Thread: when do clinicals start?

Do clinicals start only in january, may, and september?
or can they start in any month?

I want to take step 1 some time in november, and start clinicals in january. when do clinicals usually start in january?

Technically you have to be registered for a particular semester. Once you are registered you can start rotations:

For example if I wanted to start rotations in Sept, I would register in July. A RAF was issued for the particular rotation, and was scheduled to start on a particular date (Sept 4th). You have to fill out/submit a RAF for each rotation. A RAF had to be issued by the clinical dept, and had to be completed and submitted by the student in order for it to be final. Starting a rotation just out of the blue (without a RAF or without registering) is not allowed.

If you would like to start rotations in Jan, make sure you have your Step 1 score in at least 4 weeks prior to Jan. So you should think about taking your step 1 exam by november.

the earliest date i can take step 1 is after november 1.

realistically, scores probably won't arrive till mid december or even around xmas time.

does that mean i would probably start rotations toward the end of january?

I'm assuming all rotations have their own start dates right?


i'm really in no rush. Even if i were to start rotations on January 1, and schedule them back to back, I still wouldn't make the 2008 match.

I don't know what you mean by realistically...I took my step in Jan 18, received my step score around Feb 17. I don't think November is a peak time for people to take the Step, but the holidays may also play a role in delaying your results.

how soon after feb 17 did you start clnicals?

March 20th...