U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE


Graduate Study

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First Professional Degree

Postgraduate
Training

Obtaining ECFMG Certification

Locating a Residency

Some Alternatives Not Requiring ECFMG Certification

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Specialized Professional Study
Medicine

First Professional Degree
Medical school usually lasts four years and students graduate with the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Study combines classroom experience with observation and clinical work. Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree, preferably from a U.S.-accredited institution. Degrees in almost any discipline are acceptable as long as the student's course load includes the required minimum number of prerequisite courses in the biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, behavioral and social sciences, and humanities. Additional requirements include an excellent undergraduate academic record; fluency in English; extracurricular activities such as work experience and volunteer commitments; and a satisfactory score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a standardized entrance examination administered around the world on computer. More information on the MCAT can be found by contacting the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) at http://www.aamc.org/stuapps/admiss/mcat/start.htm or the American College Testing Program, MCAT Program Office, P.O. Box 4056, Iowa City, IA 52243, USA; Telephone: 319-337-1356; Fax: 319-337-1122

Students interested in studying toward an M.D. degree should carefully consider the level of difficulty of entrance requirements, length of time involved (four years of undergraduate study plus another four years of medical school), and recognition of a U.S. medical degree and licensing qualifications in their home country to determine if medical study is appropriate for them. The Association of American Medical Colleges (Web site at http://www.aamc.org) publishes an annual guide to medical schools that includes useful information and statistics on admission requirements. Your U.S. educational information or advising center may have this resource and other reference material to help you get information on particular schools and evaluate your qualifications.

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