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Graduation Requirements

Graduation from UTRGV SOM requires the successful completion of pre-clerkship requirements (years 1 and 2), successful completion of the clerkship rotations (years 3 and 4), passing of the USMLE STEPS 1 and 2, the demonstration of a degree of professionalism deemed to be essential for all physicians, and satisfactory adherence to all University standards.

See Policy EAA082 for requirements for passing USMLE Steps 1 and 2.

The degree of Doctor of Medicine is awarded by the Board of Regents upon a student's successful completion of the graduation requirements, recommendation of the Medical Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee and certification by the Dean of the SOM to the President. Candidates must:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age at the time the degree is awarded
  2. Present evidence of good moral character
  3. Offer evidence of having satisfactorily fulfilled all academic requirements of the four- year medical education program
  4. Comply with all necessary legal and financial requirements
  5. Abide by federal, state, and local statutes and ordinances both on and off campus;
  6. Refrain from behavior incompatible with the responsibilities of the medical profession
  7. Follow the Student Code of Professional Conduct established by The University of Texas System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, Rule 50101 (see Medical Students Code of Professional Conduct) and UTRGV SOM prescribed Attributes of Professionalism (see Attributes of Professionalism at EAA081);
  8. Complete the medical education program within six (6) years;
  9. Complete all required courses and clerkships and the designated minimum number of elective and selective courses with Satisfactory (passing level) performance;
  10. Take the USMLE STEP 1 examination before the start of their MS3 year;
  11. Pass the USMLE STEP 1 examination within 3 attempts;
  12. Pass the USMLE STEP 2 CK examination within 3 attempts by October 31 of the year preceding graduation;
  13. Demonstrate consistent evidence of professionalism as assessed by the MSEPC;
  14. Receive the MSEPC's recommendation for graduation and receipt of the MD degree.

Degrees will be conferred once a year on Commencement Day in the spring. Students completing requirements for a degree earlier in the year will be conferred the degree on the following Commencement Day but may request the Registrar to provide a Certification of Completion on the date of graduation. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements by the published degree conferral date/Commencement Day may petition the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs (or designee) to consider an alternate degree conferral date under extenuating circumstances when the graduating student is expected to begin an internship or residency in July.

Students' academic and behavioral performances are equally subject to evaluation. Students are expected to be honest, conscientious, respectful, and reliable in carrying out their assignments. Their behavior toward colleagues, faculty, staff, patients, and others with whom they interact in their roles as medical students is expected to be appropriate, reasonable, and considerate---consistent with medical professional standards.

Ref.: Policy EAA018