The Step 2 Clinical Skills exam measures bedside manner and real-world problem solving as students interact with people acting as patients.
Students must pay $1,275 to register for the exam.
Students must also pay for travel and lodging, given that the exam is only available in five cities nationwide. The exam is also usually administered during the fourth year, right around the time students are interviewing for residency programs.
Students suggest medical schools offer a similar exam that is free of charge
The campaign has gained the support of nearly 16,500 students, residents and physicians from more than 130 medical schools since March, according to the report.
Licensing board officials said that the exam serves as a quality control measure and that students must undergo independent standardized testing in order to provide patients with the best possible care. It remains unclear whether the exam improves patient outcomes, however.
More articles on hospital and physician issues:
We asked 13 physicians what they really think of their hospital
TriHealth lures 3 cardiologists from rival health system
California hospital to bring in ApolloMed hospitalists