The degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) is awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed the prescribed curriculum and demonstrated the knowledge, clinical skills, professional behaviors, and competencies expected of a physician, as determined by the faculty of Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM).
The standards for graduation are applied uniformly to all students, irrespective of citizenship, country of origin, or intended jurisdiction of future medical practice. Completion of the MD program does not guarantee placement in a residency program or eligibility for medical licensure in any particular jurisdiction.
To be eligible for the award of the Doctor of Medicine degree, a student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
• Successfully complete all Basic Sciences coursework (MD1 through MD6), including all required assessments and CCSA-1 (OSCE).
• Pass the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE).
• Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1.
• Successfully complete all required clinical clerkships totaling seventy-six (76) weeks of clinical training.
• Pass the Comprehensive Clinical Science Examination (CCSE).
• Pass CCSA-2 and all other required institutional clinical assessments.
• Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK).
• Pass the Occupational English Test (OET).
Professionalism Requirements
• Demonstrate the professional attributes, ethical conduct, and behaviors expected of a Xavier University School of Medicine student and future physician.
• Meet all essential requirements and technical standards established by the Faculty Senate.
• Have no unresolved professionalism concerns, conduct violations, or pending disciplinary matters.
Administrative and Financial Requirements
• Satisfy all admission and matriculation requirements of the University.
• Be discharged of all financial obligations and indebtedness to the University.
• Complete all required administrative and graduation clearance procedures.
Additional Requirement
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time the Doctor of Medicine degree is conferred.
The Promotions and Progress Review Committee shall review the complete academic and professional record of each candidate and recommend eligible students for graduation. The Registrar and Chief Compliance Officer shall verify that all graduation requirements have been satisfied prior to the conferral of the Doctor of Medicine degree.
The graduation requirements of Xavier University School of Medicine are designed to align with applicable Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) requirements and certification policies.
Policy Contact: Chair, Promotions and Progress Review Committee
Approved by: Faculty Senate
Last Updated: June 2026