Thomas Jefferson University

Information For

Clinical Electives Process

NOTICE: As of February 1, 2021 International Visiting Students are limited by the current travel policies of the State of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia, as well as from countries listed as a CDC Level 3 COVID-19 threat risk (or higher). All other policies regarding International Visiting Students are still in effect.

Domestic Visiting Medical students: SKMC has adopted the recommendations from the Coalition for Physician Accountability for the 2021-2022 Clinical  Year. 

  • We will not accept Visiting Students for rotations prior to an August 1st start. We may adjust the date based on conditions at the time.
  • Our application will open on April 15 in VSAS, learners may begin applying for and scheduling in-person away rotations with a start date of August 1, 2021, or later.
  • We will not send acceptances prior to May 1.
  • Visiting Students will be limited to 1 rotation away rotations in any specialty. Home institutions should verify learners have not completed or been accepted to other away rotations opportunities.
  • Some departments may offer Virtual electives. These are for credit and are full online courses. Those courses will be available for application through VSAS.
  • All Visiting Students must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to starting their rotation at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

For the most recent CDC COVID-19 information, please visit the
CDC's Coronavirus website.

To apply for a clinical elective at Thomas Jefferson University, you must submit:

  1. Visiting Student Application
    1. Domestic: Available through VSAS
    2. International: for Students from International Medical Colleges
  2. Official Transcript
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  4. Proof of Health Insurance
  5. Evidence of Malpractice Insurance
  6. HIPAA Training Certificate
  7. BLS/ACLS Certificate
  8. USMLE Step 1 Test Results (required)
  9. Proof of Mask/Respirator fit (SKMC form required)
  10. Acknowledgment Student will follow Coalition Guidelines
  11. Acknowledement of COVID patient contact guidelines
Prior to beginning a rotation at Thomas Jefferson University, Human Resources will work with Visiting Students to complete the following. Please allow time to complete the clearances as you will not permitted to begin unless the results have been obtained:
  1. Criminal Background Check
    (must be within one year of the start of your elective)
  2. Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
    (must be within one year of the start of your elective)
  3. Immunization History
  4. Drug Screening
  5. Proof of COVID-19 Immunization

Domestic Medical Visiting Students

Students from U.S. Medical Colleges should apply using the Domestic Medical Student Application in VSAS.  We are unable to give updates as to the status of an application or the availability of space.

The application deadline is six weeks prior to the start of the block.

Once an offer of acceptance is made, students must confirm their attendance in 14 days or the offer is recinded.

COVID-19 Visiting Student Policy

COVID-19 has interrupted the clinical education of most, if not all, medical students. It is a medical school’s responsibility to regulate away rotations in an effort to maintain safety, promote equity, and promote well-being. The SKMC Policy on visiting students has been formulated in accordance with the recommendations of The Coalition for Physician Accountability’s Work Group.

Visiting students will begin no earlier than August 1st, 2021.  Not all departments will offer in-person clinical experience. Visiting students may be required to quarantine for two weeks or under-go testing based on the requirements of Pennsyvlania or the City of Philadelphia at the time of rotation.

Online, four-week virtual visiting rotations may be offered by SKMC Departments.

International Medical Students
2021-2022 Not currently accepting International Visiting Students)

All students attending an international medical school, regardless of citizenship status, is considered an international medical student. International medical students will only be accepted from the following medical schools. 

  • West China University (China)
  • Universidad CES  (Colombia - Medellín)
  • KLE University India (India)
  • Ben-Gurion (Israel)
  • Technion Medical College (Israel)
  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)
  • Cattolica Medical School in Rome (Universitá del Sacro Cuore) (Italy)
  • The University of Bologna (Italy)
  • The University of Minho (Portugal)
  • St. George's University of London (UK)

Application Deadline

International students must apply six (6) months prior to the start of the rotation.

Students interested in research or observerships must work directly with the clinical department of interest.

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