15 Best Caribbean Medical Schools 2023 |Ranking, Acceptance Rate, Tuition

Do you want to pursue a career in medicine? Are you a medical student searching for accredited medical schools in the Caribbean? Then, this is definitely for you: 15 Best Caribbean Medical schools |Ranking, Acceptance Rate, Tuition.

Also, get to know the benefits of studying at a Caribbean medical college or university and the answers to some FAQs.

There are more than 60 medical schools in the Caribbean, so choosing where to apply can be daunting. As a future medical student, your goal is to find the ideal solution for you. These schools have been proven to offer the best medical education in the Caribbean.

More About 15 Best Caribbean Medical schools

Caribbean medical schools are usually grouped into two categories: regional and offshore. These medical schools train students to practice in the country or region where the school is located. Offshore medical schools in the Caribbean primarily teach students from the United States and Canada who intend to return home for residency and clinical practice after graduation.

Notwithstanding, selecting the right Caribbean Medical University is one of the key steps in your premedical journey. Be sure to determine the number of medical schools to apply to and where to apply, and thoroughly search each institution. Also, check the admission requirements at Caribbean medical institutions before requesting so you can make the right decision.

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Benefits of Studying Medicine in the Caribbean

Attending a Caribbean medical school is an excellent option for students who want to become qualified doctors and serve the world in many ways. Medical schools in the Caribbean not only offer quality medical education, advanced clinical training, reduced tuition fees, and higher acceptance rates. They also have high graduation success rates and, in addition, allow you to pursue a lucrative career in the difficult medical field.

You may also like How to Write a Medical School Resume

Caribbean Medical School  Rankings

Although there is no official ranking of Caribbean medical schools or an “authoritative list of the top 10”, there are ways to prioritize Caribbean medical schools according to their accreditation levels, approval, and recognition in the United States.

As you read, you will see the classification system you can use to categorize and rank schools. The following are the criteria you can use to prioritize schools:

• Is the school accredited?
• Does WFME recognize the school accrediting agency?
• Also,  Is the school accrediting agency approved by NCFMEA?
• Is the school in New York approved?
• Is the school California approved?
• Can graduates from the school obtain a license in all 50 states?
• Is the school eligible to offer Title IV federal student loans?
• Finally, Is the school non-distance learning?

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Are Caribbean Medical schools Accredited?

Accredited means that a recognized external accreditation agency has visited and evaluated the medical school and found that the quality of education, administration, and facilities meet accreditation standards.

Also, remember that having a letter from the government and its inclusion in a directory of medical schools (for example, FAIMER IMED, WHO Avicenna, WDOMS) is not the same as being accredited. This is because WHO, FAIMER, ECFMG, NBME, and NRMP are not accreditation bodies.

However, some Caribbean medical schools have full accreditation, while others have “provisionally accreditation.” Furthermore, these schools get accreditation temporarily, pending certain conditions that must be met before the next site visit, after which they may or may not receive full certification.

How Long is a Medical School in the Caribbean?

A typical Caribbean medical school program is four years, with the first two years being basic science classes completed on the school’s campus. The last two years of the medical school program involve clinical rotations, which take place at affiliated hospitals worldwide. So, you require 8 years to graduate from Caribbean Med school.

Does WFME recognize the School Accrediting Agency?

Not all accreditation agencies accredit medical schools in the same way. Some have higher standards than others.

For this reason, the ECFMG requires that from 2023, to take the USMLE step exams and apply for the ECFMG certificate to practice medicine in the United States, you must come from a school with accreditation by an accrediting agency. Recognized by the Recognition Programme of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

Students at the school who do not meet this requirement by 2023 will not be eligible for the USMLE exams nor get ECFMG certified.

Also, they cannot practice medicine in the United States. However, of the accreditation agencies that accredit medical schools in the Caribbean, only ACCM, CAAM-HP, and NVAO meet this requirement.

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Does NCFMEA approve the School Accrediting Agency?

Being NCFMEA-approved means that the US Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation(NCFMEA) has recognized that the accreditation body accredited the medical school has accreditation standards comparable to those of the LCME, which accredits medical schools in the USA and Canadian medical schools.

Also, having accreditation by an accrediting agency with NCFMEA approval is one of the conditions for a school to be eligible to offer US federal student loans.

Is The School in New York Approved?

