Most students complete their clinical training and graduate in two or two and one-half calendar years after completing the basic science program. These students usually take Step 2 CK once all Year 3 requirements are completed. However, students have the option to choose a three-year clinical studies schedule (a fifth year in the Four-Year MD program).
These students can take Step 2 CK after four years of medical school, allowing them more time to prepare for Step 2 CK. During this period, students also have the option to participate in individually tailored program of electives and/or conduct research.
The Office of Career Guidance (OCG) may advise students to consider a fifth year if they meet one or more of the criteria below which are predictors of poor performance on Step 2 CK.
- Academic difficulties in the basic science terms
- Failing or performing poorly on Step 1
- Negative comments or a C in the Clinical Skills component of the clerkships
- Deficient performance on the NBME Clinical Subject Exams, including any failure