Last Updated: 07/22/2026
USMLE Step 1 Procedures
Clinical Medicine Doctoring Enrollment
Regardless of USMLE Step 1 status, all incoming Doctoring phase students are required to be enrolled and fully participate in Clinical Medicine Doctoring, including Doctoring Bootcamp.
Eligibility to Begin Clerkships
Students must take USMLE Step 1 by the last testing date offered before the first day of Doctoring Bootcamp to be eligible to start clerkships in Block 1. Students are not allowed to take Step 1 during Doctoring Bootcamp.
Students may begin clerkships with a Step 1 score pending.
Step 1 Delay Procedures
If extenuating circumstances arise with meeting the Step 1 deadline, students must meet with the Associate Dean for Medical Education and Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions. Students must complete a learning contract and be granted approval from both to officially delay.
Students will be enrolled in appropriate coursework during their delay, as eligible, with the expectation that the student must take Step 1 before entering clerkships.
Students who complete Step 1 testing by the first day of blocks 2 or 3 (including blocks 1-2b, 1-2c, and 3-4a) may begin clerkships in that block.
If a student does not receive a passing score by the start of Doctoring Block 3 and/or 3-4a, either by not taking the exam or by failing their attempt, the student will be required to meet with the Associate Dean for Medical Education and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Admissions and referred to the Student Promotion Committee (SPC) with a possible recommendation to repeat Foundations year 2. Any student who failed Step 1 is considered on probationary status and will adhere to the policy as dictated in the Academic Standing Policy.
No student will be allowed to enter into clerkships more than two (2) full blocks (12 or more weeks) of clerkship credit behind their cohort.
Step 1 Failure
If a student has entered clerkships with a pending Step 1 score and subsequently receives a failing score, the student must meet with a member of the academic support team. The student must either: 1) complete the clerkship currently enrolled, or 2) withdraw from the clerkship to resume Step 1 preparation.
Students will then follow the aforementioned Step 1 Delay procedures once finished or withdrawn from the clerkship.
Leave of Absence for Step 1 Study
Students approved by the SPC to take a leave of absence for extended Step 1 study must earn a passing Step 1 score before reentering Doctoring Bootcamp with the next graduating cohort.
If a student does not receive a passing Step 1 score before reentering Doctoring Bootcamp with the next graduating cohort, the student will be referred back to SPC.
USMLE Step 2 CK Procedures
Each student must receive a passing score on Step 2 CK by the time that the school certifies students for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Main Residency Match.
Students who do not receive a passing score of Step 2 CK must meet with the Associate Dean for Student Success and Career Services staff to determine eligibility to participate in Match.
Step 2 CK Failure
Students who fail Step 2 CK are considered on probationary status and will adhere to the policy as dictated in the Academic Standing Policy.
A second attempt on Step 2 CK must be completed within 12 months of the notification of failure. This time limit applies even if the student is on a leave of absence.
If a student does not receive a passing score after two (2) attempts on Step 2 CK or is unable to complete a second attempt within 12 months, the student will be referred to SPC.