USMLE Exams for DO students?

[HaveAnOsteoblast]

Rising first-year DO student here. A little confused, so thought I’d ask here...

With the imminent merger, many DO students are gonna want to start taking both COMLEX and USMLE exams. Does that mean they’re taking COMLEX 1, COMLEX 2-CE, COMLEX 2-PE, USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2-CK, USMLE Step 2-CS?

That’s six exams. Are all three of the above USMLE exams necessary in order to be competitive for selective ACGME residency programs?

Also, if you’re a DO in an ACGME residency program, do you take COMLEX Level 3, USMLE Step 3, or both?

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[Black Coffee 24/7]

Rising first-year DO student here. A little confused, so thought I’d ask here...

With the imminent merger, many DO students are gonna want to start taking both COMLEX and USMLE exams. Does that mean they’re taking COMLEX 1, COMLEX 2-CE, COMLEX 2-PE, USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2-CK, USMLE Step 2-CS?

That’s six exams. Are all three of the above USMLE exams necessary in order to be competitive for selective ACGME residency programs?

Also, if you’re a DO in an ACGME residency program, do you take COMLEX Level 3, USMLE Step 3, or both?

The only USMLEs that you will need to take are USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2-CK. Don't worry about the others.

 

[hallowmann]

Rising first-year DO student here. A little confused, so thought I’d ask here...

With the imminent merger, many DO students are gonna want to start taking both COMLEX and USMLE exams. Does that mean they’re taking COMLEX 1, COMLEX 2-CE, COMLEX 2-PE, USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2-CK, USMLE Step 2-CS?

That’s six exams. Are all three of the above USMLE exams necessary in order to be competitive for selective ACGME residency programs?

Also, if you’re a DO in an ACGME residency program, do you take COMLEX Level 3, USMLE Step 3, or both?

As above only USMLE Step 1 and 2-CK really matter.

To become licensed, you need to complete an entire series. Many states require DOs to complete the COMLEX series. No matter what your residency, you will have to complete COMLEX Level 3. You cannot even sit for USMLE Step 3 without taking all the steps prior (including Step 2 CS). Like <1% of DOs take Step 2 CS, and even fewer take Step 3. Don't worry about it.

 

[HaveAnOsteoblast]

Thanks, guys!

 

[FourniersGreenGang]

As above only USMLE Step 1 and 2-CK really matter.

To become licensed, you need to complete an entire series. Many states require DOs to complete the COMLEX series. No matter what your residency, you will have to complete COMLEX Level 3. You cannot even sit for USMLE Step 3 without taking all the steps prior (including Step 2 CS). Like <1% of DOs take Step 2 CS, and even fewer take Step 3. Don't worry about it.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know why these students take step 2 cs and step 3?

 

[Indirect&Passive]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know why these students take step 2 cs and step 3?

Solely to stick it to the NBOME and not pay them for Level 3.

Also some fellowships used to care about it.

 

[ortnakas]

Solely to stick it to the NBOME and not pay them for Level 3.

Also some fellowships used to care about it.

Pretty sure it’s only the latter. Level 3 is required for licensure for DOs.

 

[hallowmann]

Pretty sure it’s only the latter. Level 3 is required for licensure for DOs.

In virtually all states that's the case. There are 1 or 2 where it doesn't matter which series you take. There are also a very small handful of residencies/fellowships that explicitly require it, most say Step 2, but they really mean USMLE or COMLEX equivalents.