Medical Student Outreach Program: Commission 101

Updated | 2 Min Read

How commissions are earned

Sections can earn commissions based on the number of 4-year student memberships achieved throughout the recruitment program year. The higher the percentage of the first-year class size recruited for a 4-year membership, the more commission dollars your section receives.

Memberships from satellite campuses roll up into main campuses. Outreach Leaders at satellite campuses can connect with the main campus Outreach Leaders to discuss commissions. In cases where commissions are sent to a partner, the Outreach Leader should connect directly with that partner.

Students save with AMA membership

  • Exclusive education programs & key study aids like AMBOSS.
  • Access to JAMA Network™, ClassPass gym discounts & more!

Supporting you today as a medical student. Protecting your future as a physician.

Fall campaign

All applications and dues received by Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, will be applied toward this first round of recruitment. The fall payout is determined by the percent of first-year class size recruited. Commission checks will be processed and mailed in February.

Spring campaign

All applications and dues received by Thursday, April 30, 2026, will be applied toward the second round of recruitment. The spring payout is determined by the percent of first-year class size recruited, minus the amount previously paid to the section for the fall campaign. Commission checks will be processed and mailed in June. 

How to use commissions

Use these funds to continue to grow AMA membership on your campus through creative recruiting programs, section development, travel to AMA meetings, community service, and other professional events. Email MSOP staff at [email protected] if you are unsure how to use these funds.

2025 commission structure

Tier: 1

  • Recruitment performance (first-years only): >75% of class size
  • Commission: 30%

Tier: 2

  • Recruitment performance (first-years only): 51%–75% of class size
  • Commission: 25%

Tier: 3

  • Recruitment performance (first-years only): 26%–50% of class size
  • Commission: 20%

Tier: 4

  • Recruitment performance (first-years only): 10%–25% of class size
  • Commission: 10%.

Subscribe and succeed in medical school

Get tips and insider advice from the AMA on succeeding in medical school—delivered to your inbox.

Medical student sitting on a stack of textbooks

FEATURED STORIES

Smiling woman sits on couch while typing on laptop

Medicare telehealth coverage renewed for two years

| 5 Min Read
Hand stacking blocks with health care icons

3.1% bonus revived for physicians participating in Medicare APMs

| 5 Min Read
Smiling caregiver embraces older smiling patient

Lawmakers extend CMS hospital-at-home waiver for five years

| 4 Min Read
Hand holds smartphone

AMA expert says what to do—and not do—when measuring doctor burnout

| 12 Min Read