Is Indian medical degree valid in USA
Most of the Indian MBBS students might have a query, ‘Is Indian medical degree valid in USA?’ After completing MBBS in India, most of the aspirants desire to practice in USA. After completing MBBS in India, students prefer to appear NEET PG or AIPGMEE exams to pursue Post graduation. If they fails to meet the required cutoff in PG entrance test, most of the MBBS graduates plan to move to the USA to pursue higher education.
Indian students graduated with MBBS degree or foreign medical graduates (FMGs) must clear the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) exam in the USA to get a certification to practice as a Doctor in the USA. Without USMLE Certification, medical practice is not allowed in the USA.
PG in USA after MBBS in India
USMLE clearing is a must to study PG to practice in the USA. MBBS degree holders moving to the USA must give the USMLE-1 exam and USMLE 2CK. Every year a large number of aspirants are competing for the USMLE examination. Though the competition is tough, the exam is easier than the NEET PG examination. The USMLE conducted based on 19 subjects taught in MBBS. Indian students can attend USMLE exam online.
What is USMLE?
The USMLE Step 1 exam is the initial step towards pursuing Medical PG in the USA. It is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) based test that assesses your foundational knowledge in medicine, as well as your ability to analyze and think diagnostically. The exam may present questions with multiple correct answers, sometimes requiring you to select all the correct options. It is a highly competitive exam that tests your understanding of fundamental concepts and your capacity to apply knowledge logically.
For Indian doctors, it is crucial to have a strong grip of the basics and the ability to apply knowledge and concepts effectively. Since only one attempt is allowed for this exam, students typically prepare extensively and take many mock tests to ensure they are well-prepared. It is considered one of the most important exams in their academic journey.
It is important to note that the difficulty level of the USMLE Step 1 exam is significant, requiring thorough preparation and a deep understanding of medical concepts.
MD in USA after MBBS in India – Step 1
Indian students who completed MBBS cannot start practicing directly in the USA. They have to complete PG Degree from the USA. To purse PG Degree, one has to qualify in the USMLE examination. So as to qualify for the Residency (Board certified PG while working in a Hospital under work permit) after MBBS, one must clear USMLE and USMLE 2CK with 230 above marks. Indian students can appear and clear the USMLE 2CK in India to get qualified for the Residency in USA. After clearing this exam, doctors can apply Work Visa after get the residency confirmation.
Ambitious doctors seeking to practice as a ‘Doctor’ in the USA can start their preparation for USMLE Step 1 after 2nd year of MBBS in India. Various institutes offer courses for USML examination.
The cost for this entire route is around US$ 30,000 (with 6 months of Clinical Rotation / Clerkship) and can be to the tune of only US$ 20,000 if you can crack USMLE-2CK / CS after only 3 months of Clinical rotation.
MD in USA after MBBS in India – Step 2
Going to the USA for only Clerical-ship is not useful. While, during their clerkship, doctors can clear the USMLE 2CK examination to get eligibility for the USA residency.
For Clerkship, one must spend a lot of time. During this time, then can get ready for the next step. The STEP-2 CS exam needed to be appeared in the USA.
If in case, if anyone did not get the residency during this period, they will have to return back and go again.
MBBS aspirants would prefer this exam to pursue PG Degree in Medicine in the USA to take an admission to Masters in public health (MPH).
To do master’s program in the USA, the student Visa issued by the US consulate for Indian students are for 5 years.
In this period of time, the doctors take admission to Master in Public Health and completes 2 degrees.
The cost to complete Medical PG in USA is approximately US$ 50,000 (with 3 months of Clinical Rotation / Clerkship) if you can crack USMLE-2CK / CS after only 3 months of Clinical rotation.
Advantages of MPH programs in USA
Pursue an MPH degree in the USA.
During the first year, plan a one-semester break to allow doctors to complete their clerkship, a mandatory step for getting residency.
The program provides a 5-year visa, ensuring safe passage until the completion of USMLE-3.
Gain the confidence of doctors during the two-year period by building a network with them.
In case there are difficulties in obtaining residency for a clinical PG program, the public health management degree can provide support for living expenses.
MD in USA after MBBS in India – Step 3
Indian doctors seeking to pursue Medical PG in the USA without a non-clinical program like MPH can opt for Option 3.
This option allows them to undergo a two-year USMLE preferred Green book clinical rotation at an ACGME-approved hospital.
The clinical rotation provides an opportunity to continue their hospital clinical experience and focus solely on their medical field.
The option includes USMLE-1 coaching and exam before starting the clinical rotation.
The duration and cost of Option 3 are the same as Option 2.
It’s important to note that after completing the two-year clinical rotation, doctors must secure a residency since their visa would expire.
