Online courses for USMLE Step 1 (United States Medical Licensing Examination or just Step 1) help you prepare for this exam. This test is mandatory for anyone who wants to practice medicine in the United States.
Coursework
Online programs concentrate on anatomy and basic science, as they make up most of Step 1. The subjects dwell on physiology, pharmacology, pathology and microbiology. These study programs will prep you up on biochemistry, behavioral sciences and anatomy. Basically, the subjects will test your knowledge of the subjects you learned in med school. Full content and practice tests are included in these courses.
Format
The study programs are self paced, so there is no need to hurry. You can study as often as you want. Interactive lessons are provided. Studies are personalized for each student. The study materials are available 24/7. This means you can decide when to begin work. The number of hours in these reviews differs; but few are under 70 hours.
The more hours there are, the more intensive the review is. Drills, vignettes and lessons are bundled together. A thorough site covers all Step 1 subjects. Students should look for those with printable copies. This allows you to review the materials even when you are not online.
Other Information
Interdisciplinary areas of study are included. Among the subjects are cell biology, molecular biology and nutrition. Aspiring medical professionals must also take up immunology, aging and genetics. Epidemiology and medical ethics are other common subjects.
Some of these programs use review manuals and textbooks. These are shipped to the student after enrollment. There is also a wrap-up course included. Several tools and resources are also provided.
Preparation Tips
Students should do a diagnostic pretest. This will determine their weak and strong points. This will allow you to focus on the proper areas. Prioritizing the weak areas will prepare you for the test. If your physiology pretest score is 40% lower than anatomy, spend 40% more time on physiology.
Even though these are self paced, you need to set up a study tine. Once you have selected a web course, organize your schedule. You can also use online forums. They can give you insights. Some web programs already have this feature. Other extra elements are included. Be certain they add to the site’s usefulness and are not superfluous.
Several online courses for USMLE Step 1 are available in several sites. Although they all cover the basic subjects, not all of them have the same features.