
The medical profession is one of the most respected career roles worldwide, with thousands of students applying every year to get into a reputable medical school. While American and Canadian medical schools have a low acceptance rate, medical schools in the Caribbean islands have high acceptance rates and offer top-quality education.
Over the years, medical schools in the Caribbean have earned a reputation for providing competitive education and excellent guidance for students at various phases of their MD program. There are several accredited Caribbean medical schools with low tuition and good USMLE pass rates which are comparable to their U.S. and Canadian counterparts.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider attending a Caribbean medical school.
Accredited medical schools
Medical schools in the Caribbean are accredited by various accreditation bodies. The standards used by some of the accreditation committees are comparable to that of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
Smooth admission process
Getting into medical school can be an arduous process and you may come across many hurdles along the way. This is the case with most medical schools, especially those in the U.S. and Canada.
However, Caribbean medical schools offer a hassle-free admission procedure and have high acceptance rates despite lots of competition. All you need to do is complete the pre-requisite coursework and have an English proficiency certificate. Good MCAT scores, a high undergraduate GPA, and some patient care experience will help get you a seat at a Caribbean medical school.
Also, Caribbean medical schools have a flexible admission process where you can apply for different intakes in an academic year.
Low tuition and fees
Medical education is quite expensive which can be an issue for many students. But Caribbean medical schools are a cheaper option than the ones in America or Canada as the tuition and other miscellaneous fees account are comparatively lower.
Accredited medical schools are also eligible for U.S. and Canadian federal loans and provide several scholarship options to students who are academically strong and need financial assistance.
USMLE pass rate
If you wish to practice medicine in the U.S., you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). USMLE Step 1 is attended by most students toward the end of their basic science semesters and before the clinical rotations begin.
Caribbean medical schools have a high USMLE Step 1 pass rate with many schools exceeding 94% or above. This is due to the well-structured curriculum and expert guidance offered at many Caribbean medical schools which makes them a good choice for an MD program.
Clinical rotations and residency placements
The last two years of your MD program are dedicated to gaining hands-on experience through clinical rotations which are followed by a residency placement. Several Caribbean medical schools have affiliated teaching hospitals in U.S. and Canada where you can get the best clinical experience. This will help you choose the best specialization for your future and comes with handy practical experience.
Applying to a Caribbean medical school can be the right path for your future career, so check out Caribbean medical schools today.