Time Frame for COMLEX

[coconutt]

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When do med students take step I, step II, and step III of the COMLEX/USMLE?

 

[Laryngophed]

When do med students take step I, step II, and step III of the COMLEX/USMLE?

COMLEX I - Between second and third year. Most schools require that you take it before you can begin rotations and will require that you pass it (should you fail your first attempt) before completing any further rotations.

COMLEX II - After your 3rd year 'til graduation. Some residencies like to see this score for the Match and the osteo match is in February, so obviously if you are applying to one of those programs, you'll need to take it before you submit your application in August/September. Many schools require that you have a passing grade before Mayish so that you may participate in graduation ceremonies.

COMLEX III - After your intern year. One year of post-graduate medical education is required to sit for this exam IIRC. Additionally, passing this gives a DO a 'universal license,' again IIRC.

You can substitute USMLE for COMLEX above and you get the same results as well, if you were planning on asking.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

COMLEX I - Between second and third year. Most schools require that you take it before you can begin rotations and will require that you pass it (should you fail your first attempt) before completing any further rotations.

COMLEX II - After your 3rd year 'til graduation. Some residencies like to see this score for the Match and the osteo match is in February, so obviously if you are applying to one of those programs, you'll need to take it before you submit your application in August/September. Many schools require that you have a passing grade before Mayish so that you may participate in graduation ceremonies.

COMLEX III - After your intern year. One year of post-graduate medical education is required to sit for this exam IIRC. Additionally, passing this gives a DO a 'universal license,' again IIRC.

You can substitute USMLE for COMLEX above and you get the same results as well, if you were planning on asking.

Pretty close above, but you can take Step III during your intern year (PGY1). Passing step III alone does not give you a license - you still have to apply for your state license, which requires at least one year of post graduate training in all states, more in others. You can go a google search for requirements for medical licensure and there is a table on the FSMB website. Every state has their own licensing body, which means if you get a license where you are in residency, unless you stay in that state after residency, you will have to apply to another state for licensure, which is more $$$.

 

[Laryngophed]

Pretty close above, but you can take Step III during your intern year (PGY1). Passing step III alone does not give you a license - you still have to apply for your state license, which requires at least one year of post graduate training in all states, more in others. You can go a google search for requirements for medical licensure and there is a table on the FSMB website. Every state has their own licensing body, which means if you get a license where you are in residency, unless you stay in that state after residency, you will have to apply to another state for licensure, which is more $$$.

Ahh, I stand corrected. Though I suppose I did a poor job of articulating my last point. Passing the 3rd of either set of standardized test is typically required for a license, no? And I thought most people waited until the end of intern year to take the exam?

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Ahh, I stand corrected. Though I suppose I did a poor job of articulating my last point. Passing the 3rd of either set of standardized test is typically required for a license, no? And I thought most people waited until the end of intern year to take the exam?

Yes, all three of the series is required for licensure in all states. Whether most people wait until after intern year, I can't answer. You don't have to, though.

You can't get a license until after AT LEAST after your PGY1 year in any state, sometimes after 2 years, depending on the state.

 

[DiverDoc]

You can moonlight after PGY1 (passing step III ) right ?

 

[tkim]

You can moonlight after PGY1 (passing step III ) right ?

Again, you need an unrestricted license to moonlight (of which passing Step III is a requirement), unless your program has built-in moonlighting. Otherwise, getting an unrestricted license varies in time-frame from state to state:

http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html

 

[cabinbuilder]

You can moonlight after PGY1 (passing step III ) right ?

Don't think that just because you pass step III you will be able to moonlight right after first year residency. I did residency in Texas. Took step III in June at end of intern year. Texas requires a jurisprudence exam for licensing ($80), then you apply for DEA number, apply for DPS number, get fingerprinted, fill out all the paperwork for licensing and gather records for review - send in your whole packet + $900 fee to apply. That whole process itself took about 9 months. Then when you get your license you have to pay for malpractice (your residency malpractice doesn't cover moonlighting) which is about $1500/quarter. Texas then charges you $1100 registering fee once your license is issued. If you don't pay that within 3 months of issue, they cancel your license. Lots of hoops. Out of Pocket close to $3000 before I made any money back.

I started moonlighting in May of my second year of residency.

Now for my license in Montana, did the same big packet $600- that took about 4 months to get.

My license in Colorado took about 7 weeks. Same big packet plus had to write an essay defending my school's education and why they prepared me to practice. $600.

So you can see it really varies from state to state.

 

[Docsaintrita71]

Hello:

I am wondering what's the most effective way to prep for boards? I have a lil over three months to do so.... any HELPFUL suggestions? Please no negativity -- I know its a little late to get started and I'm already more than nervous about that. But, I've heard if you apply yourself to a strick time schedule, it can be done.....

Thanks.... 😀😍