Whether you're ready to complete step 1, 2, or 3 of the USMLE, Varsity Tutors can set you up with one-on-one USMLE prep courses to help you study. We specialize in helping students like you connect with private USMLE classes that may be adapted to your unique needs, making us one of the most trustworthy names in the test prep space!
Passing each step of the United States Medical Licensing Exam, or USMLE, is required for anyone who wants to become a licensed medical professional in the United States. The exam consists of three "steps" designed to complement one another in order to assess a physician's ability to apply medical knowledge and demonstrate patient-centered care.
The USMLE is sponsored by both the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) as a single exam that gives doctors a standardized path to licensure across the United States, no matter where they trained.
Whether you're a student in med school in the U.S. or Canada planning for steps 1 or 2, or you've earned your degree and are excited to start preparing for step 3, getting help through a Varsity Tutors USMLE course could give your test preparation the boost you need. Varsity Tutors also offers USMLE courses to professionals from outside the US and Canada who are enrolled in or have graduated from a medical school that meets the ECFMG requirements.
Each step of the USMLE requires you to either answer questions or perform skills for a full day, or two full days in the case of step 3. That means not only covering a vast amount of content, but also demonstrating the stamina needed to be a medical professional. There's no reason you should have to prepare for any part of the USMLE on your own when Varsity Tutors can offer comprehensive USMLE prep classes with a knowledgeable instructor. Because of the private tutoring setting, each USMLE class can be planned based solely around your particular study needs.
This makes the USMLE course set up for you by Varsity Tutors much more adaptable than a generic USMLE course. USMLE tutors can evaluate your understanding as you go through each subject, and prepare USMLE class sessions that focus on the concepts or skills you find challenging. Once you've mastered a particular subject, you can instantly move on to the next one. This provides maximum studying efficiency, and as a busy medical student or professional, your time is already limited.
Would Taking A USMLE Course Near Me Help Me Understand What I Need To Know?
To get an idea of what each exam looks like on test day, review the information below:
Test 1:
- 280 multiple choice questions
- divided into seven 60-minute blocks
- One day test session
Test 2(Clinical knowledge):
- 316 multiple choice questions
- divided into eight 60-minute blocks
- One day test session
Test 2(Clinical Skills):
- 12 patient cases: 15 minutes for each patient encounter plus 10 minutes to record each patient note
- Administered at six test centers in the US - Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia(2)
- Composed of three subcomponents: Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Integrated Clinical Encounter, and Spoken English Proficiency
- One day test session
Test 3:
Day 1:
- Approximately 233 multiple- choice test questions divided into six 60-minute blocks. Each contains approximately 40 questions
- One-day test session.
Day 2:
- Approximately 180 multiple-choice test questions, divided into six 45-minute blocks, each containing approximately 30 questions
- Thirteen computer-based case simulations. Each simulation is allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real time
- One-day test session
All of those tests are gigantic, so let's take a closer look at how a USMLE class could help you prepare for them:
Step 1
Step 1 is the first USMLE exam taken, generally during your second year of medical school when foundational scientific concepts are freshest in your mind. It is a basic science test evaluating whether you have the academic knowledge necessary to act as a medical professional. You may need to interpret medical charts and graphs, identify and differentiate pathogenic specimens from their normal counterparts, and apply your medical knowledge to real-world problem-solving situations. You have probably been answering similar science questions since high school, so your USMLE prep course may approach it like a standard science exam.
For example, you might review flashcards during your USMLE prep classes to learn all of the requisite medical terminology. Alternatively, your sessions could concentrate on the Latin roots of medical words to help you decipher the meaning of any unfamiliar terms you encounter on test day.
Likewise, your one-on-one USMLE class may be adapted to your unique learning style. If you are more of a visual learner, your instructor might use scale models and other visual aids to help illustrate how the body's core systems work. If you are more of an auditory student, your tutor may instead provide informative lectures with oral repetition to emphasize the most important points. Either approach is valid, but large USMLE courses generally force students into a particular approach instead of adapting to their unique needs.
Step 2
As noted above, Step 2 of the USMLE is divided into two tests: Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills). Step 2 CK is comparable to Step 1, except it's a little bit longer and begins to approach topics through the lenses of medical specializations such as pediatrics and family medicine. All of the clinical science material on the exam is viewed through the prism of physician task and disease to make it more practical for a medical student approaching the finish line. A USMLE class can help you prepare for these topics in the same way as listed for Step 1.
Step 2 CS utilizes a completely different format. You will meet with a total of 12 standardized patients while experienced physicians evaluate your ability to collect medical histories, perform physical examinations, and communicate your findings to patients and colleagues alike. If interpersonal skills have never been your forte, you might roleplay with your instructor during USMLE prep courses to gain experience with what you need to say and how to say it.
Some of your simulated patient interactions on test day may also happen on the telephone. This makes it harder, as you cannot see any symptoms or read body language to help you determine what a patient needs. Thankfully, you may be able to call your tutor to practice these interactions during a USMLE prep class.
Once you have enough information to deliver a diagnosis, you need to type up a "patient note" to simulate drawing up a medical record for the patient in question. You must clearly express your ideas in writing within a 10-minute time frame, so you may wish to practice outlining your thoughts in a USMLE course to make sure that you can convey the information effectively.
Step 3
Passing Step 3 is the final step toward earning a license for the unsupervised practice of medicine in the United States, and it's challenging. The first day covers the Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP), including topics such as biostatistics, population health, interpretation of medical literature, patient safety, and medical ethics. This requires multiple academic skills you may wish to review in a USMLE prep class.
For instance, a student who has a hard time deciphering dense medical literature may practice active reading in their USMLE classes to retain more of what they read. Alternatively, somebody who dreads working with biostatistics may review underlying mathematical concepts during their USMLE course.
The second day covers Advanced Clinical Medicine, including concepts such as diagnoses, patient outcomes, medical decision-making, and therapeutics. The test begins with multiple-choice questions but also includes 13 computer-based case simulations that require you to provide patient care in real time.
If you have been wondering how you would react when a real patient is deteriorating before your eyes, the case simulations are designed to place you in that situation. You might want to complete several practice ones during your USMLE prep courses so you're not going in blind.
How Else Can A USMLE Class Near Me Help Me Build My Study Skills?
Another way your USMLE prep class instructor can help you prepare is to administer practice tests using questions like the ones on the exam. The only way to get a realistic sense for how intellectually draining these exams are is to experience it firsthand. In fact, improving your mental stamina may be one of the biggest benefits of USMLE prep classes. Practice tests can also help you identify what your academic strengths are, as well as any areas of opportunity you might want to spend more USMLE prep course time on.
As crazy as it sounds, time management is also an important consideration on the USMLE exams. Since the questions are organized into 60-minute blocks, you are constantly under the gun even though you have a total of 8-9 hours of work to do. Your instructor may show you test-taking tips to help you complete the exam as efficiently as possible. There is no penalty for guessing on any USMLE exam, so you should try to answer every question.
Here is a USMLE sample question to give you an initial picture of what exam items might look like:
A 32-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus has had progressive renal failure over the past 2 years. She has not yet started dialysis. Examination shows no abnormalities. Her hemoglobin concentration is 9 g/dL, hematocrit is 28%, and mean corpuscular volume is 94 μm^3. A blood smear shows normochromic, normocytic cells. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
(A) Acute blood loss
(B) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(C) Erythrocyte enzyme deficiency
(D) Erythropoietin deficiency
(E) Immunohemolysis
(F) Microangiopathic hemolysis
(G) Polycythemia vera
(H) Sickle cell disease
(I) Sideroblastic anemia
(J) β-Thalassemia trait
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About The USMLE?
All USMLE exams are administered at specialized testing labs except the Step 2 CS, which still takes place in a controlled environment. You are prohibited from bringing reference materials with you to any of these tests, so plan on completing all of your test prep before you sit down for the exam. Likewise, make sure you understand all of the exam's rules before you begin.
For instance, you have 15 minutes to interact with each patient on the Step 2 CS and 10 minutes more to write up your patient note. If you feel that you have collected all of the information you need early, you may leave the patient room and apply the remaining time to your patient note. However, you cannot re-enter the patient room, nor can you use the time saved on one patient on another. Similarly, certain medical tests are prohibited during the exam even if they would be valid for the situation at hand.
The USMLE has regularly-scheduled breaks when you can use the restroom or grab something to eat, but any "unscheduled" breaks will use some of your testing time. Since time is already at a premium, you should probably avoid drinking a lot of liquids the morning of your exam to minimize time lost to nature's call.
Why Should I Trust Varsity Tutors With USMLE Test Prep Near Me?
We offer an exclusive Live Learning Platform that facilitates digital study sessions for optimal efficiency. You can meet with your instructor online and receive face-to-face instruction without the hassle of attending a physical class. We also try to match every student with an instructor who meets their scheduling needs for added flexibility.
There's a reason that doctors are so highly regarded in the United States and around the world. You study for so many years, learn so much, and work so hard to earn your license so that you can help people in the most desperate situations. Allow Varsity Tutors to help you prepare for your future as a medical professional by contacting us today and signing up for a private USMLE prep course that you can start right away. What are you waiting for? End your search for "USMLE prep near me" today!

Sugi: USMLE course instructor
...of Medicine and previously graduated from Rice University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. I have served on admissions interview committees for Rice and Baylor College of Medicine, have mentored and edited essays for numerous college and graduate school applicants, and served as a private tutor and classroom instructor for Advanced Biology and Chemistry courses for 3+ years. I am passionate about creating custom, individualized teaching...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
- Baylor College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmic Technology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- Test Prep
- +59 subjects

Antonio: USMLE course instructor
I like to be creative and adapt to the learning style of a student. My goal is to make learning fun and never feel like a chore.... Adapt to what kind of learning the student best responds to; that way learning is fun and easy going, and never frustrating.... Get to know each other a bit, in order to know how to approach each topic the best way possible.... I think making different suggestions on how I taught myself, the material could bring some insight to someone in how to go about understanding the topic.
Education & Certification
- The Texas AM University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- UAG school of medicine - PHD, Medical doctor
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- AP Physics 2
- Other
- +59 subjects

Andrew : USMLE course instructor
...decided to change directions and pursue a career in medicine. As I go to school part time and prepare for my MCAT, I am tutoring physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry, here at Varsity Tutors with my spare time. I graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and then obtained my Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stony Brook University. I'm able to tutor physics, math, chemistry, and...
Education & Certification
- New York Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
- Stony Brook University - Masters, Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Chemistry
- Algebra
- +45 subjects

Mahdika: USMLE course instructor
...information becomes effortless. Finding that gem is the key- and this is where having a tutor can really help you excel. Often students do not have as much difficulty understanding a topic, if only it is presented in a manner they personally can digest. I believe that we all have the potential to do great things, in our studies, our personal lives, and in the lives of others- we just have to take that initiative....
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biology & Biochemistry
- Touro University Nevada - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- COMLEX
- SAT Reading Prep Course
- Middle School Math
- +187 subjects

Natalie: USMLE course instructor
...because, in addition to medicine, I love to teach and feel that this field will allow me to practice both. After graduating from UNLV with a Bachelor of Biology, I attended Touro University Nevada and earned a Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences. During the program, I took first year medical school courses including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, histology and embryology. After completion of my degree, I continued to tutor master students in biochemistry...
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Touro University Nevada - Master of Science, Medical Health Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 3
- PCAT Chemistry
- +33 subjects

Oygul: USMLE course instructor
...2014, I took a few years to conduct basic science research in mitochondrial physiology. At the same time, I became an instructor in college Biology laboratory and discovered I really enjoyed teaching. Since then, I have tutored college Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and helped students prepare for MCAT. In addition to building the knowledge base, I like to emphasize critical thinking and problem solving. After 7 years of tutoring, I became aware of many social...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Middle School Math
- UK A Level Russian
- +86 subjects
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelors, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Trigonometry
- Physics
- SAT Math
- +20 subjects

Yasser: USMLE course instructor
...1 year of residency training in Surgery, in the USA, helps me put a lot of confidence in my tutoring methods. Understand concepts. Understand symptomatology. Understand how to think like a physician, not a student. Understand the way the examiner put both the question and the answer. Understand the flow of information in the medical exams. How to train your mind to think fast about the answer because the exam is very long. If you...
Education & Certification
- Fayoum University - Bachelor of Science, Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
- Ain shams University - Doctor of Medicine, Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 1
- +7 subjects

Jarett: USMLE course instructor
...doctor informed her of his need to clean out her wound with tools, Elisa's face became blank with fear. Noting her anxiety, his assistant and I took her hands and reassured her that everything would be well. As the doctor treated the wound, removing the infected tissue and fluid, Elisa grimaced with pain and clung tightly to our hands. After her wound had been dressed, she was given an antibiotic and invited to rest her...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- COMLEX
- +27 subjects
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Clinical Laboratory Science
- Allied American University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- CLS - Clinical Laboratory Science
- Elementary School Math
- Algebra 2
- +17 subjects

