Advanced Studies Electives U.S. Visiting Students

Thank you for your interest in the T.H. Chan School or Medicine. In the spirit of collaboration and a mutual pursuit of greater knowledge, we are proud to resume our practice of welcoming Visiting Students from across the globe for a world class learning experience. We plan to open our VSLO catalog for public view in the beginning of April 2024, and we’ll start accepting applications April 15.

Applying for a UMass elective:  Applications for electives must be made through VSLO. Our institution name is "T.H. Chan School of Medicine”.

UMass electives are offered in four-week blocks of time. A maximum of 2 four-week electives (8 weeks) are allowed per student each academic year. Elective dates are posted on the VSLO website. We are unable to accommodate rotation dates that do not match our own schedule.

Completed VSLO applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior the start date of the requested elective.

The administrative fee for electives is $106, non-refundable payment assessed for each accepted elective in VSLO. If you are offered an elective experience, you will receive or PayPal link via email.

Application includes the following supporting documentation be uploaded to VSLO:

• Home School verification of the student’s statements of Good Standing, HIPAA & OSHA Training, BLS Training, Personal Health Insurance, Completion of Core Clerkships, Malpractice/Liability insurance limits and Passing of Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 is required.  Malpractice/Liability Insurance minimums are $1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate.
• CV
• Official Transcript
• Photo
• A completed AAMC Standardized Immunization Form (available on VSLO), including lab reports documenting proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella/Chicken Pox and Hepatitis B as required on the form (documentation is NOT required for MMR or varicella if you can prove 2 doses of each vaccine). Proof of seasonal flu vaccine and COVID vaccine and booster is also required.
• Note:  students may be required to get a TB Test (QGold or Quantiferon) within 30 days of the start of the elective.
• Signed Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Infection Policy Form (located in VSLO).
• MD students are required to upload Step 1 scores.
• DO students are required to upload either Step 1 or Level 1 COMLEX scores. 
• Note for DO students:  Both Step 1 and Level 1 COMLEX scores are required for Anesthesiology electives.

Approved Applications: Approved students will be notified by email through VSLO. Students will be required to 'accept' the offer on VSLO before the deadline (5 business days) expires.

Housing: UMass Chan does not provide housing for Visiting Students.  As a state institution, it would not be appropriate for us to recommend a housing provider.

Evaluation Forms: We use the OASIS system to evaluate Visiting Student performance. The evaluation will be emailed to the address identified as the Home Administrator in VSLO within a few weeks after the student completes the elective experience.  Please note that we are not able to complete other schools’ evaluation forms.

Parking & Picture ID Badges: Students accepted for electives at the University Campus will be required to obtain a UMass Chan Picture ID Badge from the Parking and Access Control Department. The cost is $10.  Your elective coordinator will assist in this process on your first day.

Parking on the University Campus is coordinated by the Parking and Access Control Department. The cost is $8.00/week, payable in advance by cash or check. Visiting students are assigned parking at the Plantation Street Parking garage, about 1/4 mile from the campus. There is a free shuttle that runs from the garage to the campus approximately every 10 minutes, but many students enjoy the short minute walk. The shuttle runs weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9p.m.

Denied Applications: We make every effort to accommodate elective requests, however there are occasions when applications cannot be honored.  If your application is not approved, you will be notified via VSLO.

Dropping an Elective Offer: The policy of the University of Massachusetts is to provide 8 weeks advanced notice if a student is unable to take an approved elective. The student should email the elective coordinator and Student Affairs noting the reason the student is requesting to drop the elective.  In addition, the student should drop the elective in VSLO as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in the student's Dean being notified.