Embark on an academic odyssey at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, where the future of healthcare unfolds. The 2024-2025 academic calendar marks a seminal chapter, unveiling a comprehensive schedule that empowers medical students to delve into the depths of the human body and the intricacies of patient care. From rigorous coursework to transformative clinical experiences, this meticulously crafted itinerary guides students on an unparalleled journey towards becoming exceptional physicians.
As the summer of 2024 dawns, aspiring healers will immerse themselves in the foundational pillars of medical knowledge. Coursework encompasses anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and ethics, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its complexities. Through immersive labs and interactive simulations, students engage in hands-on exploration, fostering a deep appreciation for the intricate workings of the human form. As the semester progresses, they embark on clinical rotations, stepping into hospitals and clinics, where they observe seasoned physicians and witness the art of patient care in action.
The spring semester of 2025 ushers in new challenges and opportunities. Students delve into advanced medical topics, including pharmacology, pathology, and immunology, expanding their knowledge base and refining their diagnostic skills. Concurrent clinical rotations provide invaluable exposure to a wide spectrum of medical specialties, allowing them to witness the practical application of theoretical concepts. By the end of the academic year, students will have honed their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clinical competence, preparing them for the next chapter in their medical careers – residency training and beyond. The VCU Med School 2024-2025 calendar is not merely a roadmap; it is a testament to the relentless pursuit of medical excellence, empowering students to shape the future of healthcare.
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar provides the schedule for all academic activities, including the start and end dates of each semester and term, exam dates, and holidays. It is important to consult the academic calendar to plan your schedule and ensure that you meet all deadlines.
The academic calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year is as follows:
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | August 25, 2024 | December 19, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | January 13, 2025 | May 8, 2025 |
The academic calendar is subject to change, so it is important to check the official VCU School of Medicine website for the most up-to-date information.
Residency and Fellowship Selection Cycle
The residency and fellowship selection cycle for the 2024-2025 academic year will begin in September 2023 and conclude in March 2024. The following is a timeline of key dates and deadlines:
**September 2023-October 15, 2023**: Residency and fellowship applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
October-November 2023: Programs review applications and select candidates for interviews.
December 2023-March 2024: Applicants interview with programs and rank their preferred programs.
March 15, 2024: Applicants submit their rank order lists to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
March 17, 2024: The NRMP releases match results.
Resident Selection Process
The residency selection process is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic record, board scores, letters of recommendation, and interview performance. In addition, programs may consider factors such as research experience, leadership qualities, and diversity.
The following table provides an overview of the residency selection process:
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application submission | September 2023-October 15, 2023 |
| Program review and interview selection | October-November 2023 |
| Interviews | December 2023-March 2024 |
| Rank order list submission | March 15, 2024 |
| Match results release | March 17, 2024 |
Application Deadlines
The VCU School of Medicine operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means that applications are reviewed and decisions are made as they are received. The deadlines for submitting an application for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:
Early Decision Program
The Early Decision Program is a binding program for students who are absolutely certain that VCU is their top choice. Students who apply through the Early Decision Program must submit their application by October 15, 2023 and agree to withdraw all other medical school applications if they are accepted to VCU. If accepted, students must also submit a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 by November 15, 2023.
Regular Decision Program
The Regular Decision Program is for students who are not yet ready to commit to VCU or who wish to have more time to complete their applications. Students who apply through the Regular Decision Program must submit their application by November 15, 2023.
Application Materials
All applicants to the VCU School of Medicine must submit the following materials:
| Required Materials |
|---|
| AMCAS application |
| MCAT scores |
| Three letters of recommendation |
| Personal statement |
| Official transcripts |
In addition to the required materials, applicants are also encouraged to submit the following optional materials:
| Optional Materials |
|---|
| Research experience |
| Volunteer experience |
| Work experience |
| Shadowing experience |
| Other relevant experience |
Interview Dates
Interviews for the VCU School of Medicine are typically held from October through March. The interview process consists of a series of one-on-one interviews with faculty members and current medical students.
Interview Schedule
The following table provides an overview of the interview schedule for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle:
| Month | Dates |
|---|---|
| October | 16-17, 23-24, 30-31 |
| November | 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 |
| December | 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 |
| January | 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 |
| February | 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 |
| March | 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 |
Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Applicants will be notified of their interview date and time once they have been selected for an interview.
