Since 1934, Kern Medical has been training residents and
health care professionals in our community.
Academics
Application & Scheduling
Application Timetable
| Clerkship Period Desired | Application Open | Accepted/Denied Response |
|---|---|---|
|
December 7, 2026 to
June 20, 2027 |
Open now until 1 month before start date | September – October 2026 |
| June 21, 2027 to January 2, 2028 | February 2027 |
April –
May 2027 |
| January 3, 2028 to June 28, 2028 | August 2027 | September – October 2027 |
Application
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and COMP-Northwest Medical Students: Please submit your completed application along a copy of your up-to-date university transcripts (unofficial), COMLEX and/or USMLE Step scores. You will receive a response via email when your application has been received. Please note that calling to see if paperwork has been received is highly discouraged and will only prolong the scheduling process.
Please submit the application here
MD and DO students enrolled in a U.S. LCME-accredited school, COCA-accredited, AACOM member college, please submit your application using AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO), https://students-residents.aamc.org/attending-medical-school/article/visiting-student-learning-opportunities/.
International Medical Students: Kern Medical currently accepts students from American University of Antigua, Medical University of the Americas, Saba University School of Medicine, Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine, Western Atlantic University School of Medicine, and on occasion, international medical students from other medical schools that demonstrate close and specific ties to Kern County. Please submit your completed application along with a copy of your USMLE Step I score, along with an up-to-date university transcript (unofficial).
Please submit the application here
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates for Kern Medical’s Visiting Clerkship Program have:
- A “Pass” score on the first attempt on the USMLE Step I score or COMLEX Score for Osteopathic Medical Students.
- Good academic standing at their medical school (verification by medicine school required).
- An ability to communicate and are fluent in English (a TOEFL examination is required for International Medical Students). In addition, International students must have permanent residency or US citizenship; or can provide proper Visa documents allowing the right to work in the United States.
- Must be a 4th year Medical Student that has completed all core rotations.
Start Dates
Please refer to our Medical Student Academic Rotation Calendar to select weeks that fit your schedule:
Length
Clerkships are four weeks in length. Visiting students are limited to 16 weeks (four 4-week rotations) initially. Additional rotations may be considered after at least one rotation is successfully completed.
Cancellations
If there is an emergency and the confirmed rotation cannot be completed, a $350 cancellation fee will incur if notification of the cancellation is not given within 30 days of the scheduled rotation.