Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) prepares students for careers in medicine in the United States and other jurisdictions. Students intending to pursue residency training and medical practice in the United States should understand that graduate medical education and physician licensure are governed by external organizations and regulatory authorities and are subject to change.
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is the organization responsible for assessing whether graduates of international medical schools have met the requirements necessary to enter accredited graduate medical education programs in the United States.
In general, international medical graduates seeking ECFMG Certification must satisfy the requirements in effect at the time of application, which may include:
- Graduation from, or enrollment in, a recognized and appropriately accredited medical school;
- Verification of medical education credentials and identity;
- Passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1;
- Passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK);
- Satisfying any clinical and communication skills requirements established by ECFMG; and
- Meeting all other eligibility and documentation requirements established by ECFMG.
ECFMG Certification is generally required for international medical graduates to:
- Enter Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency and fellowship programs in the United States;
- Participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), when applicable; and
- Pursue physician licensure in the United States, subject to the requirements of individual state medical boards.
Graduate Medical Education (Residency Training)
Following completion of the MD degree and satisfaction of applicable ECFMG requirements, graduates may apply for residency training programs in the United States through established application and matching processes.
Residency selection is competitive and is based on multiple factors that may include:
- Academic performance and clinical evaluations;
- USMLE performance;
- Letters of recommendation;
- Professionalism and interpersonal skills;
- Research, leadership, and extracurricular activities; and
- Program-specific eligibility requirements.
Completion of the MD program at XUSOM does not guarantee placement into a residency program.
Medical Licensure in the United States
Medical licensure in the United States is regulated by individual state and territorial medical boards. There is no single national medical license, and requirements may differ significantly among jurisdictions.
Although specific requirements vary, physician licensure generally requires:
- Graduation from a recognized and appropriately accredited medical school;
- Satisfaction of applicable ECFMG certification requirements;
- Successful completion of the required components of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE);
- Completion of the minimum amount of accredited postgraduate medical training required by the jurisdiction;
- Demonstration of professional and ethical conduct;
- Compliance with state-specific documentation, background check, and other regulatory requirements.
Certain jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, including:
- Limits on the number of attempts permitted for licensing examinations;
- Time limits for completion of the USMLE sequence;
- Specific postgraduate training requirements;
- Medical school eligibility or recognition requirements; and
- Other statutory or regulatory conditions established by the state medical board.
Students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the licensure requirements of the states in which they intend to pursue residency training and medical practice.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for:
- Understanding the requirements for ECFMG Certification and physician licensure in their intended jurisdiction of practice;
- Monitoring changes to ECFMG, USMLE, NRMP, FSMB, and state medical board requirements;
- Ensuring timely completion of all examinations, documentation, and credentialing requirements; and
- Seeking guidance from the Office of the Dean of Clinical Sciences and the Office of Student Affairs regarding residency preparation and licensure planning.
Important Notice
Requirements for ECFMG certification, residency eligibility, and physician licensure are established by external organizations and regulatory authorities and may change without notice. Completion of the MD program at Xavier University School of Medicine, attainment of ECFMG Certification, or completion of residency training does not guarantee residency placement or eligibility for physician licensure in any particular jurisdiction.
Additional Information
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
https://www.ecfmg.org
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
https://www.fsmb.org
Contact a State Medical Board
https://www.fsmb.org/contact-a-state-medical-board
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
https://www.usmle.org
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
https://www.acgme.org
National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
https://www.nrmp.org
The information provided in this section is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, licensure, or immigration advice. Students should consult the appropriate organizations and regulatory authorities for the most current requirements applicable to their individual circumstances and intended jurisdiction of practice.