1. Theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge to fully perform the occupation; and either a. A Baccalaureate or higher degree (or its equivalent*) as the standard minimum requirement for entry into the particular position (both at this institution as well as parallel positions among similar organizations); or
b. If required, a full state license to perform the occupation granted after passage of normal professional tests and requirements (if the occupation requires a degree and a license, both must be held by the individual).
2. Special Case: Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools. Such individuals qualify for H status classification subject to the following restrictions:
a. The physician is going to teach or perform research at a public or non-profit educational or research institution; only "incidental" patient contact activities may be performed; or
b. The physician may engage fully in patient care activities for an employer IF: i. The physician has passed the FLEX exam or an equivalent exam as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS has designated two exams to be equivalent to the FLEX for this purpose. They are steps 1, 2 and 3 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, or Parts I, II and III of the National Board of Medical Examiners certifying examinations.); and
ii. The physician shows English proficiency either by passing the ECFMG English Proficiency test; or having graduated from a School of Medicine accredited by a body approved for that purpose by the Secretary of Education.
* Training/Experience Equivalency Three years training/experience = one year of Baccalaureate education Baccalaureate plus five years progressive experience = Masters degree There is no equivalency for a Doctorate degree. If the position requires a doctorate, the individual must hold a doctorate.
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