Requirements for All Visiting Students

  1. Must be a final-year medical student when you are scheduled to participate in the rotation. This means all your core / required clerkship rotations are complete at the time of the clinical elective.
  2. Medical School Approval - Letter of good standing from the dean’s office of your medical school indicating you are in the final year with your expected graduation date, in good academic standing and meet all requirements to complete an elective for academic credit. Letter must state this clinical experience is being used as part of your medical education. If your school needs to send this directly, please upload a document stating so.
  3. Malpractice Insurance - This is required before your start date. Most medical schools issue a certificate of insurance while on "away" elective rotations. However, if your school does not provide you with malpractice insurance that has a minimum limit of $1,000,000 for each malpractice claim and an aggregate limit of $3,000,000, you will have to obtain your own policy. We understand that dates may vary, so you can still submit your application without this proof. However, please note that we must receive your proof of malpractice insurance before your start date. If you're still awaiting your insurance upon acceptance, kindly upload a Word document on the application stating your understanding of this requirement. Please ensure that your malpractice insurance covers your elective as a medical student for hands-on patient care.
  4. Health Insurance - Proof of health insurance must be provided prior to start date. Cleveland Clinic does not provide health insurance to visiting students. If you're still awaiting your insurance upon acceptance, kindly upload a Word document on the application stating your understanding of this requirement.
  5. Immunizations - You need to provide proof of the following immunizations (proof of serology / titers where applicable) along with the application form (in English):
    • Tdap Vaccination/Td Booster: Booster within the last ten years is required of all individuals and documentation of Tdap during lifetime.
    • TB Status: QuantiFERON (IGRA) test preferred within six months of start date. If unable to complete the blood test, must have a current 2 Step TB test (2 step means the second PPD test is administered 7-21 days after the initial PPD test) within six months of rotation start date.
    • Varicella (chickenpox): Proof of positive titer. Individuals who are antibody negative to Varicella-Zoster (VZV) are required to be re-vaccinated except if medically contraindicated.
    • MMR: Proof of positive titer. Individuals who are antibody negative to Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps are required to be re-vaccinated except if medically contraindicated.
    • Hepatitis B: Proof of positive titer. Individuals who are antibody negative to are required to be re-vaccinated except if medically contraindicated.
    • Annual flu vaccine (if rotating October through April).
    • You may use the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form to help with items required, the form must be signed by school or healthcare official.
  6. Urine Drug Screening - minimum of 5 Panel required after acceptance. UDS should be current within 4 weeks of start date.
  7. Background Check - Domestic students with an SSN will not need to provide a copy of a background check since a background check will be processed during your onboarding. If you do not have a valid SSN, you are required to provide a copy of a criminal (federal or local) background check within one year of start date.
  8. Copy of your Curriculum Vitae in English.
  9. Fee - $200 application processing fee is required from all domestic visiting students applying for electives. The fee is NON-REFUNDABLE and is not dependent on receiving or accepting an offer. You may apply for up to two different electives ($400 maximum fee).
  10. USMLE Step I or COMLEX Passing Score. Exam is not waived and is required for all students to be considered for an elective.

Additional Requirements for International Students

  1. Fee - $400 application processing fee is required from all international visiting students applying for electives. The fee is NON-REFUNDABLE and is not dependent on receiving or accepting an offer. You may apply for up to two different electives ($800 maximum fee).
  2. Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English (OET or TOEFL exam) - This is required and cannot be waived. Test scores may be used as a deciding factor among similar applicants.
  3. B1/B2 Visa - Type B1 - Can be sent after acceptance. Please upload a Word document during the application indicating you acknowledge this requirement and will send proof if you are accepted.
  4. Background Check (in English) - You are required to provide a copy of a criminal background check completed within one year of the requested rotation. The check must be completed by a federal or local agency where you attend medical school.

Medical students who do not meet the prerequisites to apply for an elective may apply as an observer. Observers do not receive academic credit for the experience and are only permitted to shadow/observe. Apply through the Center for International Medical Education or email CIME@ccf.org.