Academic Promotion

Promotion is defined as progression from one academic year to the next. A student must satisfactorily complete all course requirements in the preceding academic year in order to progress to the next academic year and to be considered as making satisfactory academic progress.  

General Program Advising (Academic)

The Directors of Preclinical Education provide student support upon matriculation, general guidance throughout Years 1 and 2, and referral to additional support services when needed. Students are encouraged to initially seek guidance from their course syllabus, professor, or course director should course-specific questions arise. Access to Director of Preclinical Education contact information can be found via the MyVista Student Portal.  

OMS I to OMS II

Students who have completed the following requirements will be eligible to be promoted to the second year (OMS II) of the program:

  • Successful completion of all required OMS I coursework; and

  • Documentation of current health insurance on file with the Office of Student Financial Services.

OMS II to OMS III

Students who have completed the following requirements will be eligible to be promoted to the third year (OMS III) and begin clinical clerkship rotations:

  • Successful completion of all required OMS I and OMS II curriculum;

  • For the Class of 2024 and beyond, students must sit for COMLEX Level 1 and USMLE Step 1 by July 1st—prior to when their first rotation begins

  • Students must pass the COMLEX Level 1 before they can advance to their second core clerkship;

  • If a student does not pass the USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX 1 on their first attempt, they will meet with the SPC;

  • The student will not be permitted to participate in additional clinical rotations until their COMLEX 1 score has been cured.

  • Updated background check on file with Office of the Registrar;

  • Updated and negative drug screening on file with the Office of the Registrar;

  • Documentation of all required health records on file. 

OMS III to OMS IV

Students who have completed the following requirements will be eligible to be promoted to the fourth year (OMS IV) of the program:

  • Successful completion of clinical clerkships by June 30;

  • Updated background check on file with Office of the Registrar;

  • Updated and negative drug screening on file with the Office of the Registrar;

  • Documentation of all required health records (including current PPD) on file with the Office of the Registrar;

  • Documentation of current health insurance on file with the Office of Student Financial Services; and,

  • Passing scores on the COMLEX Level 2 CE examinations by September 1st of the student's fourth year.

Students who fail to complete any requirement may not be allowed to engage in audition clerkships until the requirements are completed and they are certified for the fourth year (OMS IV) of studies.