This means the New York State Department of Education has visited and reviewed the medical school. It has met the required state standards to allow its students to follow more than 12 weeks of clinical and graduate placements to enter residency in New York State.

Is The School California Approved?

The Medical Board of California has visited and reviewed the Caribbean School of Medicine. Also, it meets the state standards to allow students of this faculty to perform clinical rotations.

Furthermore, graduates can enter residency and obtain medical licenses in California, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, and other states likely to meet California standards.

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Can Graduates From The School Obtain A License In All 50 States?

Graduates are free to obtain a license to practice medicine in all 50 states if their school has approval from California (and therefore also Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont) as well as Kansas (school needs to be over 15 years old). Otherwise, graduates can practice in 30+ states without requiring the medical school’s approval.

Is The School Eligible To Offer Title IV Federal Student Loans?

This means that the medical school satisfies the many stringent criteria set forth by the US Department of Education to be able to offer their US students US federal financial aid.

Is The School Non-distance Learning?

Medical students who attend schools receiving a large part of the basic science and/or clinical science program through the Internet or distance education cannot obtain a license or practice in many states.

Should I go to a Caribbean Medical School?

If you consider attending a med school in the Caribbean, you’ll find something to help you here.

Now, there are several factors you’d need to consider. Some of the aspects will favor you, while some of the elements are not favorable at all.

One of the favorable factors is that Caribbean Medical Schools are quite liberal when it comes to awarding admissions.

The average GPA and MCAT of U.S medical school matriculants are 3.6 and 31. The average GPA and MCAT for matriculants at Caribbean schools are much lower. Also, Caribbean schools offer second chances to students with little to no shot at US MD or DO schools.

Another advantage is that many Caribbean schools allow you to apply to their school any time of the year and matriculate later on. This will enable you to start medical school anytime without waiting for another session.

On the contrary, going to Caribbean medical schools can be time-sapping. This is because you are not sure you’ll graduate and acquire a medical degree.

Another reason is that you are limited in your ability to enroll for residency. If you want to specialize in a certain area of medicine, say, urology, neurology, pediatrics, gynecology, or any other one, you may never get a residency there.

It is also important to note that unless you do a residency, you cannot practice as a doctor. So you know exactly what you want, and you can now go for it.

How to Pay for Caribbean Medical Schools

Medical school is expensive. There is no question about that; unarguably, Caribbean medical schools are more expensive than USA medical schools. However, you can find student aid opportunities to help you pass through the Caribbean medical school of your choice.

Prospective doctors looking to attend Caribbean medical schools can find financial aid programs and scholarships that can support them in paying fully or partially for their tuition and fees.

Conversely, if you are considering a Caribbean medical school, it won’t be a bad idea to reach out to someone who has been through the process. That will help greatly.

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How hard is it to get into Caribbean medical schools?

Out of the over 53,000 applicants in 2019, just 21,869 matriculated into an allopathic medical school. That means roughly 60% of the students were rejected. The 80 Caribbean medical schools don’t always have the best reputation, but they can allow U.S. students to study medicine.

15 best Caribbean Medical Schools

Following the ranking criteria above, we will group Caribbean medical colleges with more emphasis on the 15 best medical schools in the Caribbean.

Group 1: Accreditation, WFME, NCFMEA, NY, CA, Title IV, 50 States

The following are accredited Caribbean medical schools by WFME, NCFMEA, New York, and California and are eligible to offer title iv student loans and can practice in 50 US states:

• American University of Antigua (AUA)– accreditation by CAAM-HP
• American University of the Caribbean (AUC) – accreditation by ACCM
• Medical University of the Americas (MUA) – accreditation by ACCM
• Ross University – accreditation by CAAM-HP
• Saba University – accreditation by NVAO
• St. George’s University (SGU) – accreditation by CAAM-HP

Group 2: Accreditation, WFME, NCFMEA, NY

The following are accredited Caribbean medical schools by WFME, NCFMEA, and New York:

• St. Matthews University (SMU) – accreditation by ACCM, CA disapproved

Group 3: Accreditation, WFME, NCFMEA

The following are accredited Caribbean medical schools by WFME and NCFMEA:

• Trinity School of Medicine (TSOM) – accreditation by CAAM-HP
• University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) – accreditation by ACCM
• Xavier University – accreditation by both CAAM-HP and ACCM

Group 4: Conditional Accreditation, WFME

The following are the conditionally accredited Caribbean medical schools:

• Avalon University – Conditional accreditation by ACCM to May 31, 2023.
• All Saints University – Conditional accreditation by ACCM to May 31, 2023.
• St. James School of Medicine (SJSM) – initial provisional accreditation on probation was extended for 1 year by CAAM-HP in 2018. Conditional accreditation by ACCM to May 31, 2023.

