Caribbean medical schools have been described as offshore schools, and they are medical schools located in the Caribbean. Their purpose is to train medical students from the U.S. who intend to eventually match into residency and practice in the U.S.
Most Caribbean medical school programs are considered to be “dual-campus” programs. This means that the basic components of medical sciences are studied in the Caribbean, while the subsequent clerkships and clinical rotations are done at hospital facilities in the U.S.
There are more than 60 medical schools in the Caribbean, and choosing where to apply can be very tough. As a future medical student, your goal is to find the ideal solution for you. Amongst the many things you should consider in applying for a medical school, the cost should be one of the foremost considerations.
These are the cheapest Caribbean schools with reasons why you should attend.
Table of contents
- Why do I need a cheap Medical School in Caribbean?
- What should I consider before attending the cheapest schools in the Caribbean?
- Are medical schools in the Caribbean good schools?
- What body accredits the Caribbean medical schools?
- Why attend Medical Schools in the Caribbean – Pros and Cons
- What does it cost to attend Medical Schools in the Caribbean?
- How long does it take to attend Medical Schools in the Caribbean?
- Requirements for enrolling in the Cheapest Caribbean Schools?
- 15 Cheapest Caribbean Medical Schools
- 2. International American Medical University
- 3. All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica
- 4. Aureus University School of Medicine
- 5. All-American Institute of Medical Sciences
- 6. American University of St Vincent School of Medicine
- 7. Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine
- 8. Avalon University School of Medicine
- 9. College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- 10. John F Kennedy University School of Medicine
- 11. St. James School of Medicine
- 12. Avalon University
- 13. Spartan Health Sciences University
- 14. Windsor University School of Medicine
- 15. Xavier University School of Medicine
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Why do I need a cheap Medical School in Caribbean?
In searching for a suitable medical school for, one of the things you should consider is the cost. The tuition rate for medical schools are usually higher than any other field of study in the medical field. If you do not have the liberty of a scholarship or grants, then you should look for a cheap medical school which suits your budget. You should also consider attending a cheap medical school in the Caribbean because asides the prestige the expensive ones offer; they are basically the same thing.
What should I consider before attending the cheapest schools in the Caribbean?
Before you consider becoming a part of these schools, you should ensure;
- A supportive residency advisory team should be one of the things you should consider when selecting a Caribbean medical school. A good residency advisor can help you to best present your qualifications and to target residencies, you will have the best opportunities for success, and to prepare for interviews.
- What percent of students successfully graduate from that medical school? If the medical school has a history of holding students back, you should check for another medical school. No one wants to be stuck for years doing the same thing.
- What percent of those graduates are successful in obtaining residency in the United States? There are some Caribbean schools that have a high graduation rates and there are some who are notorious for their high drop-out rates. In general, Caribbean medical schools tend to have a much lower graduation rate than US medical schools. If you’re the cheap school you are about attending shows that there are a lot of graduates who are finding it hard to obtain residency in the U.S, you should rethink your options.
Are medical schools in the Caribbean good schools?
What is referred to as a good school is usually a matter of facts mixed with sentiments. It should be noted that not all Caribbean medical schools offer equal quality or outcomes. Below are some reasons why medical schools can be regarded as good schools-
- The best medical schools in the Caribbean boast of a match rate of 70%. In comparison, 94% of US MD graduates matched, while 79% of US DO graduates matched.
- Caribbean medical schools provide medical students with curriculum, clinical training, and residency opportunities substantially equivalent to U.S. medical schools.
- The best Caribbean medical schools can yield career outcomes similar to U.S. medical schools U.S. and Caribbean graduates in similar score ranges on U.S. board exams have very similar residency match rates.
You should carefully evaluate the Caribbean medical school you are thinking of applying to. If it looks good to you, then you can go ahead.
What body accredits the Caribbean medical schools?
The Caribbean medical schools are accredited by either The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) or The Accreditation of Colleges of Medicine (ACCM).
Why attend Medical Schools in the Caribbean – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Higher Chances of getting accepted
The average MCAT and GPA cutline for medical schools in the United States are 31 and 36, respectively. On the other hand, the average MCAT and GPA for admission in Caribbean medical schools are way lower as compared to that of the U.S. This just simply means that in applying to school in the Caribbean, you stand a high chance of getting accepted.
