Medical School

Prospective students, find out here how to continue your studies in medicine after completing a year of PASS or L.AS.

MEDICINE

BECOMING A PHYSICIAN OR SURGEON

  • Access Information

    Medical school programs can be accessed through the PASS, LAS, and bridge programs.

  • Place of Study

    Atthe University of Montpellier, students can enroll in the medical program and thus take all the courses for this academic year at the School of Medicine (Arnaud de Villeneuve Health Campus in Montpellier or the Health Campus in Nîmes).

    The curriculum is exactly the same across all campuses.

  • Duration of Studies

    The medical program consists of three cycles and spans six years for the first and second cycles, followed by a duration that varies depending on the chosen specialty for the third cycle:

    • A 3-year undergraduate program: This program, which includes the first year of PASS or LAS, leads to the award of the Diploma of General Training in Medical Sciences (DFGSM). The DFGSM is a degree established in 2011 that is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and certifies completion of the first part of medical studies. It comprises six semesters (3 years) of training, validated by the completion of 180 European credits or ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), including the two semesters and 60 ECTS credits from the PASS/LAS program.
    • A three-year graduate program: The graduate program leads to the award of the Diploma of Advanced Training in Medical Sciences. The DFASM, established in 2013, certifies the second cycle of medical studies; it comprises three years of training (DFASM1, DFASM2, and DFASM3), validated by the completion of 180 European credits corresponding to the Master’s level. Its objective is to enable students to acquire the general competencies needed to subsequently perform postgraduate medical functions in hospital or outpatient settings, as well as to develop the professional skills required for the training program they will undertake during their specialization. Students have the statusof hospital studentsor“externs”: they complete a 5-week clinical rotation at the University Hospital followed by 5 weeks of classroom instruction, or vice versa.
    • A postgraduate program of variable duration: Based on their ranking on the National Ranking Exam taken at the end of the DFASM, students choose their future specialty from among eleven disciplines, some of which encompass several specialties, each corresponding to a Diploma of Specialized Studies (DES). This degree takes a minimum of 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the chosen specialty. Postgraduate training is structured into three phases: the foundational phase (1 year), the advanced phase (2 or 3 years), and the consolidation phase (1 to 2 years). The DES in general medicine is structured into two phases: the foundational phase (1 year) and the advanced phase (2 years).
      These phases are designed to enable students to gradually acquire the autonomy and skills necessary to practice medicine in their chosen specialty.
  • Exams and Admission to the Preparatory Year

    Exams may be administered on paper or on tablets (most exams are taken on tablets). There is one exam session per semester and one make-up session. The criteria for advancement to the next academic year are outlined in the Assessment Guidelines, which are distributed at the beginning of each academic year.

  • Career Opportunities

    Several DES programs are available starting in the third cycle of medical school, which will determine the future physician’s specialty:

    I. Specialized Degrees in Surgery

    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Oral surgery;
    • Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery;
    • Pediatric surgery;
    • Plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery;
    • Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery;
    • Vascular surgery;
    • Visceral and Digestive Surgery;
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology;
    • Neurosurgery;
    • Ophthalmology;
    • Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery;
    • Urology.

    II. Specialized Degrees in the Medical Field

    • Allergology (co-DES);
    • Pathological anatomy and cytology;
    • Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (co-DES);
    • Dermatology and Venereology;
    • Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition;
    • Medical genetics;
    • Geriatrics;
    • General Gynecology;
    • Hematology;
    • Hepatology and Gastroenterology;
    • Infectious and Tropical Diseases (co-DES);
    • Cardiovascular Medicine (co-DES);
    • Emergency Medicine;
    • Occupational Medicine and Health;
    • General Medicine;
    • Intensive Care Medicine (co-DES);
    • Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology (co-DES);
    • Forensic Medicine and Medical Expert Opinions;
    • Nuclear medicine;
    • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation;
    • Vascular Medicine (co-DES);
    • Nephrology;
    • Neurology;
    • Oncology;
    • Pediatrics;
    • Pulmonology;
    • Psychiatry;
    • Radiology and Medical Imaging;
    • Rheumatology;
    • Public Health.

IN BRIEF

Medical school takes at least 9 to 12 years to complete.

The years of study in the Medicine program are divided into three cycles: a first cycle lasting three years (including the PASS or LAS) focused on acquiring basic medical knowledge; a second cycle lasting three years, during which students acquire the general skills necessary to practice medicine; and a third cycle of variable duration, dedicated to training in the specialty chosen by the student based on their ECNi ranking at the end of the sixth year.

Upon completing their studies, students become doctors or surgeons. Depending on the opportunities available, they may practice in private practice, at a hospital, or at a clinic.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS

QUICK LINKS

MEDIA

FIND MEDIA (VIDEOS, PREZI, ETC.) RELATED TO THE PASS AT OUR UNIVERSITY

Overview of Medical School Programs – 2021

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CHECK OUT OUR FAQ—YOU'RE SURE TO FIND THE ANSWER THERE!

During the months of July and August.

For 2020–2021

DFGSM (Undergraduate): 170 euros + CVEC (92 euros)
DFASM (Graduate): 243 euros + CVEC (92 euros)

In Montpellier: 

In DFGSM2: Historic Building + ADV Health Campus + Nursing Internship

In DFGSM3: ADV Health Campus plus clinical rotations in hospital-based clinical diagnosis

DFASM: Health Sciences Campus (ADV + CHU) Work-Study Program: 5 weeks of classes followed by 5 weeks of internship, or vice versa

In Nîmes: 

In the DFGSM2 program: Nîmes Health Campus + nursing internship

In DFGSM3: Nîmes Health Campus + clinical rotations in semiology at the hospital

DFASM: Nîmes Health Campus + University Hospital Work-Study Program: 5 weeks of classes followed by 5 weeks of internship, or vice versa

Starting in the second year with the nursing internship, followed by internships in clinical diagnosis and a health services internship in the third year.

