The UCLA IMG Program consists of consecutive parts: Programs A, B, C, and D. All participants are expected to culminate with Program D, but they may enter at either program A, B or C,  depending on prior USMLE exams passed, experience and qualifications.

The UCLA IMG program no longer prepares IMGs for the USMLE Step 1; the applicant must have successfully passed USMLE Step 1 before applying to the program.  UCLA IMG scholars are expected to pass the USMLE Step 3 in either program in either program C or D.

Program A (USMLE Step 2 CK) + Program B (USMLE Step 2 CS)

Programs A & B focuses on preparing participants for the USMLE Step 2 exams (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills), and requires that participants:

  • Have already taken and passed USMLE Step 1.
  • Enroll in and complete a test prep course for the Step 2 exams, including online lectures as well as access to facilities and a computerized questionnaire bank (“Qbank”) for practice exams.
  • Prepare clinical cases and topic presentations at the UCLA Family Health Center.
  • Attend Family Medicine Grand Rounds at the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, and take part as a volunteer in community events such as health fairs.
  • Attend English for Health Professionals courses conducted by the UCLA IMG Program.
  • Take periodic self-assessment exams administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) until three consecutive scores of 500 or more are achieved on the Clinical Knowledge portion.
  • Take and pass Step 2 CK and CS.
  • Complete the ECFMG certification process.
  • Apply for issuance of the PTAL.

Time to Completion: Participants are expected to complete Program B in 6 to 9 months.

Program C

Program C focuses on further developing participants’ clinical skills. Accordingly, Program C participants must:

  • Have taken and successsfully passed USMLE Step 1 AND Step 2 CK and CS
  • Take part in three months of supervised, hands-on clinical rotations at UCLA Health System facilities and UCLA affiliates.
  • Prepare clinical cases and topic presentations at the UCLA Family Health Center.
  • Attend Family Medicine Grand Rounds at the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, and take part as a volunteer in community events such as health fairs.
  • Attend English for Health Professionals courses conducted by the UCLA IMG Program.
  • Prepare clinical cases and topic presentations at the UCLA Family Health Center.
  • Complete all requirements for issuance of the PTAL.
  • Apply for the Match by completing the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application.
  • Enroll in and complete a test prep course for USMLE Step 3
  • Schedule, and if possible, take USMLE Step 3

Time to Completion: Participants are expected to complete Program C in 3 to 4 months.

Program D

Upon satisfactory completion of Program C, participants enter Program D. There, they must:

  • Take USMLE Step 3
  • Complete certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics. (These certifications can be initiated as early as Program B, but must be completed by the end of Program D. The certifications are required to begin residency training in Family Medicine.)
  • Prepare clinical cases and topic presentations at the UCLA Family Health Center.
  • Attend Family Medicine Grand Rounds at the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, and take part as a volunteer in community events such as health fairs.
  • Attend English for Health Professionals courses conducted by the UCLA IMG Program.

Time to Completion: Participants will remain in Program D until their residency program starts.