Many applications don’t require a long, arduous preparation and submittal process. Your residency application isn’t among them. You need proof of education and experience before you submit. If you work with a clinic like Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C., you can hit two birds with one stone by earning some experience and obtaining a residency recommendation letter in New York. We’re also glad to show you the ropes, starting with our application tips below.
Understanding Your Exams: USMLE and COMLEX
An essential step in receiving any type of board certification or medical license is taking the exams associated with the specialty. One of the most commonly taken exams is the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Meanwhile, you’ll also take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination to get into osteopathic practices like neurodiagnostics. Learn more about these exams below.
What Is USMLE?
What is USMLE? This exam consists of three steps that explore how you treat patients, your professional principles, and the field knowledge you’ve earned. All residency applicants must take and pass USMLE.
What Is COMLEX?
Now, what is COMLEX? The COMLEX includes three different exams:
- You take the first level when you finish your second year.
- You take the second level around the time you finish your first four years.
- When you prepare to graduate and obtain your license, you’ll take the third level.
If you aren’t heading into an osteopathic concentration, you may not need this exam. But you should prepare for it if you want to go into neurodiagnostics or a similar field.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s press release announced that 99% of osteopathic students found a residency placement. So, as an osteopathic student, you have a strong likelihood of finding a fitting program!
Now, How About Tips for Your Residency Application?
Findings published in JAMA Surgery showed a 6.9% overall attrition rate for medical residencies. That means that some residents inevitably struggle to meet the program’s demands. But carefully preparing for your residency application can help secure your success.
Check off the following boxes to ensure you’re ready for your placement:
- Prepare well in advance. The residency application timeline can take a year or two. Study hard for your exams, earn high scores, and use your years wisely.
- Use your network to build letters of recommendation for residency. Many students work internships or volunteer at clinics in the field of medical study. Build a support network of fellow professionals who can guide you, author letters of recommendation, and serve as references.
- Collect the necessary paperwork. You have an extensive list of documents to collect to meet the residency requirements of most programs. The application form will request personal details, a curriculum vitae, school transcripts, and exam scores.
- Outline your supporting experience. Flesh out the details of your professional and research experience. Don’t be shy about your extracurricular activities, too!
- Work on your personal statement. Give yourself at least two months to draft the best version of this 900-word document. Describe your experiences, the values you hold close, and the qualities that make you an exceptional candidate for residency programs.
- Work hard during your clinical rotations. The team involved in your clinical rotations watches you closely. Part of building a strong network involves putting your best foot forward daily!
- Practice for the interview process. Most interview processes are nerve-wracking, and that goes double for residency interviews. Work with a trusted colleague who has already been through the process to hone your skills and present the best version of yourself.
Earn Clinical Experience by Joining Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. in NYC
Looking to beef up your residency application? Join Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C.’s staff as an intern or volunteer! Contact us to learn more about our open positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for a medical residency? We’d love to help! Our team answered some questions about residency preparation below.
What Are the Hardest Residencies to Achieve?
The hardest medical residencies to achieve include neurosurgery, dermatology, and plastics. These fields are often competitive and highly sought-after by applicants.
How Long Does It Take to Complete and Submit a Residency Application?
Residency Programs List states that it typically takes two to three months to complete and submit a residency application. You need at least a few months to study for pass the USMLE and another 2-3 months to complete your residency application.
How Many Hours Do Residents Work Per Week?
Residents may work up to 80 hours per week. You should typically have at least one off day, and you cannot work more than 24 consecutive hours at a time.