Group 5: Provisional Accreditation, WFME

The following are the provisionally accredited Caribbean medical schools:

• International American University (IAU) – provisional accreditation by CAAM-HP (2018-2020)
• Spartan Health Sciences University – provisional accreditation extended by CAAM-HP in 2018
• American University of Barbados (AUB) – provisional accreditation by CAAM-HP (2018-2020)

Group 6: Accreditation, Non-WFME

• Windsor University – accredited by the Accreditation Board of St. Kitts and Nevis, Non-WFME, and Non-NCFMEA. Not certified by CAAM-HP in 2018.

7: Accreditation Pending, Accreditation Withdrawn, Accreditation Denied, or Not Accredited

• All American Institute of Medical Sciences (AAIMS) – provisional accreditation was withdrawn by CAAM-HP in 2016
• American International Medical University (AIMU) – accreditation was denied by CAAM-HP in 2018
• American University of Integrative Sciences (AUIS) – applied for accreditation by CAAM-HP.
• The American University of St. Vincent (AUS)
• Aureus University – applied for accreditation by ACCM
• Caribbean Medical University (CMU) – accreditation was denied by CAAM-HP in 2018
• John F. Kennedy University School of Medicine
• St. Martinus University
• University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA) – applied for accreditation by CAAM-HP.
• Washington University of Barbados

Group 8: Distance Learning

• International University of Health Sciences (IUHS) – accreditation by St. Kitts and Nevis Accreditation Board, Non-WFME, and Non-NCFMEA.
• University of Science, Arts, and Technology (USAT) – accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC), Non-WFME and Non-NCFMEA; not accredited by CAAM-HP in 2012 Line 1.

Medical Schools in the Caribbean Accredited in the US

There are just a few medical schools in the US that have been accredited in the US.

• American University of Antigua
• American University of the Caribbean
• Saba University
• St. George’s University
• Ross University

American University of Antigua (AUA)

The AUA Medical Program provides students with training to become world-class physicians. State-of-the-art facilities, distinguished faculty, and excellent clinical experience prepare graduates to practice medicine in the United States and Canada.

Acceptance rate: 7%

Tuition: $20,500

USMLE Pass Rate: 93%

American University of the Caribbean (AUC)

The mission of the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is to train tomorrow’s physicians, whose service to their communities and their patients is enhanced by international learning experiences, a diverse learning community, and an emphasis on social accountability and engagement.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $22,454

USMLE Pass Rate: 94%

Medical University of the Americas (MUA)

Since its establishment over 20 years ago, the Medical University of the Americas has adhered to a philosophy of education that believes students are best-taught medicine in small classes, with one-on-one instruction, and with a commitment to providing education on par with U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Acceptance rate: Admission runs through the 3 semesters

Tuition: $15,850

USMLE Pass Rate: 99%

Ross University

Ross is one of the oldest and most accomplished Caribbean medical schools serving students primarily from the U.S. and Canada.

Founded in 1978, Ross University School of Medicine has provided students with the foundation they need to pursue successful medical careers for nearly 40 years.

Furthermore, the Ross medical school experience is “Dedita Scientiae Medendi” – dedicated to the science of healing. They also boast a rich tradition of preparing students for their life’s work as physicians.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $23,240

USMLE Pass Rate: 96%

Saba University

Saba University School of Medicine is one of the world’s leading international medical schools, with a more than 20-year history of educating outstanding physicians. Also, Saba students earn top residencies at medical centers across the U.S. and Canada.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $17,850

USMLE Pass Rate: 100%

Residency rate: 94%

St. George’s University (SGU)

With its establishment as an independent School of Medicine in 1976, St. George’s University, the Premier Choice in Caribbean Medical Schools, has become a top center of international education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to the island of Grenada.

