Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine (COM) welcomes qualified students with disabilities who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
The FSU Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) determines eligibility for accommodations. Accommodations cannot be provided retroactively; you are encouraged to register for accommodations and complete the intake meeting with FSU OAS well in advance.
How to Request Accommodations for FSU Courses:
If you are a student with a disability who needs reasonable accommodations to fully access your program, please do the following:
- Register with FSU’s Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) online at https://dsst.fsu.edu/oas via the “Apply for Services” button.
- You will upload your documentation of a disability with your application.
- More information about applying for services and documentation guidelines can be found at https://dsst.fsu.edu/oas/students/applying-for-services.
- Meet with an OAS Advisor for an eligibility meeting. You are encouraged to let OAS know you are a COM student.
- If you are determined eligible for accommodations, the OAS will provide you with instructions on how to send your eligibility documentation of accommodations to your program.
Accommodations for USMLE STEP Exams:
If you would like to apply for accommodations for your USMLE STEP exams, we encourage you to begin the process about one year in advance of your examination deadline. It will take time to accumulate all materials for the application, which may require updated documentation of your disability. Comprehensive psychological and/or psychoeducational exams may take months to complete, if needed.
Once you submit your materials to USMLE, it may take up to 60 days to receive a decision. An appeal or reconsideration request will take another 60 days for a decision.
General Information:
- General Information on USMLE STEP Test Accommodations
- Information on Documentation Guidelines
- The FSU OAS will complete the “Certification of Prior Test Accommodations Form”, if you have received accommodations while in medical school. Please email the OAS Director with your request for OAS to complete the form.
- FSU COM OSCS is happy to assist you with applying for accommodations on your USMLE STEP exams, including guidance on your personal statement or other materials.
FSU COM Accessibility Liaison:
Dr. Nicki Taylor serves as the FSU COM Accessibility Liaison for the MD Program. She works closely with FSU OAS and the COM regarding eligible accommodations for MD Students. Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Taylor if you have any questions or concerns about accommodations or accessibility. You may also reach out directly to the FSU OAS at anytime.