Clock Hour Definition
—This information applies to all MD students.—
Washington University School of Medicine credit for MD programs is awarded in clock hours. A clock hour is a 60-minute period of time containing at least 50 minutes of academic activity such as lecture, recitation, faculty-supervised laboratory or clinical immersion, or academic preparation for such.
The creation of courses is done at the program level. As part of the review process, the creation of courses is monitored by the School of Medicine Office of the Registrar. The length of the academic period along with the academic activity determines the clock hours assigned for each course.
Courses and clock hours are then entered into the Washington University course listings system, which is overseen by the University Registrar and the WUCRSL administrator. Changes are monitored and deadlines are provided to ensure compliance.