The University’s over 20,000 graduates include physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals worldwide.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $31,560(clinical); $17,500(Pre Clinical)

USMLE Pass Rate: 96%

Residency: About 950 US residencies

For more information, click on the link below:

St. Matthews University (SMU) 

Providing quality, affordable medical and veterinary education with a focus on students’ success is the foundation of St. Matthew’s University. With its location on the beautiful and safe Caribbean island Grand Cayman, SMU has more than 2000 graduates with MD and DVM degrees.

Furthermore, these graduates have earned residencies and/or permanent licensure in nearly every state in the U.S., Canada, and numerous other countries.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $19,400.00

USMLE Pass Rate: 97%

For more information, click on the link below:

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Trinity School of Medicine (TSOM)

Trinity School of Medicine is a rigorous Caribbean medical school for students who value personal attention and faculty support within a smaller, focused learning environment.

Furthermore, Trinity students spend two years in a hands-on, comprehensive study, including immediate and regular clinical experience in the school’s St. Vincent and the Grenadines campus. Also, after two years of basic sciences, students transition to the U.S. for clinical clerkships and the U.S. board exams as they prepare for residency and licensure in the U.S. and Canada.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $14,200 per term

USMLE Pass Rate: 93%

Residency rate: 84%

Attrition rate: less than 13%

The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS)

UMHS is a state-of-the-art medical school on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts. This Caribbean medical school has a unique mission of catering to the individual needs of its students and achieving excellence through small class sizes, high student retention, and tremendous outcomes. Also, this mission permeates everything they do as they help students to reach their dreams of becoming a doctor. It is also one of the best Caribbean medical schools.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition:  $13,700

USMLE Pass Rate: 94%

Xavier University School of Medicine

This is one of the best Caribbean medical schools. Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) was founded in 2004 and is chartered by the government of Aruba with authorization from the Ministry of Education of Aruba.

Also, they offer system-based courses taught by distinguished doctors from the U.S. who are committed to teaching. Furthermore, academics are their number 1 priority for students, and in addition, Xavier provides a positive environment for students to expand their knowledge and gain the most from their education.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $11,500

USMLE Pass Rate: 94%

Also, check out these numerous opportunities available to both undergraduates and graduates.

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Avalon University

The mission of Avalon University School of Medicine is to prepare competent physicians who can serve communities locally and around the world. In addition, Avalon graduates are committed to patient safety and public health while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior required for medical practice.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $4,500/Semester

USMLE Pass Rate: 96%

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All Saints University

All Saints University is committed to providing high-quality education leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree at affordable fees. The University strives to produce broadly and thoroughly educated graduates who realize that the medical profession is not simply a trade to be learned but denotes a sense of social responsibility.

In addition, All Saints University seeks applicants with a demonstrated strong drive and desire to succeed who can focus on the compassionate and humanitarian aspects of the medical profession.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition:  $4995 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: High

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St. James School of Medicine (SJSM) 

Saint James School of Medicine is an accredited international medical school with two campuses on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.  Here, students study Basic Sciences at one of the Caribbean campuses and then study Clinical Sciences through a clinical rotation program at affiliated hospitals in the US. It is also one of the top accredited medical schools in the Caribbean.

To graduate from the Saint James School of Medicine MD program, you must demonstrate your proficiency in medical research. A strong research project will strengthen your residency application.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $6,350 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: 96.7%

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International American University (IAU) 

Founded in 2003, International American University is located in the heart of the Caribean Islands, in the Southern Districts, Vieux Fox, St Lucia West Indies.

The university is also chartered and authorized by the government of St Lucia to confer various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Also, they offer a state-of-the-art curriculum in medical education, using the latest technology and teaching methods based on the US model, and delivered by a team of expert faculty.

Acceptance rate: About 9%

Tuition: $7,500 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: High

Residency: 10,936 fellowship positions offered by 4,750 programs in the 2019 appointment year

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Spartan Health Sciences University

With Education at Spartan University, you can earn a degree in Medicine and Nursing and get the license to practice in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world. Also, they have over 35 years of experience in medical education with highly qualified and dedicated faculty.

In addition, there is student-to-student academic assistance, one-to-one, Professor – student assistance, and a very diverse student population. Also, the school has a peaceful, tranquil, and secure learning environment.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: U.S.$6,250 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: High

FAQs on Caribbean Medical Schools

Conclusion

These are the best Caribbean medical schools. You can choose, send in your applications, and get started.

References

• wikipedia.org
• internationalstudent.com
• cmumed.org

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