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Student Academic Profile:
Q. What MCAT scores and GPAs are typical for students in this program?
A. Every application stands on it own and is judged on its own merits. However, historically most accepted students have a GPA above 3.0 and minimum MCAT scores of 8/8/M/8.
Program Eligibility:
Q. Can non-US citizens apply for this program?
A. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents who have completed a bachelor's degree, and who are not Australian citizens, are eligible to apply for this program.
Calendar:
Q. Why does your year start in January? Do you take students in at other times during the year?
A. The Australian summer is in January, the reverse of the U.S. The program starts once a year, in January, and ends in late November.
Requirements and Pre-Requisites:
Q. How do I apply?
A. Go to this link for a full set of application instructions.
Q. Can I send you a photocopy of my AMCAS application instead of separate transcripts?
A. Transcripts must be sent directly from the degree-granting institution to MedEdPath. We do not accept AMCAS applications.
Q. I took the MCATS 2-1/2 years ago - will you accept these scores?
A. We require that the MCATS have been taken within the last 24 months.
Q. Do I have to have a flu shot before I leave for Australia?
A. You can be inoculated against influenza in Australia at the University Health Service. For more information on required immunizations, click here.
Admissions:
Q. How soon will I hear if I have been accepted?
A. For the 2010 class and beyond, once a completed application has been received, the Admissions Department will make a decision within 5-6 weeks.
Money Matters:
Q. Will fees go up every year?
A. Fees are set annually by UQ. Fees generally will have cost of living increases annually.
Q. Do you have scholarships and financial aid? Can I take out a student loan for this program?
A. Eligible students can apply for U.S. Federal Government Stafford loans. For more information, click here.
The Degree:
Q. UQ awards the MBBS degree - does that mean I can apply from high school?
A. The UQ-Ochsner program is a 4 year graduate entry medical program. To be considered as an applicant you must have completed your bachelor's degree.
Q. Is the MBBS the same as an MD degree?
A. The MBBS degree is recognized in the U.S. as equivalent to the U.S. MD degree.
USMLE and ECFMG Certification:
Q. If I attend the UQ - Ochsner program, will I be an International Medical Graduate (IMG)?
A. Yes, graduates of this program are IMGs.
Q. What will I have to do to be able to practice in the U.S.?
A. To enter a residency or fellowship program and to practice medicine in the U.S., you are required to take the USMLEs (United States Medical Licensing Examination), tests administered by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
The USMLE consists of three (3) parts, or "Steps":
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Step 1 assesses medical knowledge, and is taken after completing the second year of basic medical studies.
- Step 2 is a written clinical knowledge assessment and a standard patient clinical skills assessment that must be passed prior to beginning a residency program. Most students take Step 2 during their internship or first post-graduate training year.
- Step 3 is the post-graduate clinical skills assessment.
Current medical students and graduates of the UQ MBBS program are eligible to take the USMLE to be granted a license to practice medicine in the U.S.
For more information go to:
usmle.org
http://www.ecfmg.org/cert/certfact.html
Residency Eligibility:
Q. Where in the U.S. have UQ students done their residencies?
A. We are currently compiling a list of where UQ students from the U.S. have completed their residencies and hope to have it by the end of the year. UQ students have completed their residencies in many U.S. states.
Q. Can UQ graduates participate in the NRMP match?
A. Yes. Graduates of this program may participate in the Match once they have passed the USMLE Steps 1 and 2.
State Licensing:
Q. In which states will I be eligible to practice?
A. UQ students currently are practicing throughout the United States. It is every medical student's responsibility to find out if their state will recognize them to practice medicine with an MBBS degree from the University of Queensland. Requirements vary from state to state. You can find out what your state's requirements are by going to your state medical board. The AMA has a list of state medical boards with links at:
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2645.html
Visas:
Q. How do I get a visa?
A. Both MedEdPath and UQ will provide assistance in obtaining a visa once you have been accepted into the program. For more information, click here.
Working in Australia:
Q. Can I work in Australia while I am a student?
A. International students, and dependants on student dependant visas, who are residing in Australia and who wish to work, must have a student visa that includes permission to work. From 26 April 2008, international students and dependants will automatically receive permission to work with their visa grant.
In general, students should not expect to cover tuition fees or living expenses from casual work.
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