Is an Indian medical degree valid in the USA?
Most of the Indian MBBS students might have a query, ‘Is an Indian medical degree valid in the USA?’ After completing MBBS in India, most of the aspirants desire to practice in the USA.
After completing MBBS in India, students prefer to appear in NEET PG or AIPGMEE exams to pursue post-graduation. If they fail to meet the required cutoff in the PG entrance test, most of the MBBS graduates plan to move to the USA to pursue higher education.
Indian students who graduated with an 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.
MBBS in the nation of India, PG in the United States
USMLE clearing is a must to study PG to practice in the USA. MBBS degree holders moving to the USA must take 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 was conducted based on 19 subjects taught in MBBS. Indian students can take the USMLE exam online.
What is USMLE?
The USMLE Step 1 exam is the initial step toward pursuing a 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, having a strong grip on the basics and the ability to apply knowledge and concepts effectively is crucial. 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.
Step 1 of the MD process after MBBS in India
Indian students who completed MBBS cannot start practicing directly in the USA. They have to complete a PG Degree from the USA. To pursue a PG Degree, one has to qualify for the USMLE examination.
After completing an MBBS, to be eligible for residence (a Board-certified PG who works in a hospital under a work permit), one must clear USMLE and USMLE 2CK with 230 above marks.
Indian students can appear and clear the USMLE 2CK in India to qualify for the Residency in the USA. After clearing this exam, doctors can apply for a Work Visa after getting the residency confirmation.
Ambitious doctors seeking to practice as a ‘Doctor’ in the USA can start their preparation after the second year of MBBS in India, for USMLE Step 1. Various institutes offer courses for the USML examination.
The total cost of this path is around US$ 30,000 (with 6 months of clinical rotation or externship), but it might be as low as US$ 20,000 if you can pass the USMLE-2CK or CS after just three months of clinical experience.
Step 2: MD in the USA after MBBS in India
Going to the USA for only a clerical ship is not useful. While, during their clerkship, doctors can clear the USMLE 2CK examination to get eligibility for the USA residency.
For a 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 does not get the residency during this period, they will have to return and go again.
MBBS aspirants would prefer this exam to pursue a PG Degree in Medicine in the USA to apply for entrance to the MPH program in the field of public health.
To do a master’s program in the USA, The US consulate grants Indian students a (5) five-year student visa.
In this period, The doctors enroll in the Master of Public Health program and earn two degrees.
If you pass the USMLE-2CK or CS after just three months of clinical rotation, the cost to complete medical postgraduate studies in the USA is roughly $50,000 (with three months of clinical rotation or clerkship).
Benefits of MPH programs in the US
Pursue an MPH degree in the USA.
During the first year, plan a one-semester break to allow doctors to finish their clerkship, a requirement for obtaining residency.
The program provides a 5-year visa, ensuring safe passage until the completion of USMLE-3.
Gain doctors’ confidence during the two years by building a network with them.
In case there are difficulties in obtaining the public health management degree can help with financial support for living expenses during residency for a clinical PG program.
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 an 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.
