board certification and licensure are 2 different things. One must take the USMLE/COMLEX in order to become licensed in your particular state. Board certification comes after you complete residency and take another set of exams (generally a written and oral part). This certification exam is then repeated every 5-10 years.

Hope this helps. If I'm incorrect, please (anyone) feel free to correct me.

jd

All of the above is correct. One added suggestion: If you're a DO take step I and II of the USMLE for residency application purposes (you'll be required to the COMLEX I and II during medical school.) Then, during internship finish up your licensing sequence with the COMLEX III. No one will ever care which step III you take and being licensed under the COMLEX may have some unique benefits for you later down the line in terms of OMM competency, etc.

 

[uclabruin2003]

thanks all. i have seen other threads about comlex vs usmle. its just something to think about.......though im not even med school yet!