usmle

Comprehensive Review Program: US Medical License Exam (USMLE)

American Health has developed a comprehensive USMLE review covering the basic science theory and clinical adaptation of information which comprises Step 1 and Step 2 of the examination requirements.

USMLE Background

In the United States and its territories (US), the individual medical licensing authorities (“state medical boards”) of the various jurisdictions grant a license to practice medicine.

Each medical licensing authority sets its own rules and regulations and requires passing an examination that demonstrates qualification for licensure. Results of the USMLE are reported to these authorities for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine. The USMLE provides them with a common evaluation system for applicants for medical licensure.

The USMLE assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. Each of the three Steps complements the others; no Step can stand alone in the assessment of readiness for medical licensure.

Go to www.usmle.org to learn more about the exam.

The Three Steps of the USMLE

Step 1 – assesses the examinee’s understanding and ability to apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy. Step 1 assesses your mastery of the sciences that provide a foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine in the present, as well as the scientific principles required for the maintenance of competence through lifelong learning.

Step 2 – assesses the examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision, with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 focuses on principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine.

The clinical skills examination is a separately administered component of Step 2 and is referred to as Step 2 Clinical Skills, or Step 2 CS. The computer-based, multiple-choice component of Step 2 is referred to as Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, or Step 2 CK.

Step 3 – assesses the examinee’s understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with an emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings. Step 3 provides a final assessment of physicians assuming independent responsibility for delivering general medical care.

Official Test Centers

There are 5 locations across the United States at which the Step 2 Clinical Exam can be scheduled:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Chicago, Illinois
• Houston, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania