Medical Education

• Academic Support and Success Center
• Financial Aid
• Office of Clinical Education
• Registrar

The information below is a list of frequently asked questions of LUCOM students that have been collected by a group of peers. Questions not addressed here may be found throughout the LUCOM website. If you are having difficulty finding information about a particular topic, please reach out to the corresponding department directly.

1. Are LUCOM students required to take COMLEX or USMLE? Or both?
   All LUCOM students are required to take the COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the Board Exams of the United States). Students should review and understand the requirements outlined in Academic Catalog which outlines expectations for successful completion. Students may elect to take USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), but it is not a requirement of the COM. Students applying to residency in particular specialties may find it advantageous to consider taking USMLE. LUCOM’s clinical deans, and those working closely with them, will provide some guidance regarding these decisions.
2. When should students begin studying for board exams?
   Board preparation will vary from student to student, as there is not a single best way to study. Each student should carefully consider what board preparation and study will look like for them. It is recommended that students consider a study plan that runs parallel or is interrelated to studying for their LUCOM courses through the OMS-II year.
3. What resources are available for board prep?
   View COMSAE and COMLEX Medical Boards.
4. What is LUCOM’s Remediation Policy?
   The Remediation Policy is found in the Academic Catalog.
5. Where can students find information about the Medical Library?
   View Medical Library.
6. What Mental Health Resources are available to LUCOM Students?
   View Health Services.
7. What is FERPA?
   Students can learn more about FERPA here or by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
8. Where can students find information about Title IX?
   Liberty University is committed to providing a safe learning, living, and working environment for the Liberty community. More information can be found on the Liberty University Office of Equal Rights & Title IX.
9. Where can students find information on disability accommodations at LUCOM?
   Information on disability accommodations can be found in the Academic Catalog. The Disability Accommodation Request Form is found on the LUCOM website under Academic Documents and Forms.
10. Where can information about rotation sites be found?
    A listing of Core Rotation Sites can be found on the Office of Clinical Education page. For additional information, email LUCOMClinicalEducation@liberty.edu.
11. What is the LUCOM Dress Code?
    Details about the LUCOM Dress Code are found in the Academic Catalog and course-specific requirements are outlined in the course syllabus in Canvas.
12. What extra expenses might students incur in the first year at LUCOM?
    In addition to the published Tuition and Fees, students should budget for other educational and living expenses such as books, supplies, medical equipment, health insurance, travel, room and board, and other personal expenses.  For guidance on how to secure financial aid to help cover these expenses, please contact the LUCOM Office of Financial Aid.
13. What can I do if I need access to funds before my loans or other financial aid disburses to the school?
    An early refund of up to $3,000 is available during the first three weeks of class for students who are in good academic standing.  You can request an early refund by completing the “Early Refund Request Form” on the LUCOM Academic Documents and Forms.
14. Where can students learn more about LUCOM Match results?
    View LUCOM Match results.
15. What research opportunities are available to LUCOM students?
    Opportunities for student research can be found on the Center for Research page or email LUCOMResearch@liberty.edu.
16. What student organizations are available at LUCOM?
    A listing of student organizations can be found in the Academic Catalog.

Un-planned

Funeral: The following is a list of family members or a spouse’s (or fiancée) family members for whom the student may be excused to attend the funeral of:

• Spouse
• Child
• Sibling
• Parent
• Grandparent/Great-grandparent
• Aunt/Uncle

Birth: The following is a list of whom would be excused in the event of a birth:

• Student
• Spouse
• Child

Pre-planned: As a reminder, LUCOM policy requires that requests for pre-planned absences must be submitted at least 30 days in advance.

Wedding: The following is a list of family members or a spouse’s (or fiancée) family members for whom the student may be excused to attend the wedding of:

• The student
• Sibling
• Parent
• Grandparent/Great-grandparent
• Child

Graduation: The following is a list of family members for whom the student may be excused to attend the graduation of:

• Spouse
• Child
• Parent
• Sibling

Honors/Recognitions Ceremonies: These are varied and unique and are considered on a case-by-case basis but events that may be considered include:

• Swearing in for the BAR, special military honors, etc. for immediate family members

We do not grant excused absences for White Coat ceremonies