MCG Students — Away Rotations (VSLO Outbound)

Overview

Away rotations allow MCG students to complete clinical electives at other institutions. These experiences can provide exposure to different training environments, strengthen residency applications, and allow students to explore programs of interest. 

Most visiting rotations are coordinated through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO®) platform managed by the AAMC. Through VSLO, students can apply to electives at participating institutions across the United States and internationally.

 

Jump to: Before Applying Application Process After Acceptance Important Policies & Info

Before Applying

  Before applying for an away rotation, students should:

  • Meet with their academic advisor to discuss specialty interests and how an away rotation supports residency goals 
  • Review graduation requirements and scheduling constraints 
  • Verify add/drop deadlines and registration policies 
  • Ensure they are in good academic standing 
  • Confirm that the proposed rotation aligns with the curriculum schedule 

Planning ahead helps ensure that away rotations fit appropriately within the fourth-year schedule. 

Application Process

Step 1: Access VSLO

  • Students apply for away rotations through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform. 
  • VSLO allows students to search participating institutions, review elective offerings, and submit applications electronically.  
  • Students apply for away rotations through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform. 
  • VSLO allows students to search participating institutions, review elective offerings, and submit applications electronically.

Step 2: Submit Applications

Students should: 

  • Review institution-specific elective requirements 
  • Upload required application materials 
  • Submit applications through the VSLO system 

The VSLO platform charges a $15 application fee per elective. 

Step 3: Provide Required Documentation

Students should: 

  • Away rotation applications may require supporting documentation such as: 

    • Letter of Good Standing 
    • Medical school transcript 
    • Immunization records 
    • Background check and drug screen
  • USMLE Step 1 score report (if required by the host institution) 

Some documents must be uploaded or verified by the MCG Curriculum Office as part of the application process. 

Before applying for an away rotation, students should: 

  • Meet with their academic advisor to discuss specialty interests and how an away rotation supports residency goals 
  • Review graduation requirements and scheduling constraints 
  • Verify add/drop deadlines and registration policies 
  • Ensure they are in good academic standing 
  • Confirm that the proposed rotation aligns with the curriculum schedule

 

Planning ahead helps ensure that away rotations fit appropriately within the fourth-year schedule. 

After Acceptance

Once an away rotation offer is accepted, students must complete several steps to ensure the experience is properly registered and eligible for credit. 

Register the Rotation 

Students must submit a Curriculum registration request to receive academic credit for the away rotation. 

This is completed through the Add an Off-Campus Course request process. 

Failure to complete registration may result in: 

  • Loss of academic credit 
  • Lack of malpractice insurance coverage during the rotation 

Away rotations must be registered prior to the start date. 

Important Policies

Credit Limits

Students may apply up to 12 weeks of off-campus electives toward graduation requirements. Additional electives may be taken but may not count toward required graduation credit.

Supporting Resources

Students should review the detailed guidance provided by the Curriculum Office before applying. 

Download the VSLO Fact Sheet 

Scheduling Conflicts

Students are responsible for ensuring away rotations do not conflict with required coursework or other scheduled rotations. 

If scheduling conflicts occur: 

  • Students should first contact the host institution 
  • If scheduling conflicts occur, and you are unable to attend the rotation, students should contact the host institution to notify them.

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