Have you heard the news?! In an exciting move, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has introduced a Fee Assistance program to support med students’ fees for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations® (USMLE®) in 2024. This is a crucial step towards making medical education more accessible—after all, financial strain shouldn’t determine who gets to wear a white coat. 🧑⚕️
In this post, we’ll break down everything to know about the new program, who’s eligible, and how to apply. Let’s dive in!
Why are financial aid programs important for med students?
The cost of medical education can be daunting, and exam fees are a significant part of that financial weight. Fee assistance programs like NBME’s not only alleviate these costs but also play a crucial role in promoting diversity and equity within the medical field.
With fewer financial barriers, more students from a wide variety of backgrounds can pursue their dreams of becoming physicians. This diversity enriches the medical community and fosters a healthcare system that better represents and serves all populations. 🤝
Who qualifies for the program?
The NBME Fee Assistance program offers $670 awards to 1,340 medical students registered for the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK exams. This financial assistance aims to offset the exam registration costs, making it easier for students to focus on their studies rather than financial stress.
To qualify for this program, applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the eligibility criteria:
- Be U.S. citizens or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval.
- Be eligible to take the USMLE and currently enrolled in an LCME- or COCA-accredited medical school in the U.S. or select designated schools in the Caribbean (see the full list on the NMF website).
- Have registered for the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK exam in 2024.
- Provide a valid USMLE ID number.
- Have not been referred for disciplinary actions related to USMLE or NBME exams.
How do I apply for the Fee Assistance program?
If you’d like to be considered for this year’s program, you’ll need to act quickly! Applications are due by October 16, 2024. The application process involves a few steps:
1. Gather necessary documentation:
- USMLE ID
- Verification of citizenship
- Academic transcripts
- Enrollment verification
- Loan history from studentaid.gov
2. Ensure you have either completed or received your scheduling permit for the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK exams within the eligible timeframe (January 1, 2024, to October 16, 2024).
3. Visit the National Medical Fellowships (NMF) Scholarships and Awards webpage to access the application form.
4. Submit your completed application before the October 16 deadline.
How else can I receive financial assistance during med school?
Aside from the Fee Assistance program, there are plenty of additional ways to receive financial aid during medical school. Here are some options to consider:
Federal Student Aid: The U.S. Department of Education offers various forms of financial assistance, including grants and loans, for students pursuing higher education. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility.
Private Scholarships: Many organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for medical students. These can range from general scholarships based on academic merit or financial need, to those geared towards specific demographics or fields of study. You can explore various scholarships on the NMF website.
State Assistance Programs: Some states have their own programs that provide financial aid for medical students, such as loan forgiveness programs in exchange for service in underserved areas. Check with your state’s department of higher education to see what options are available.
💸 For a breakdown of how to manage your finances from pre-med through residency and beyond, check out this interview with a Blueprint tutor and a financial advisor!
What’s next?
If you’re a med student in need of an extra financial boost this exam season, we absolutely recommend you apply for the Fee Assistance program!
And in case you’re looking to lighten the load in the meantime, Blueprint has some ✨free✨ prep resources designed to make medical education more accessible for all:
🗓️ Customize a FREE study planner
📈 Start your FREE trial for the Step 2 & Shelf Exams Qbank
👩💻 Join our FREE webinars
📓 Download the FREE USMLE guide
Best of luck on your medical journey—we’re rooting for you here at Blueprint! And stay tuned for more initiatives to help close the financial gap in medicine 💙
