List of Courses After MBBS in USA without USMLE 2024

Courses after MBBS in USA without USMLE: International medical graduates have several options for working in the U.S. besides taking the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). While the USMLE is a popular way to practice medicine in the U.S., there are other paths for those who want to continue their education without it. One alternative is to pursue master’s programs in fields like public health, healthcare administration, or biomedical sciences. These programs can provide valuable skills and knowledge to help in various healthcare jobs. Another option is to take part in research fellowships or clinical observerships. These experiences can help international medical graduates gain practical skills and insights into the U.S. healthcare system.

Read this article to learn more about various non-USMLE pathways available to international medical graduates for further education and career opportunities in the USA. 

What is USMLE?

The USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Examination, is a three-part test that medical graduates must pass to become licensed doctors in the U.S. Passing these three steps is generally necessary to practice as a licensed physician in the United States.

• Step 1: This part tests your understanding of basic medical sciences, like biology and chemistry. It focuses on how well you can apply this knowledge.
• Step 2: This step evaluates your clinical knowledge and ability to provide patient care. It covers various medical conditions and how to treat them.
• Step 3: The final step assesses your medical knowledge and clinical skills needed for practising medicine independently. It ensures you’re ready to handle real patient situations without supervision.

Most Popular Courses After MBBS in USA Without USMLE

Here is the list of popular courses after MBBS in USA without USMLE:

1. Research and Clinical Fellowships

Research and clinical fellowships offer valuable opportunities for international medical graduates in the USA after completing their MBBS. These programs provide specialised training in specific medical areas. Research fellowships focus on conducting studies, publishing papers, and advancing medical knowledge. Clinical fellowships, on the other hand, emphasise hands-on training under expert supervision.

Although they can be highly competitive, these fellowships greatly improve a graduate’s chances of practising medicine in the USA. The intensive training helps participants gain advanced skills, expertise, and confidence in their fields. This experience not only makes them more competitive in the job market but also prepares them to contribute meaningfully to healthcare. For international medical graduates looking to advance their careers in the USA without taking the USMLE, these fellowships can be a challenging yet rewarding way to gain specialized knowledge and practical experience in the American healthcare system.

Here’s an overview of some notable options:

1. Medical Research Fellowship Program at The George Washington University (GWU):
   • Focuses on enhancing research skills through critical appraisal sessions and analysis of medical literature.
   • Ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of research methodologies.
2. International Research Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital:
   • Offers hands-on experience in a world-class research environment for physicians interested in advancing their research careers.
3. Visiting Clinical Fellowship at UC San Diego:
   • Provides opportunities for international physicians to gain clinical experience in a diverse range of specialties.

2. Master’s Program in Public Health

A Master’s in Public Health (MPH) gives medical graduates a chance to expand their skills beyond just clinical practice. This degree teaches important topics like epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, healthcare systems, and health promotion. It prepares students to tackle various public health challenges.

For international medical graduates, earning an MPH can lead to careers in public health policy, healthcare management, and improving community health. Additionally, shorter postgraduate certificates and diplomas are available for specialized training in areas like medical imaging, clinical research, healthcare administration, informatics, or medical education. These programs focus on specific topics, allowing graduates to gain targeted knowledge without committing to a full degree.

Both MPH and postgraduate certificate programs offer valuable opportunities for international medical graduates. They help diversify skills, improve career prospects, and enable contributions to different areas of the healthcare industry in the USA. Here’s a table of top  universities in the USA offering masters in public health, including their first-year fees and QS World University Rankings for 2025:

University	QS World University Rank 2025	First-Year Fee (USD)
Harvard University	4	69,300
Yale University	23	77,463
Johns Hopkins University	32	79,260
Columbia University	34	71,194
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	42	36,306
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	44	51,480
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	155	74,075
Emory University	196	73,478

3. Advanced Certificate & Postgraduate Diploma

Many U.S. universities and colleges offer specialized certificate and diploma programs for medical graduates. These short courses usually last between 6 to 18 months and provide focused training in areas like pathology, radiology, dermatology, and emergency medicine.

