Liaison Committee on Medical Education

About the LCME

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is an accrediting body that evaluates medical education programs in the United States and Canada to ensure they meet national standards for structure, function, and performance. The LCME is sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association.

LCME accreditation is required in most states for students to obtain federal financial aid, professional education services, and a license to practice medicine. Graduates of LCME-accredited programs are also eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and enter residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

The LCME conducts periodic evaluations, usually every eight years, to determine if a program is in compliance with accreditation standards. If the LCME finds that a program is not in compliance, it may require follow-up activities such as consultations, limited survey visits, or status reports.

Accreditation establishes:

• Eligibility for selected federal grants and programs, including Title VII.
• Eligibility to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
• Eligibility for state boards of licensure.
• Eligibility to attend residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

VTCSOM is accredited by the LCME, with reaffirmation occuring every 8-years.

LCME Accreditation involves the following significant efforts:

• Data Collection Instrument (DCI)
• Independent Student Analysis (ISA)
• Self-Study (students will be asked to participate)
• On-Site Visit