USMLE/COMLEX and state licensing/specialty boarding

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marchiafava

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My question is this: If you are a D.O., do you have to take all steps of both usmle and comlex in order to be double boarded by both the ama and aoa or is just taking all steps of comlex enough. I have taken step 1 and 2 of both comlex and usmle but really only thought I needed to take the comlex step 3. Does any of this also effect state licensing and how does the new PE exam fit inot all this. Somebody, a D.O., told me you have to take the usmle PE exam if you want to be licensed in pa by the ama but it doesnt sound correct. Any insight would be appreciated.
 
Neither the AOA nor the AMA license you. There is no need to take step 3 of both exams, nor should you need to take the USMLE Step 2-CS. Your COMLEX Step 3 will get you full licensure.
 
marchiafava said:
My question is this: If you are a D.O., do you have to take all steps of both usmle and comlex in order to be double boarded by both the ama and aoa or is just taking all steps of comlex enough. I have taken step 1 and 2 of both comlex and usmle but really only thought I needed to take the comlex step 3. Does any of this also effect state licensing and how does the new PE exam fit inot all this. Somebody, a D.O., told me you have to take the usmle PE exam if you want to be licensed in pa by the ama but it doesnt sound correct. Any insight would be appreciated.

In Pennsylvania, if you are a DO from an AOA-accredited school, your license is through the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, not the Board of Medicine. As such, you need to meet the requirements - passage of all 3 steps of COMLEX, AOA-approved internship, etc.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit Step 3 of the USMLE
http://www.fsmb.org/2004usmle/paper_route/html_files/pennsylvania_med_part_4.htm

Currently, all 50 states and DC accept COMLEX for licensure.

As for allopathic specialty board and colleges - I don't know. I guess you have to look at the ones that you are particularly interested in and see what type of requirements (if any) they have concerning USMLE/COMLEX
 
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