2. Clinical Rotations in The United States
Some Caribbean medical schools will offer clinical rotations in the United States for 4th and 3rd-year students. If you are considering practicing medicine in the United States, you should definitely pick a Caribbean school that offers these rotations.
3. Early Clinical Experience
Medical schools in the Caribbean has a way of exposing you to clinical experience. By early exposure to clinical settings and experience, you would become more prepared to put the medical knowledge acquired during Preclinical Sciences into the application when in clinical rotations.
4. Excellent Climate
The climate in the Caribbean has been generally regarded as beautiful. The Caribbean is such a cool place to be. You’ll experience the warm tropical climatic conditions all year-round. It is believed that studying in a place with a good weather is more conducive. This is one of the things you should consider when apply for a medical school in Caribbean.
5. International Medical Training
In the global society we live in today, students who manage to acquire global medical studies enjoy a great advantage when practicing as physicians and when applying for residency. The fact that some Caribbean medical schools are closely affiliated with a number of teaching hospitals means the students have an opportunity to take part in clinical rotations in the U.S.
Cons
- High competition
After joining a Caribbean med school, you will have to compete vigorously and stay at the top of your class for your degree to be significantly worthy. Put in simpler terms, you must score high on USMLE Step 1 for you to make up for the fact that you graduated from a Caribbean school. Even after putting in all these efforts, you will still be limited in the residency options.
2. Inconsistent Quality
Some Caribbean schools do deliver great results and drive high performance in their students. This small percentage of committed schools record students’ results of over 95% scoring USMLE Step 1 and a high matching percentage into the United States residency programs.
3. Unquestionable Stigma
Although it might be somewhat more acceptable being a Caribbean med school graduate today since just a few students gain admission to U.S. medical schools, most residency programs, particularly the ones in competitive specialities, refuse to accept or favour Caribbean graduates. This form of rejection often stigmatizes these med graduates.
What does it cost to attend Medical Schools in the Caribbean?
The premed tuition is $3,250 per semester, basic science tuition is $3800 per semester and clinical science tuition is $8750 per semester. The cheapest schools charge between $3250 and $7380
How long does it take to attend Medical Schools in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean medical school program is four years, with the first two years being basic science classes that are completed on the school’s campus. The last two years of the medical school program (M3 and M4) involve clinical rotations, which take place at affiliated hospitals all over the world.
Requirements for enrolling in the Cheapest Caribbean Schools?
The application process for a Caribbean medical school is similar to applying to a U.S. medical school. Every school is different, but here are some common requirements:
- Degree in a science field from an accredited college or university
- Qualifying undergraduate GPA
- Qualifying MCAT score
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/Cover Letter
- Transcripts
In applying, ensure you have-
- 8 Semester Hours (One Year)
- Inorganic (General) Chemistry
- General Biology or Zoology
- Physics
- Organic Chemistry
- Mathematics
- English
15 Cheapest Caribbean Medical Schools
1. Georgetown American University
Georgetown American University is located in the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown – one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. Guyana, the only English-speaking South American country shares a rich Caribbean culture and is considered part of the West Indies and Caribbean Community.
The medical programs mirror the curriculum taught in USA Universities which allows students easy transition into clinical programs, and the healthcare workforce. They emphasize problem-based learning with a student-centered approach. In attending Georgetown American University, you not only have access to cheap tuition, but you also have access to good teachers who care about you and your learning process.
Tuition fees: From $11,000
2. International American Medical University
International American University offers a medical curriculum comparable to U.S.-based medical schools and is designed to help prepare students to practice medicine in the United States and Canada. At IAU College of Medicine, it is understood that choosing a medical school is one of the most important investments you will make in yourself that will impact the rest of your life.
IAU is chartered and accredited by the Government of Saint Lucia as a comprehensive university with the authority to confer the Doctor of Medicine degree. Nothing beats attending a school that acknowledges the importance of a medical school and not also reduces the price, but also gives you quality. IAU is one of the cheapest Caribbean medical schools.
Tuition fees: From $6000
3. All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica
All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica, is the perfect medical college for students with a passion for medicine. 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 that it denotes a sense of social responsibility.