Hospital internships begin in DFASM1 (4th year). Starting in DFASM1, the 2020–2021 academic year will alternate between internship and class periods every 5 weeks.

Exams may be administered on paper or on tablets (most exams are taken on tablets). There is one exam session per semester and one make-up session. The admission requirements for the next academic year are outlined in the Assessment Guidelines, which are distributed at the beginning of each academic year.

Grades are not averaged.

Yes, it is possible to repeat a grade.

No, there is no compensation.

About 11 years. It depends on the specialty.

Yes, we have an international relations department for that.

Yes, the Open House will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2021. This year, due to the current situation, the event will be held entirely online. Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to stay informed!

TESTIMONIALS

OUR STUDENTS HAVE THE FLOOR

Faculty Life

Hello to you, young high school student reading these few lines!

If I had to sum up my experience with medical school so far (I’m in my third year), I’d say, “It’s worth the effort.” I’m starting with this quote because, like anyone thinking about their career path, you’re probably wondering about how difficult the program is, how long it takes, and the sacrifices it requires. I’ll be honest: medical school is very demanding, especially during the first year (PACES in my day, PASS/LAS for you now).

But the important thing to remember is that it’s possible to succeed. It sounds silly when you put it that way, but after hearing all sorts of things about the first year, you have to get back to basics: it’s a challenging year, but I experienced it like a chrysalis—you emerge transformed, and often “more beautiful” than when you started (if we ignore the weight gain or loss, haha). Beyond that first year—which is just the first step on the staircase—a world you can’t fully imagine awaits you: I’ve made my best friends and had unforgettable experiences, both during the medical student traditions and during my hospital rotations. So yes, compared to the first year, P2 is “easy”—but don’t rest on your laurels. Even though it’s the year of liberation, you’re still here to gain knowledge for your future career! 

In conclusion, if you’re considering a career in medicine, make sure to do your research so you know what to expect, and give yourself the resources you need to achieve your goals—you won’t regret the sacrifices you make!

ACM and CCC

YOUR MEDICAL SCHOOLS

ACM Association

ACM

Montpellier Rifle Association

The Association Carabine Montpelliéraine (ACM, or the Montpellier Medical Student Association) is a nonprofit, apolitical, and non-denominational association governed by the 1901 law, which aims to represent medical students in Montpellier. It is the only association that officially represents medical students in Montpellier from the 1st year (PASS) through the 6th year of medical school.

Working closely with the PASS Tutoring Service and the faculty of the UFR Medicine, the ACM supports students throughout their academic careers by providing a variety of resources (books, handouts, stethoscopes, and other supplies) and offering them the opportunity to participate in various events (charity initiatives, cultural events, student parties, the Gala, etc.).

In addition, the ACM is part of the network of local (Z’élus associatifs) and national (ANEMF—National Association of Medical Students of France) student representative bodies, which advocate for students’ interests before administrative and governmental authorities.

To learn more about our activities and the services we offer, we invite you to visit us in person at the School of Medicine (641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud) or to contact us.

Corpo Carabins Crocodiles

CCC

Corpo Carabins Crocodiles (Nîmes)

The Corpo des Carabins Crocodiles association acts as an intermediary between students, faculty, and the administration with the goal of advocating for students’ interests at the university and national levels. It is responsible for distributing various academic and administrative publications.

With the aim of enriching student life, the association organizes cultural and entertainment events and facilitates international exchanges (through the SCOPE/SCORE network).

To raise awareness among members of the university community about issues of global and local solidarity, the association organizes fundraisers and helps students in need.

Acm Corpo Medicine Montpellier

acm_corpo

@AcmCorpo

CCC.corpo

charlesclaudecroco

THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT YOUR CORPS

CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER CLUBS AT THE FACULTY, TOO!

Studying health sciences also gives you the opportunity to become part of a very active student life!

Discover all the other student organizations at the Faculty right now by clicking the button below!

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM - EDUCATION

Academic Director of the DFGSM

Prof. Laurence LACHAUD

Academic Director of the DFGSM in Nîmes

Dr. Vincent BOUDOUSQ

Chair of the DFGSM Jury

Prof. Thierry LAVABRE-BERTRAND

SECOND CYCLE - EDUCATION

Academic Director and Chair of the DFASM Exam Committee

Prof. Delphine CAPDEVIELLE

Academic Director of the DFASM in Nîmes

Prof. Pierre-Géraud CLARET

3RD CYCLE - EDUCATION

Director of Graduate Studies

Prof. Gilles CAMBONIE

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - EDUCATION

Head of Academic Affairs for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Montpellier

Ms. Stéphanie Crespin

Head of the Undergraduate Office in Montpellier

Ms. Marianne Plan-Nicolo

Head of Academic Affairs for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Nîmes

Mr. Sébastien Cousin

SECOND CYCLE - SCHOOLING

Head of Academic Affairs for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Montpellier

Ms. Stéphanie Crespin

Head of the Graduate Studies Office in Montpellier

Mr. Thomas Thieblemont

Head of Academic Affairs for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Nîmes

Mr. Sébastien Cousin

3RD CYCLE - SCHOOLING

Director of Graduate Studies 

Mr. Guillaume Euzet

Head of the Graduate Studies Office 

Ms. Patricia Reboul