Considering studying medicine in the USA? Many international students who wish to study in America have medicine among their number one courses. Actually, many of the best colleges and universities that offer this program are in the US.
If you are one of those students thinking about taking a medical degree, here’s a quick overview of studying medicine in the US.
Application
Before sending your applications to various colleges or universities, ensure you meet their entry qualifications. For people whose second language is English among the international students, they may have to prove their skills in English as well.
Different universities in America also set varying standards for admission into their institutions depending on what course you want to take; therefore, it is essential that each requirement be looked at separately.
Because applying can be stressful at times, we usually assist our applicants by ensuring every step is done correctly so they stand a higher chance of being accepted.
There are some entry acceptance tests which may be required for one to take when applying as an international student seeking entrance into any US institution of higher learning. A visa will be needed.
In order to enroll into medical school within The United States, foreign nationals must first complete four years of undergraduate education or its equivalent elsewhere. Furthermore, potential future doctors must sit Medical College Admission Tests (MCAT).
Studying medicine can prove difficult for overseas scholars but partnering with American schools through IEC provides smoother transitions and less hassle.
Also read: Which exams do I need to take to study in the USA?
Medical Schools
According to QS University Rankings these are the best 5 medical schools in the US.
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Stanford University
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Yale University
These schools are notoriously hard to get into; except UC Berkeley all others listed here are private meaning not only do they demand high academic performance but charge exorbitant tuition fees too.
Prospective med students considering public varsities should note that although such institutions have relatively lower cost structures vis-a-vis private ones mandated minimum enrolment quotas apply exclusively reserved citizens hence limited slots available.
Also read: Top 10 best medical colleges in the world
Courses
While each course will vary slightly from another there is a general structure that most American medical programs follow:
First year – basic sciences classes like biology chemistry anatomy etc combined with some clinical exposure/practice days where students practice taking histories or doing physical exams under supervision
Second year – more in depth study of the basic sciences building on what was learned during first year as well as more clerkships and practical/practice based courses like clinical skills or health policy global health etc
Third year – the bulk of this year is spent doing clinical rotations/clerkships where students are members of a medical team working in different departments such as pediatrics neurology oncology radiology etc to help them decide which specialty they want to pursue.
Fourth year – students choose which specialties of medicine they would like to learn more about and do a ‘sub-internship’ or residency in that area.
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