Orientation and Matriculation
The orientation and matriculation process for the VCU School of Medicine class of 2025 will take place over several days in August 2024. During this time, new students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff, learn about the school’s curriculum and resources, and begin to build a sense of community with their classmates.
The orientation schedule is as follows:
Day 1
- Check-in and move into dorms
- Welcome reception
- Overview of the medical school curriculum
Day 2
- Meet with faculty and staff
- Tour of the medical school facilities
- Introduction to student services
Day 3
- Team-building activities
- Community service project
- White coat ceremony
Day 4
- Lectures on medical ethics and professionalism
- Simulation lab training
- Study skills workshop
Day 5
- First day of classes
- Clinical skills lab training
- Introduction to research opportunities
- Lunch with faculty and classmates
- Social event
By the end of orientation, new students will be well-prepared for the rigors of medical school and will have a strong foundation for their future careers as physicians.
Class Schedule and Curriculum
The VCU School of Medicine’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biomedical sciences and clinical medicine. The curriculum is divided into four years, with each year building upon the previous one. The first year focuses on the basic sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and physiology. The second year introduces students to clinical medicine through rotations in internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. The third year is devoted to more advanced clinical rotations, and the fourth year is dedicated to preparing students for residency.
Class Schedule
The VCU School of Medicine’s class schedule is designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue their academic and extracurricular interests. The schedule is divided into four blocks, with each block lasting approximately 10 weeks. During each block, students take a combination of core courses and electives. The core courses are required for all students, while the electives allow students to tailor their education to their individual interests.
Curriculum
The VCU School of Medicine’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences and clinical medicine. The curriculum is divided into six phases:
Phase 1: Foundations of Medicine (Year 1)
This phase introduces students to the basic sciences of medicine, including anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and physiology. Students also begin to develop their clinical skills through a series of clinical rotations.
Phase 2: Mechanisms of Disease (Year 2)
This phase builds on the foundation established in Phase 1 by exploring the mechanisms of disease. Students learn about the pathophysiology of common diseases and begin to develop their diagnostic and therapeutic skills.
Phase 3: Clinical Clerkships (Year 3)
This phase provides students with hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students rotate through internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry.
Phase 4: Advanced Clinical Rotations (Year 4)
This phase allows students to focus on their areas of interest. Students choose from a variety of elective rotations, including subspecialties in medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.
Phase 5: Residency Preparation (Year 4)
This phase prepares students for residency by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen specialty.
Phase 6: Capstone Experience (Year 4)
This phase allows students to complete a research project or other scholarly activity that demonstrates their mastery of the material covered in the curriculum.
Clinical Rotations
After completing their coursework, VCU medical students begin their clinical rotations in January of their third year. These rotations provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Students are assigned to different rotations based on their interests and career goals. The following are the required clinical rotations for VCU medical students:
Internal Medicine
This rotation introduces students to the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions in the hospital setting. Students will rotate through different internal medicine subspecialties, such as cardiology, pulmonology, and nephrology.
Surgery
This rotation provides students with experience in the operating room and in the care of surgical patients. Students will rotate through different surgical subspecialties, such as general surgery, orthopedics, and urology.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
This rotation introduces students to the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Students will also learn about gynecologic conditions and their management.
Pediatrics
This rotation provides students with experience in the diagnosis and management of common pediatric conditions. Students will rotate through different pediatric subspecialties, such as neonatology, cardiology, and hematology/oncology.
Psychiatry
This rotation introduces students to the diagnosis and management of mental health conditions. Students will learn about different psychiatric disorders and their treatment options.
Family Medicine
This rotation provides students with experience in the care of patients in the outpatient setting. Students will learn about the principles of family medicine and the management of common health conditions.
Elective Rotation
Students will complete one elective rotation in a clinical area of their choice. This rotation allows students to explore their interests and gain additional experience in a specific field.
| Rotation | Length |
|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | 12 weeks |
| Surgery | 10 weeks |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 8 weeks |
| Pediatrics | 8 weeks |
| Psychiatry | 6 weeks |
| Family Medicine | 6 weeks |
| Elective Rotation | 4 weeks |
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from VCU School of Medicine, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Complete 138 credit hours
This includes required coursework in the following areas:
* Basic sciences
* Clinical sciences
* Behavioral sciences
* Health policy and management
* Research
2. Pass the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams
These exams assess students’ knowledge of basic sciences and clinical medicine.
