Introduction to Medical Studies in US
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Introduction to Medical Education in USA: Getting your hands on medical education in USA? We have summarised how many levels go into becoming a doctor in USA. International applicants can understand how they can go about the admission process for getting into some of the best US universities to practice medicine.
For international students, studying in the US, that too medicine is considered extremely challenging. However, if you have the passion and the willingness to put in the required effort, then it is worth the hard work. Students who like to help people and enjoy facing challenging experiences should consider studying medicine in US universities. The study years will be long and hard but the rewards will be a secure, well-paying job that everyone around you will be proud of. Let us understand in detail about medical education in USA through this article.
Pattern of Medical Education in USA
More than 50+ US universities offer medical education to international students. These universities offer medical education based on the following pattern in USA:
| US Medical Education Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Premedical Education |
|
| Medical Education |
|
| Graduate Medical Education (GME) |
|
| Continuing Medical Education |
|
This is the ideal hierarchy the applicants must follow in case they wish to pursue medical education in the USA.
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Best Medical Colleges in America
Based on QS’s subject rankings for ‘Medicine’ for the year 2023, the table summarises some of the top medical colleges in the USA for international students:
| Top US Universities for Medicine |
QS - ‘Best Medical Colleges in USA’ Rankings 2024 |
First-Year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |
USD 69,300 |
|
| #3 |
USD 84,996 |
|
| #4 |
USD 62,850 |
|
| #9 |
USD 84,125 |
|
| #10 |
USD 57,369 |
|
| #11 |
USD 64,990 |
|
| #12 |
USD 59,570 |
|
| #14 |
USD 45,520 |
|
| #16 |
USD 71,935 |
|
| #17 |
USD 63,000 |
Rankings are dynamic and are subject to change, thus these are just for students' reference to be able to shortlist universities for their medical education in USA.
US Med School Application Process
As an international student, before applying to any medical school you should make sure you apply to a complete four-year bachelor's degree, with all of the required prerequisite classes. The prerequisites may vary from college to college but always include biology and organic chemistry. Some colleges may also require that you have taken other English, math, humanities and science classes as well. So make sure you shortlist medical schools while you are still an undergraduate so you can choose your classes accordingly.
You will also have to take the MCAT exam (Medical College Admissions Test). This exam will determine your ability to solve problems, think critically, and write well, as well as measure your knowledge of scientific concepts. A good score on the MCAT is essential to getting into a good medical college. In some cases, NEET can also be accepted.
Documents Required
The following documents will also be required when submitting an application to US med school as an international student:
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation (LOR)
- Updated resume for work experience proof
- English language proficiency test scores of either TOEFL or IELTS
- 2 admission essays may also be required, will vary with the university of application
Your next step will be to apply to colleges of your choice. Unfortunately, international students are at a disadvantage compared to American students. Many public colleges are required to put part/all of their state funds towards resident students of the college's state. This is to ensure that there are enough doctors in that area, but this policy puts international students at a disadvantage. Anyway, you can apply to private universities but these will be very expensive. So you need to weigh the pros and cons of each choice that is available to you and apply to the college that is right for you.
What to Expect at American Medical Colleges
The medical college takes four years to complete. Then there is a three to seven-year residency where students undergo supervised training in their specific field. International students who feel they need additional training or wish to sub-specialize in a particular field can also do a fellowship, giving one to four more years of training.
The education and training you will receive will be intensive and a full-time activity. The first year will require a huge amount of memorization with classes like histology, pathology, anatomy and biochemistry being the major subjects. These classes will be classroom-based and lab-based, giving you academic and practical knowledge of the human body.
Additionally, you will be going through clinical rotations throughout your college education. These will teach you how to interact with patients. Clinical rotations will become more frequent as you approach the end of your degree.
Before you get your MD degree in the US, you must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) also known as the Board exam. USMLE is divided into three parts which you will have to take throughout your education. The first part is usually after your second year at medical school, the second part is after your fourth year, and the third part is during your first year of residency, which is the actual practice as a doctor. Each test focuses on different aspects of medical knowledge, ensuring you meet the expected standards set by the US Medical Board through your education.
Who should pursue Medical studies in US?
Because of the extended length of the degree, costs, and overall stressful lifestyle, studying medicine in the US is not meant for everyone. Only those who have a passion for medicine should decide to study medicine in the US. The financial burden of the four or more years will be particularly high, especially if you decide to go to a private college.
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Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?
Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?
With a 99% acceptance rate, the University of South Dakota is easy to get into. The university follows an easy approach during admission. The university takes a simple admissions procedure. The high acceptance percentage does not mean that the university admits every applicant; rather, it suggests permissive admittance as compared to another university.
Students must prove themselves by scoring excellent academic scores, English proficiency requirements, and standardized test scores. Also, the university prioritizes factors, such as rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, and more.
Q: What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State?
International students who wish to study at Iowa State must have at least GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission. International transfer applicants must have a minimum equivalent GPA of C+ on a scale of A to F or 2.25 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable courses.
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
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