Fiona: USMLE course instructor
...soul." - Dame Rebecca West I am a resident physician with a decade of tutoring experience, including a teaching assistantship in physics while at Boston University, where I also completed a 32-hour course on didactic methods in STEM teaching in BU School of Education. A former anatomy teaching assistant in medical school, I matched my top choice of specialty with a >90th percentile Step 2 at a program where I perennially get to teach medical...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor of Science, Physiology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- GRE Subject Tests
- +8 subjects

Sanjul: USMLE course instructor
...of medical school and have an interest in specializing in Oncology. I did my undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Pre-Professional Healthcare. I love to teach Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Pathology. My teaching style relies heavily on the use of visual aids to help my students understand concepts in a 3D plane! In my free time I like to partake in boxing, play tennis,...
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Test Prep
- OAT
- PCAT
- +60 subjects

Jordan: USMLE course instructor
...Family Medicine and was born and raised in a family of teachers and educators. I really enjoy learning and teaching and the process of deconstructing things down to their most digestible parts. I am a big advocate of making things fun and trying to bring the material to life. I have experience tutoring all ages, and in a wide range of disciplines. I look forward to helping you or you child meet your goals in...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Neuroscience
- AP Environmental Science
- +66 subjects

Collin: USMLE course instructor
...University. Before medical school, I worked for a year and a half as a biomedical engineer and research fellow in Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha. I also have worked with the department of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in conjunction with the University of Missouri- Kansas City. I graduated with a bachelor of science in Biological...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- AP Physics 2
- +55 subjects

Deepa: USMLE course instructor
...true potential. I feel that building self-esteem and confidence in and out of the classroom can set the tone for future success. I have worked with students of all ages and have substituted taught middle school and high school science for about 5 years all in between completing medical school. I have a B.A. degree in Biology as well as Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). I tutor a wide range of subjects including the USMLE Step...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Albany - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- International American University College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CS
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- +22 subjects

Pooja: USMLE course instructor
...Case Western Reserve University, a year early, with a bachelors degree in Biochemistry. My science background has taught me the value of good teaching, and has consequently impacted how I, myself tutor students. I tutor students in the SAT/ACT math and writing sections, biological sciences, and middle school level math/algebra. My goal in tutoring each student is to not only get the student to understand the material, but to also enjoy their process of learning!
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Anatomy
- College English
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +33 subjects

Krystyn: USMLE course instructor
...few things when I was young: math and medicine. I was the top in my class for math scores, but I knew that could not take me into a career I would love. For that reason, I majored in chemistry and minored in mathematics at Villanova University before starting medical school. I can help you get through your big exam, your semester, or maybe even the homework you have to cram for tomorrow! I hope...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine - Current Grad Student, Sports Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CS
- USMLE Step 1
- NCLEX
- +69 subjects

Kaushal: USMLE course instructor
...serious about helping students study, because I have struggled as a student and know what it takes to improve significantly. My experience working with students has been positive as we work one-on-one and set goals with realistic expectations. I received my medical education (M.D.) from the American University of Antigua in the West Indies and undergraduate education from the University of Massachusetts (BSc). I matriculated into family medicine residency and am working towards medical education...
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelor of Science, Microbiology
- American University of Antigua - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 3
- +68 subjects

Dr. Nevein: USMLE course instructor
...Lymphedema Therapist (Lymphology Association of North America Certified), and Academy of Lymphatic Studies Instructor teaching Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Courses for managing diverse lymphedema conditions in the United States. I am originally from Egypt, and I moved to the United States almost 15 years ago. By profession, I used to work as a Licensed Medical Doctor, specialized in Dermatology, Venerology, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Egypt. I believe my solid medical background...
Education & Certification
- Tanta University Faculty of Medicine - Bachelor of Science, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - Doctor of Medicine, Health and Physical Fitness
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- EMT - Emergency Medical Technicians
- +38 subjects

Priya: USMLE course instructor
...young: art and medicine. I was the top in my class in art classes, but I knew that could not take me into a career with a fulfilling level of mental challenge. For that reason, I majored in Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Maryland before starting medical school in India. USMLE board exams are anything but easy, and continue to be unlike any other exams. The method and discipline of preparation required...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor in Arts, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- American University of Saint Vincent School of Medicine - Diploma, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 1
- +29 subjects