Study medicine in the USA

Medicine in the USA

The US is one of the best countries in the world to study medicine and is home to 172 different medical schools. They offer various medical programs including:

• Regular MD programs
• Combined bachelors/medical degree
• Combined medical degree-graduate program
• Combined medical degree-PhD programs
• Deferred/delayed matriculation
• Early Decision Program (EDP)
• Other special programs (OSP)

Upon completion of the four-year medical course, you will receive a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). You will then go on to begin a residency training program in a specialty of your choice – this can last anywhere between 3-7 years depending on the specialty chosen.

Studying Medicine in the US is expensive for both US citizens as well as international students and part of the application process requires that an applicant demonstrates they have the financial capability to pay the tuition fees of the medical schools they have applied to. Thus is it important to take time to consider this and to research the fees of various US medical schools before applying. Various financial aid/support can be applied for.

Requirements

In order to study Medicine in the USA:

• Applicants must have first completed a pre-Med undergraduate degree (in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, behavioural science,etc.).
• Applicants must sit and score well in the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) which tests scientific knowledge as well as skills such as problem-solving,reasoning and critical analysis.
• Medical schools may also require transcripts, information about coursework, letters of evaluation/recommendation, personal essays, evidence of work experience, extra-curricular activities, etc.
• An interview will most likely be required at some stage.

It is important that you check the websites of the medical schools you are applying to in order to identify any specific entry requirements that they have. You can then ensure you are able to meet those criteria and give yourself the best chance of submitting a competitive application.

Application

The applications are submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) which will collect all your personal details, verify that you’ve submitted all the relevant documentation and met all the entry requirements, before sending your application to your chosen medical schools.

Note: applications to Texas public medical schools are processed through the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS) rather than through AMCAS.

The fee for applying to one medical school through AMCAS is $170 with an additional $41 for every further medical school applied to. Financial aid may be sought for this if you are eligible for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.