Some of the things All Saint Dominica offer that other schools do not are-‘0% to 50% of total tuition costs for eligible applicants; Food, lodging, and transportation support of up to USD $1500 per semester for the entirety of the program for qualified and indigent applicants; Up to 5 merit clinical tuition scholarships per semester for students with outstanding performance in the finals of all Basic Medical Science Examinations; Automatic 50% tuition fee scholarships for qualified citizens of Dominica; Credit-based loans and a student line of credits from various financial institutions and banks in the United States and Canada.
Tuition fees: From $4000 per semester
4. Aureus University School of Medicine
Situated in the capital of Aruba, Aureus strives to produce broadly educated graduates who recognize the responsibilities incumbent upon practitioners of their noble profession. Aureus University School of Medicine’s MD programs prepares students to become efficient, exemplary, and ethical doctors.
If you are a person who demonstrate a strong desire to succeed, coupled with an understanding of the compassionate and humanitarian aspects of the practice of medicine you would be cherished in Aureus University school of medicine. They offer affordable tuition, a safe and clean environment, smaller classes and a dedicated and highly experienced faculty.
5. All-American Institute of Medical Sciences
All American Institute of Medical Sciences is a private medical school located in the town of Black River, St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, which began operations in 2009. This university was provisionally accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) in 2010 with an annual renewal in 2015.
The school provides a world-class M.D. program formed by the renowned academics, doctors to address the growing healthcare needs of the world. The curriculum is recognized and set out to give you, as a student the full feel of being in a medical school. With proper staff, up to date equipment’s and an affordable tuition, All American Institute of Medical Sciences is a really good medical school in the Caribbean.
6. American University of St Vincent School of Medicine
American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine is one of the cheapest medical schools in the Caribbean which offer quality and cheap tuition. There is also provision for up to 5 merit clinical tuition scholarships per semester for students with outstanding performance in the finals of all Basic Medical Science Examinations and an automatic 50% tuition fee scholarships for qualified students who meet the requirements.
It is the sixth cheapest university in the Caribbean. The premed tuition is $3250 per semester, basic science tuition is $3800 per semester and clinical science tuition is $8750 per semester.
7. Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine
Caribbean Medical University is an independent, for-profit, U.S. curriculum-based medical school. It is located on the island of Curacao in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast. The main campus is located in the Picador Bay area of Willemstad.
At Caribbean Medical University, the goal is to create an entirely new model of medical education, one that will enhance the university’s ability to act as a transformational agent in health care. The unique approach embraces cross-disciplinary teaching modalities, breakthrough technologies, and innovative ways to advance training in both basic science and clinical skills throughout the medical school curriculum.
This school is one of the cheapest medical schools in the Caribbean. They are accredited and graduates from here can very easily get residencies in the U.S.
8. Avalon University School of Medicine
The mission of Avalon University School of Medicine is to prepare competent physicians who can serve communities locally and around the world. Avalon graduates are committed to patient safety and public health while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior required for medical practice. The MD program is designed to foster the knowledge & skills that will be used when practicing medicine. This program will teach the art of practicing medicine & becoming a competent & well-rounded physician.
They are known to offer hands-on training, great learning systems, and affordable tuition. The premed tuition is $4800 per semester, basic science tuition is $6500 per semester and clinical science tuition is $7,700 per semester.
9. College of Medicine and Health Sciences
College of Medicine and Health Sciences is committed to helping you become a doctor. With their proven track record, you can be sure everything would be done to help you graduate, pass your licensing exams, and apply for a residency.
College of medicine and health sciences offers small class and lab sizes which help in ensuring that all students are carried along; World-class medical teaching facilities that make you stand out amongst your peers; Outstanding and highly credentialed Faculty that care about your education; Exceptional Residency placement especially in the U.S; 20+ hospital affiliations in US and Canada. This college offers everything you need in a medical school and more. You should really consider it.
10. John F Kennedy University School of Medicine
At John F. Kennedy University School of Medicine, you can be helped to achieve your dream of becoming the next generation of doctors. They are committed not only to providing a noteworthy education in our Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at an affordable price but also to a rewarding one built to challenge your breadth in medical knowledge and persistence in becoming great physicians of the future. The university continues to strive in producing graduates of the utmost caliber with a primary focus on medical integrity, truth, and honor.