3. Complete a residency program
A residency program is a period of supervised training in a specific medical specialty.
4. Meet the requirements of the Virginia Board of Medicine
This includes obtaining a medical license and completing continuing medical education.
5. Maintain a satisfactory academic record
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
6. Demonstrate professionalism
Students must exhibit professionalism in all aspects of their medical education.
7. Uphold the VCU School of Medicine Honor Code
Students must adhere to the Honor Code, which promotes honesty and integrity.
8. Complete a capstone project
The capstone project is a research or quality improvement project that demonstrates students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.
The capstone project must meet the following criteria:
* Be original research or quality improvement work.
* Be feasible and able to be completed within the time frame of the medical school curriculum.
* Have a clear and achievable goal.
* Be supervised by a faculty mentor.
* Be presented at a regional or national medical conference.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
VCU School of Medicine offers a wide range of post-graduate programs, including:
Residency Programs
VCU Health System operates 49 residency and 14 fellowship programs across 61 clinical disciplines. Residents receive comprehensive training in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
Fellowship Programs
VCU offers 14 fellowship programs that provide advanced training in subspecialized areas of medicine. Fellows have opportunities to conduct clinical research and gain experience in specialized clinical environments.
Masters and PhD Programs
VCU School of Medicine offers four biomedical graduate programs: Master of Science in Anatomy and Neurobiology, Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics, and PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
Certificate Programs
VCU offers several certificate programs to complement the medical education of residents, fellows, and practicing physicians. These programs include: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Critical Care Medicine, Dermatology, Global Health, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program provides a two-year research training opportunity for international health professionals who hold a medical degree recognized by their country of origin.
Medical Education Scholars Program
The Medical Education Scholars Program is a two-year program that prepares clinicians to serve as future leaders in medical education at VCU and beyond.
Research Training Opportunities
VCU School of Medicine offers a variety of research training opportunities for medical students, residents, fellows, and post-doctoral fellows. Students can gain experience in clinical research, basic science research, and translational research.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
VCU School of Medicine offers postdoctoral fellowships in a variety of biomedical research areas. Postdoctoral fellows conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of tuition and fees at VCU Med School can vary depending on your residency status. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for the 2024-2025 academic year:
In-State Tuition
For Virginia residents, the estimated tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | $26,304 | $2,852 | $29,156 |
| Second Year | $26,304 | $2,852 | $29,156 |
| Third Year | $27,392 | $2,852 | $30,244 |
| Fourth Year | $27,392 | $2,852 | $30,244 |
Out-of-State Tuition
For non-Virginia residents, the estimated tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | $47,176 | $2,852 | $50,028 |
| Second Year | $47,176 | $2,852 | $50,028 |
| Third Year | $48,528 | $2,852 | $51,380 |
| Fourth Year | $48,528 | $2,852 | $51,380 |
VCU Med School Calendar 2024-2025
The VCU Med School calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year has been released. The calendar includes important dates and deadlines for students, faculty, and staff. Some of the key dates on the calendar include:
- Fall semester classes begin on August 19, 2024
- Spring semester classes begin on January 19, 2025
- Final exams for the fall semester will be held from December 12-19, 2024
- Final exams for the spring semester will be held from May 12-19, 2025
- Commencement will be held on May 25, 2025
The full calendar can be found on the VCU Med School website.
People Also Ask About VCU Med School Calendar 2024-2025
What is the deadline to apply to VCU Med School for the 2024-2025 academic year?
The deadline to apply to VCU Med School for the 2024-2025 academic year is October 15, 2023.
What are the tuition costs for VCU Med School for the 2024-2025 academic year?
The tuition costs for VCU Med School for the 2024-2025 academic year are $31,986 for Virginia residents and $57,834 for out-of-state students.
What are the housing options for students at VCU Med School?
VCU Med School offers a variety of housing options for students, including on-campus apartments, off-campus apartments, and houses. More information about housing options can be found on the VCU Med School website.
