Hey all,
Just a quick question for you guys since I have no idea. If I were to start a TRI program (as plan B, not having matched into a residency program) or take a research year between graduating and starting residency, is it possible to take USMLE step II, before applying for the match, but after graduating with my DO degree?
I'd really appreciate it if anyone could answer that please.
Thanks!
Rough guidelines:
COMLEX 1-> need to have completed either before starting OMS3 rotations or by that Fall semester that you've started them. You could technically be ranked at some programs you rotated with.
COMLEX 2->CE is highly recommended to have by interview time so programs don't have to re-open your file to rank you again. Not a rule, but human nature going towards efficient ranking of Intern/R1 candidates.
COMLEX 2->PE:The scheduling for the PE sucks as much as the test itself, so they feel for you when ranking candidates and is not a factor some of the time.
***It's probably in one of the links that FutureInternist gave, but it is now a requirement for graduation to have both the CE and PE passed BEFORE graduation. You can not start any GME program until you get a diploma.
COMLEX 3->Usually required to progress beyond your Intern year. Good programs will give you the option to take your vacation weeks/month to study for and do this exam if you need it, but if you don't complete it by the end of the year, your program may choose not to renew your contract, then life becomes really difficult when you're balancing out studying for level 3 again, scrambling for another position and possibly interviewing for it which may require travel and some paperwork red-tape that you may run into if you go to another state from the FSMB and your local AOA Board.
USMLE Step 1 is also preferred at ACGME programs if you want to get ranked there, but the Step 2 is usually a "nice to have" and not absolutely required. No DO I know of has taken the PE and the CS. Obviously non of the USMLE steps are required for graduation from a DO school, but one can only hope that this replaces the COMLEX in the next decade or two...
I hope this helps!
