The VSLO® Program FAQs

When will I be able to access the new VSLO system?

Institution users will be able to access the new VSLO system on Monday, Jan. 12. Please visit the VSLO Program Updates page for additional details.

What steps should students take if their application or elective offer has been impacted by the transition to the new VSLO system?

Students are encouraged to reach out to their Host institution contact. They can contact the AAMC Support Center for assistance identifying institutional points of contact. Beginning the week of Jan. 12, Host institutions will be able to resend offers that may have expired during the transition period. 

Who should students contact if they have questions about their application?

Students are encouraged to reach out to their Home and Host institutional points of contact. They can contact the AAMC Support Center for assistance with identifying those contacts. 

When do Host institutions typically open their catalogs? When do students typically start applying?

In the most recent academic year, the majority of Host institutions opened their catalogs in February, with the peak of student application activity taking place in March. Please refer to the VSLO Student Infographic for additional data from academic year 2024-25. The VSLO program is open year-round, so Host institutions are able to open and close their elective catalogs at any point.

How can institution users access training for the new VSLO system? 

We encourage you to review our training schedule and register for a session on the VSLO Trainings page. Trainings will begin on Jan. 6. We offer three types of training opportunities for institution users based on their institution’s role(s): Home institution, Host institution: Catalog Management, and Host institution: Application Processing. If you have already signed up for a session in December, you will receive a cancellation notice and will be able to register for a January training session. 

As a Home institution that issued student invitations prior to the system closure, what are my next steps? 

Home institutions that issued student invitations prior to the system closure will need to reissue those invitations. Invitations are valid for 30 days and have expired during the system closure. You can resend student invitations upon gaining access to the new VSLO system on Jan. 12. The job aid to assist you with this process will be available prior to launch. 

As a Host institution, can we select the Home schools from which we will receive applications?

Yes. The VSLO application service provides options for Host institutions in both the U.S. and Global Networks to manage incoming applications.

What is the AAMC Uniform Clinical Training Affiliation Agreement?

The AAMC Uniform Clinical Training Affiliation Agreement is a simple, one-size-fits-all agreement designed to outline roles and responsibilities between a medical education program and its clinical affiliates and to eliminate time spent negotiating agreements.

Is there a standardized immunization form?

Yes. The AAMC Standardized Immunization Form (PDF) was developed by a working group to facilitate the recording and documentation of an applicant’s relevant vaccine history and TB status in a standardized format. It is updated annually and may be adopted for use by any institution that hosts visiting students, whether or not the institution receives applications through the VSLO program. Additional FAQs about the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form are available.

Who typically has access to the VSLO application service at an institution?

Home institutions, typically give access to student advisors, registrars, or individuals who oversee medical students for visiting student experiences.

Host institutions, typically give access to registrars, department coordinators, or individuals who review and process incoming applications for hosting visiting students.

Are we permitted to charge a fee for hosting visiting students?

The VSLO program does not prohibit your institution from charging a fee to visiting students. However, we encourage you to consider the overall student financial burden of completing away rotations when making such a decision. The information about your institutions fees are clearly displayed to applicants considering your rotation opportunities. 

Home institutions respond to a statement regarding students' good academic standing in the VSLO application service. Does this meet Joint Commission standards as may be required of a Host institution?

• There are no Joint Commission standards that prescriptively require a “Letter of Good (Academic) Standing” or other document that includes a school insignia or official’s signature be provided to a Host institution by a visiting student or their Home institution.
• Documentation requested by a Host institution beyond the information provided in the VSLO application would be determined solely between the Home and Host institutions and not driven by a need to be responsive to any Joint Commission standards or requirements. 
• For further clarification, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group of the Joint Commission.

Who can I contact when I have questions about the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)?

State authorization laws vary although many have exemptions for clinical rotations. We recommend you reach out to your institution’s legal office for guidance. In addition, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) website may offer you the information you are seeking.