It is finding the balance between didactic learning and personal experiences that can make you not only a better student but also a better future physician. This university is in Curacao. The premed tuition fee is $3900 per semester, pre-clinical tuition is $5900 per semester and the clinical science tuition is $7900 per semester.
11. St. James School of Medicine
Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM)is a private for-profit offshore medical school with two basic science campuses, one in British Overseas Territory of Anguilla, and the other in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it is considered one school with two campuses.
Saint James confers upon its graduates the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree which is one of the highest degrees you can get in a medical school.
12. Avalon University
The mission of Avalon University School of Medicine is to prepare competent physicians who can serve communities locally and around the world. Avalon graduates are committed to patient safety and public health while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior required for medical practice.
They intend to create an entirely new model of medical education, one that will enhance the university’s ability to act as a transformational agent in health care. The unique approach embraces cross-disciplinary teaching modalities, breakthrough technologies, and innovative ways to advance training in both basic science and clinical skills throughout the medical school curriculum.
13. Spartan Health Sciences University
Spartan Health Sciences University is a private, for-profit medical school located in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, in the Caribbean. By attending Spartan Health Sciences University, you can already be assured of being able to practice medicine in 46 US states.
Spartan Health Sciences University is chartered and licensed in Saint Lucia. This is one of the perks of the school. The university is listed in the FAIMER International Medical Education Directory (IMED) and in the Avicenna Directory for medicine. In 2013, Spartan was accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions. It has also received an award for being one of the best medical schools with its graduates flying high.
14. Windsor University School of Medicine
Attending a Caribbean medical university is a worthwhile option for students who want to serve humanity. Windsor University School of Medicine offers quality medical education, diverse clinical experience, state-of-the-art learning tools, optimal learning environment and digital classrooms.
Graduating from Windsor University School of Medicine, one of the cheapest and best Caribbean medical schools allows you to easily match into residency programs in the U.S. and Canada.
15. Xavier University School of Medicine
Xavier University School of Medicine is a private not-for-profit offshore medical school located in Oranjestad, Aruba. Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) was founded in 2004 and is chartered by the government of Aruba with authorization by the Ministry of Education of Aruba to confer the Doctor of Medicine degree. The school is located in Oranjestad, the capital and largest city in Aruba.
The campus has a facility with over 125,000 square feet of space. Additional premedical campuses are located in Jordan, Jenin, India, and Ghana. Xavier offers two programs; the Pre-med Program and the MD program. The Pre-med program is a five-and-a-half-year program that is for students coming in from high school or for students who have not completed all of their pre-requisites. The first year and a half of the course involves taking pre-med courses at our Aruba campus. After the completion of the year and a half, the student can transition into the MD program.
Xavier University is one of the 15 cheapest Caribbean medical schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you can transfer from a Caribbean medical school, the USMLE Step 1 exam must have been taken and you must have achieved a score at or above 200. You must also have outstanding academic credentials while attending the international medical school.
While some Caribbean medical schools do not factor in an applicant’s MCAT score to their decision to admit a potential student, taking the MCAT is a requirement for matriculation into the school upon acceptance.
You need around 3.2 CGPA to enroll. The mean GPA (Grade Point Average) and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) for accepted students at Caribbean medical schools varies. A competitive applicant usually has a GPA of around 3.2 and MCAT scores of 7 or 8.
Some Caribbean schools have rightly earned the reputation of being too accommodating to unqualified applicants, but others are much more selective. It’s up to you to make sure you carefully evaluate criteria like admission requirements at the schools you are considering.
Typically, Caribbean medical schools have multiple start dates to accommodate incoming students, ranging anywhere from 2–3 times per year. Each school has its own calendar, with rolling start dates in January, April/May, and August/September.
Cheapest Caribbean medical schools have a bad reputation because they accept students who are unprepared for the rigors of medical school.
Conclusion
In applying to school in any of the cheapest Caribbean Medical Schools, ensure that you know what you want. Even though they are cheap, they are less prestigious than expensive ones. It is that prestige that would get you into the door at the time of employment.
References
- trinityschoolofmedicine.org/resources/ultimate-guide-caribbean-medical-schools
- medicalschoolhq.net/caribbean-medical-schools-what-you-need-to-know/
- caribbeanmedicine.com/resources/
