Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Nov 9, 2024
USA is the considered to be the best study abroad destination for international aspirants. For Indian students, studying medicine in USA opens up a world of opportunities for education, career growth, and global exposure. Some of the benefits of studying medicine in USA include the following
- After completing a medicine degree in USA, you don’t need to take another entrance examination to practice in India (if you wish to).
- The MCI (Medical Council of India) recognizes and approves a postgraduate medicine degree earned from an accredited and reputed US college or university.
- Medicine degrees in USA are approved by the WHO, ECFMG, and MCC.
- BLS projects that the healthcare and social assistance sector is expected to grow by 10.4% in the coming 10 years.
Unlike in India, a medicine degree in USA is a postgraduate degree like an MD. There is no undergraduate medicine degree or so-called MBBS in USA. To get into a medicine degree in USA, you need to have
- A 4-year undergraduate degree in a Science major (Biology, Chemistry or Neuroscience)
- MCAT Score
- English language proficiency scores
- Completed clinical internships, volunteer work of 200–400 hours in clinical settings
Come along as we discuss furthermore on requirements to study medicine in USA.
Also read: Requirements to Study in USA
Entry Requirements to Study Medicine in USA
Here we have discussed the entry requirements to study medicine in USA. Check out academic, language and documentation requirements for the same.
Academic Requirements
All US medical schools require the completion of a 4-year pre-med undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. You are also required to demonstrate your scientific knowledge in areas of Biology, general Chemistry and organic Chemistry. The average GPA for accepted students is around 3.7–3.9 on a 4.0 scale as the US education system, which corresponds to 85-90% for Indian students.
The MCAT Exam
A good MCAT score of more than 520 is a very important requirement for studying Medicine in the USA. It is a standardized test, especially designed for medical admissions, with four sections.
Note: MCAT exams are not conducted in India. You have to travel to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore to sit for the exam.
NEET
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET is a common competitive entrance examination designed for Indian students wanting to pursue medical degrees in their country or abroad. A score above the 50th percentile is required for admission to medicine degrees in USA.
English Score Requirements for MD in USA
Like other options to study in USA, medicine degrees also require you to be proficient in English. Either an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or TOEFL score of 90 and above will do to trick.
Note: Unlike in India and many other countries, students cannot directly enroll for the MBBS admission in the US after 12th. International students must complete a pre-med program, which may take 1-2 years to complete from a US university to start a degree in medicine in the country.
Documents Required to Study Medicine in USA
You need to have the following documents for admission to medicine in USA.
- Official transcripts or certified copies of official transcripts
- MCAT scores
- 2 Letters of evaluation
- Medical experience (if any)
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Proof of English proficiency
- Valid US student visa
- Copy of passport
Application Process to Study Medicine in USA
The majority of the medical schools in USA accept applications via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The AMCAS fee to apply to one medical school is 175 USD and an additional 46 USD to add extra schools to your application.
Check out all the background information you need prior to filling out an AMCAS application.
- Sections 1-3: Here you will enter your basic background information including name, birthday, schools attended, citizenship, ethnicity and race, and more.
- Section 4: Here you will enter your transcripts and information about your coursework.
- Section 5: Here you will enter any work experience, extracurricular activities, awards, etc.
- Section 6: Here you will enter information about your letter writers as well as indicating which schools should receive your letters.
- Section 7: Here you will enter all the medical schools to which you wish to apply. Review the most recent edition of the Medical School Admissions Requirements and consult with a pre health advisor for guidance in choosing schools.
- Section 8: Here you will upload your Personal Comments essay.
- Section 9: Here you will list your MCAT® exam scores and other standardized test information.
After filling out entire application, certify and submit it.
Top Universities to Study Medicine in USA
Here we have listed top 10 best universities in USA for Medicine as per QS Medicine ranking 2024 and along with their tuition fees for MD programs.
| QS Medicine Rank, 2024 | University | Annual Tuition Fees in USD |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Harvard University | 71,032 USD |
| #3 | Stanford University | 89,740 USD |
| #4 | Johns Hopkins University | 64,665 USD |
| #9 | University of California, San Francisco | 57,369 USD |
| #10 | Yale University | 70,184 USD |
| #11 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 61,990 USD |
| #12 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 60,338 USD |
| #15 | Columbia University | 73,012 USD |
| #16 | University of Pennsylvania | 68,512 USD |
| #17 | Duke University | 70,192 USD |
Studying medicine in the USA as an Indian student requires a strategic approach, thorough preparation, and financial planning. By understanding the educational pathway, completing the necessary prerequisites, and securing financial resources, Indian students can fulfill their aspirations of pursuing a medical degree in the US.
FAQs
Ques: What do you need to study medicine in the US?
Ans: Indian students need a bachelor’s degree (often in science), MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency. Clinical experience and AMCAS application are also required.
Ques: Can I study MBBS in the USA after 12th?
Ans: No, the U.S. requires a four-year undergraduate degree before medical school. Study MBBS directly after 12th is not possible in USA.
Ques: What are the requirements to become a doctor in USA?
Ans: Complete an undergraduate degree, pass the MCAT, attend medical school, finish a residency, and pass the USMLE exams to be a doctor in USA.
Ques: Is NEET accepted in the USA?
Ans: NEET is not accepted in USA. Indian students must take the MCAT for U.S. medical school admissions. However, a NEET score above 50th percentile adds extra weightage to your candidature.
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