Depending on who you ask, Caribbean medical schools might have a less than stellar reputation. But the best Caribbean medical schools not only have the best programs and beautiful facilities, but they’re also located in idyllic locations. But how does one get into the best Caribbean medical schools? You’ll learn the very best medical institutions that you can attend with less-than-wonderful stats, as well as why you should attend them.
Ross University
Ross University is located on the beautiful island of Barbados. The illustrious school first opened on the island of Dominica. In 2019, the university moved to its current location.
Students learn through hands-on experiences. At Ross, you’ll gain a global health outlook that will serve you well in your future medical practice. While Ross offers an MD program, students can choose tracks that better accommodate their particular pace of learning.
Saba University School of Medicine
Saba, a municipality of the Netherlands, hosts one of the best Caribbean medical schools. Founded in 1992, the Saba University School of Medicine has established itself as quite the institution in its short time of existence. The school has even received approval from the New York State Education Board, as well as recognition from the Medical Board of California.
In your first five semesters of medical school, you will receive education in the sciences and other foundational knowledge. During the final five semesters, you complete clinical rotations, as well as finish your medical studies.
If you need financial aid to help pay for your medical studies, the Saba University School of Medicine does accept federal financial aid from the United States. This can make paying for a world-class education at one of the best Caribbean medical schools even more affordable.
St. George’s University
Located in the West Indies on the island of Grenada, St. George’s University has one of the best reputations of all the schools on this list. Founded over 30 years ago, St. George’s still continues to enjoy its excellent reputation to this day. As one of the best Caribbean medical schools, St. George’s University accepts future doctors from over 120 countries.
At St. George’s University, you can work towards your traditional MD degree. There’s also a seven-year BD/MD program for those who want to get started on their medical journey a bit earlier.
In 2020, over 1,000 of their graduates and alumni found placement in US residency programs. In 2018, over 96% of its graduates passed the USMLE exam.
Medical University of the Americas
The Medical University of the Americas sits on the small island of Nevis in the West Indies. Every year, this school accepts about 90 students in its incoming class every year. Many students come from North America.
As a result of the small class sizes, students can experience a more intimate educational environment. When you learn the foundational sciences of medical education, you will receive one-on-one instruction all throughout your time at the Medical University of the Americas. You even get personalized support all throughout your clinical rotations.
For the past 20 years, over 88% of graduates got placed in a North American medical residency program. What’s even more impressive is that 99% of graduates passed Step 1 of the USMLE exam. These facts easily make the Medical University of the Americas one of the best Caribbean medical schools.
American University of Antigua
The American University of Antigua stands as one of the newer schools on this list. While it didn’t get founded until 2004, the school already has an excellent reputation as one of the best Caribbean medical schools. This school has such a good reputation that it even has developed several working relationships with hospitals in the United States and Canada.
This Caribbean medical school fostered networks with over 40 hospitals in the United States and Canada. Because of this relationship, students have the chance to work with patients in a wide variety of locations and backgrounds. You can even participate in a clerkship program at Florida International University.
Some of the programs that the American University of Antigua offers include a traditional MD program, an accelerated pre-med program, and BS programs in the health sciences.
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Situated on the beautiful island of St. Maarten, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine stands as one of the best Caribbean medical schools for a few reasons.
In 5 semesters, you will learn the foundational health sciences needed for your clinical rotations. The school prepares you for licensure in all 50 US states. During your rotations, you will collaborate with your fellow students in a way that really makes the knowledge stick. Once you have completed the clinical rotations portion of your education, you work right along with attending physicians and gain that valuable knowledge that will serve you well in your medical residency.
Don’t feel that you will get an inferior education by attending a Caribbean medical school. By looking closely at one or more of the best Caribbean medical schools on this list, you’ll have a much better chance of getting a quality medical education.
The process of becoming a doctor is long, hard, and expensive. To ensure that the process works for you, don’t just look for schools that will take someone with your stats. Look for the best Caribbean medical schools that feature world-class instructors, applicable medical experiences, and the student life that you have imagined for yourself.
Are you wondering whether the medical field is right for you? Are you in need of both experience in the medical field and a bit of adventure thrown in? Apply for a Pre-Med Internship today. You’ll gain valuable experience that will allow you to truly see what it would be like to practice medicine day in and day out.