These programs are a great way for international medical graduates to gain specialized knowledge and skills without needing to complete a full degree. They can also help in advancing careers or pursuing further specialization in the U.S. healthcare system. Here’s a table listing the various advanced certificate programs in public health and related fields offered by different institutions:

University/College	Program	Format
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University	Advanced Certificate in Public Health Geriatrics	Distance Learning
CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy	Advanced Certificate in Public Health	Distance Learning
State University of New York at New Paltz	Advanced Certificate in Mental Health	On-Campus
State University of New York at Brockport	Advanced Certificate – Public Health	Distance Learning
Ilisagvik College	Certificate Behavioral Health Aide (BHA)	On-Campus

4. Clinical Observership and Externship

Many clinical centers and hospitals in the USA offer clinical externships and observerships for international medical graduates. These programs let participants shadow physicians and healthcare professionals, giving them an understanding of U.S. medical practices. However, they provide less hands-on patient care than residency programs.

While these experiences can be informative, they may not significantly improve job prospects, as only a few employers consider externship or observership experience when hiring. Still, these programs offer valuable exposure to the U.S. healthcare system, helping international graduates understand cultural differences, medical terms, and procedures in American settings. They can also be a good way to network and get familiar with the U.S. medical environment. Here’s a table listing the details regarding the Accelerated Clinical Experience Program (ACE) and ACMedical residency auditions & postgraduate sub-internships:

Program	Length of Program	Contact Information
Accelerated Clinical Experience Program (ACE)	Minimum 2 months; maximum 6 months	Email: [email protected]; Phone: (858) 534-6204
ACMedical Auditions & Postgraduate Subinternships	Minimum 4 weeks; maximum 48 weeks	Visit website; Contact Dr. Pedram Mizani

5. PhD Programs

For medical graduates looking to advance their careers in research and academia, pursuing a PhD is a great option. A PhD program involves specialized research, helping students become experts in their field. This path can lead to opportunities in teaching and independent research, making important contributions to medical knowledge.

While a PhD can be challenging, it can also be very rewarding, preparing graduates for leadership roles in medical research and higher education. Here’s a table listing the top universities in USA offering PhD courses in healthcare :

University	Program	Tuition (USD/year)	Duration
Liberty University	Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner	16,892	3 years
The University of Arizona	Nursing – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner	34,174	3½ years
The University of Arizona	Nutritional Sciences	34,174	5 years
The University of Arizona	Optical Sciences	34,174	5 years

Should You Opt for Courses After MBBS in USA Without USMLE?

While there are many courses in the USA for international medical graduates that don’t require the USMLE, pursuing a medical career without this qualification can be challenging. Programs in public health and healthcare administration provide opportunities for further education and professional growth in healthcare fields.

However, to practice medicine in the USA, you usually need to pass the USMLE exams and obtain the proper licenses. Without these credentials, graduates may struggle to secure medical licenses, residency positions, and appropriate visas. The job market can be very competitive, and foreign medical degrees might not be fully recognized.

While there are alternative paths, such as research or non-clinical roles, international students need to think carefully about their long-term goals. They should also consult with state medical boards to understand the specific requirements and opportunities in their chosen fields.

Challenges After Pursuing Courses After MBBS in USA Without USMLE

Here in this section, we have listed the challenges that make it important for international medical graduates to carefully consider their options and career goals when pursuing courses in the USA without USMLE.

• Licensing issues: Most US states require USMLE for medical licensure. Without it, practising medicine independently is difficult. 
• Limited residency options: Residency programs typically need USMLE scores. Without them, securing a residency is challenging. Only observerships may be possible.
• Visa problems: Getting necessary visas for work or training in the US can be harder without USMLE scores.
• Tough job market: USMLE scores show competency and improve job prospects in a competitive field.
• Degree recognition: MBBS degrees from outside the US may not be seen as equivalent without USMLE and licensing, limiting career growth.
• Restricted practice: Without proper licensing, graduates can’t fully practice medicine in the US.
• Fewer educational opportunities: Some advanced medical courses may require USMLE scores for admission.
• Career limitations: Lack of USMLE certification can narrow the range of medical roles available.

FAQs

So, this was all about the “Courses after MBBS in USA without USMLE”. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in the USA due to the exposure and career growth it offers. Consider joining a free counseling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.