Boards Preparation
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a two-part exam that tests a physician's ability to apply basic science concepts to patient care.
- Medical students take Step 1 during medical school, a requirement for graduation.
- Students must register for Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) before graduation.
USMLE Step I
Passage of US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is a graduation requirement.
All students must complete the examination by the end of March of their second year. Passing the examination is a requirement for progression into the senior year.
First Failure
Students who fail Step 1 must retake the exam within the 90-day test window. A first-time failure of the examination will result in an automatic review of the failing student's academic performance, extenuating circumstances, and Step 1 score by the appropriate associate dean or assistant dean with a resulting recommendation to the Student Evaluation Committee for action (e.g., removal of the student from junior year clerkships and/or required remediation in a board review course).
Second Failure
If a second retake is needed, it must be accomplished within one year of the initial examination. The student will be placed on a leave of absence following the second failure. A repeat examination must be taken based on the guidelines above. Students will be allowed to audit appropriate first and second-year blocks and participate in board reviews (if scheduled) by standard policies.
Third Failure
Failure of the examination on three occasions will result in the termination of enrollment.
- Approved by General Faculty: March 15, 1995.
- Modified by the Curriculum Committee: October 15, 1998.
- Modified by the Office of Medical Education: September 14, 2018.
Scheduling
To schedule your exam, you must have the USMLE permit number before contacting Prometric. The Omaha office will only schedule online. Please keep in mind that you are not required to take the exam in Omaha. Other locations may have times available that are more convenient.
USMLE Step 2
The US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2: Clinical Knowledge (CK) measures the student's ability to apply their basic science and clinical knowledge and apply it to patient care and clinical situations. All students must register for USMLE Step 2 before graduation.