Students of the IUSM - Lafayette are registered as special graduate students in the Graduate School of Purdue University, as well as IUSM Medical Students. IUSM - Lafayette faculty have appointments in one of four Schools and five different departments of Purdue University.

The IUSM - Lafayette curriculum includes a variety of academic experiences in addition to traditional lectures and laboratories. Small group discussions, case-based problem learning, clinical mentorships, service-learning projects, and clinical experiences are used to help develop lifelong learning skills and basic competency in a number of introductory clinical skills.