You have worked hard to pass your clinical rotations and now it is time to take Step 2. You thought Step 1 was hard; however, Step 2 actually has two separate components. In order to become a doctor, you need to pass both of them. This means that you have to prepare for two separate exams that you are probably going to take in quick succession. A USMLE Prep Chicago IL course can help you learn the material you need to pass both Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS.
What Is Covered on Step 2 CK?
Step 2 CK stands for clinical knowledge. This is a test that is going to cover everything that you learned in your required MS3 rotations. These include psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics, internal medicine, family medicine, and surgery. All of these rotations had a shelf exam after them. These shelf exams covered everything that you learned in these rotations. Envision Step 2 CK as a test that combines all of your shelf exams into a single test. If you didn’t do as well as you would have liked on Step 1, Step 2 is a chance for you to make up for this test. Like Step 1, Step 2 CK is graded on a bell curve. In order to score well on this test, you need to prepare appropriately.
What Is Included in Step 2 CS?
Step 2 CS is completely different from anything you have encountered in the past. The good news is that Step 2 CS is pass-fail. This means that there is no numerical score that goes along with this test. You simply need to pass it. In order to pass this test, you need to understand what is included.
Step 2 CS is a practical exam. You will travel to one of several sites scattered throughout the country (such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and Atlanta) to take this test. You will be presented with patient scenarios during which you will interview the patient and perform a physical exam. Then, you will write a note on the encounter. Every portion of this encounter is graded, so you need to be ready for the various patient complaints.
Pass Step 2
In order to graduate from medical school, you must pass both Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS. If you prepare appropriately for both parts of this exam, you should pass with flying colors.
