How to Study Medicine in USA: Universities, Cost, Requirements, Courses and Duration

International students undergo a rigorous yet rewarding MBBS curriculum to study medicine in USA. Unlike in India, studying medicine in the USA is equivalent to pursuing a postgraduate program or an MD. International students looking forward to studying medicine in the USA will complete a pre-medical course from any US university/college.

While MBBS is a four-year course in the country, the total duration required to pursue it is seven to nine years. Students will also have to apply for a residency program for three-five years to practice as a doctor.

Why Study Medicine in USA?

The primary reason to study medicine in USA is its world-class medical schools that have earned the highest world rankings. Other than the highest global rankings, medical schools in the United States are most preferred by international students because of the financial resources they offer through scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid for students with financial crises.

The United States is one of the few countries where you witness the integration of advanced technologies into medicine; therefore, through education abroad in the USA, students can get a chance to explore and serve one of the world's best healthcare systems. 

Also Read:- Why Study in USA: Top Reasons

Requirements to Study Medicine in USA 

To study medicine in USA, international students must submit all the necessary documents that are examined thoroughly during admissions. Students must provide recent academic grades and transcripts (high school certificates, college certificates, college transcripts), proof of identity and citizenship through a valid visa, and proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE scores.

Students must also submit their MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores and additional supportive documents like letters of recommendation.

Required Examinations for Medical School Eligibility in USA

If you are wondering how you can study medicine in USA, these are the required examinations that can prepare you for medical school.

1. IELTS, PTE, TOEFL

The most popular English proficiency tests worldwide, IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL, are standardized tests designed to test the proficiency of non-native English speakers seeking study abroad opportunities. These proficiency tests focus on examining your speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills, which are mandatory to succeed in an English-speaking environment.

2. MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a competitive entrance examination that every student wanting to pursue a medical degree in the United States must pass. The MCAT assesses your understanding of social and natural sciences and necessary skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

3. NEET 

The 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. This entrance test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), consists of multiple-choice questions, and assesses the student’s understanding of scientific subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

4. Pre-medical Course 

Pre-med courses are a series of undergraduate courses that prepare students for a post-graduate medical degree like the Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the USA. These courses also prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to clear the MCAT exam. 

5. Completion of 10th and 12th 

To pursue a medical degree in the USA, completing 10th and 12th is a primary requirement. These grades prepare students for undergraduate studies that further prepare them for postgraduate medicine programs and practice.

Required Documents for Medical School Admission in USA

• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Criminal background verification
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Evaluation of foreign transcript by an accredited agency
• High school certificate
• TOEFL score of 90-100 or IELTS score of 6.0-7.5
• UG degree in the science stream with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• MCAT scores to determine the college/university

Also Read:- Top Requirements for Studying in USA

Application Process and How to Study Medicine in USA

To apply for MBBS, you’ll first have to complete a course in the science stream and then appear for MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Aspirants can apply to the universities via American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS, a central application processing service). Please note that few universities also accept applications directly.

Best Universities and Colleges for Medicine in USA

Studying medicine in the USA is quite competitive, given the sheer volume of aspirants and the reputation of US medical colleges. Here’s the list of top medical schools in the USA-:

• Harvard University
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Washington
• Columbia University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Stanford University
• University of California- San Francisco
• University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
• Yale University
• Walden University
• Kansas State University

Best Medical Courses in USA

The best part about pursuing a medical degree in the USA is you have numerous options to choose from undergraduate and postgraduate courses. M Universities like Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and Yale are leading universities for studying medicine, ranked within the top 10 medical schools in the United States and worldwide. Therefore, pursuing a medical degree can become your best decision ever.

Undergraduate Medical Courses in USA for International Students

The best undergraduate medical courses international students can pursue in the USA are:-

• Anesthesiology
• Cell Biology
• Dermatology
• Psychobiology 
• Neuroscience
• Immunobiology
• Laboratory Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Postgraduate Medicine Courses in USA for International Students

The best post-graduate medical courses international students can pursue in the USA are:-

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• MD-PhD in Medicine
• Physician Associate Program
• Master of Health Science
• Residency and Fellowship Program

Pre-med Courses in USA for International Students

The list of pre-med programs international students can pursue to study medicine in USA are as follows:-

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Cell Biology
• Immunobiology
• Internal Medicine
• Medicine, Science, and Humanities
• Molecular and Cellular Biology 
• Neuroscience
• Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 

Costs of Studying Medicine in USA

The average cost of studying medicine in the USA is approximately $94,168 per year. This cost varies from one medical school to the other, as well as the type of scholarships and tuition aid offered.

Tuition Fee for Top Medical Universities in USA 

The best universities in USA to study medicine are listed below with their rankings and fees:-

University	QS World Ranking 2024: Medicine	Tuition Fee in USD (2024)
Harvard University	1	$108,138
Stanford University	3	$87,124 ($21,781*4 quarters)
Johns Hopkins University	4	$62,850
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	12	$94,168
University of California, San Francisco	9	$95,665
Yale University	10	$87,150
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	11	$85,960
Columbia University	15	$136,561
University of Pennsylvania	16	$71,935
Duke University	17	$71,012

Data Source:-

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine

Cost of Living in USA

Housing some of the best universities around the globe, the United States of America is a dream study abroad destination for MBBS aspirants. The average cost of living in USA may be somewhere near $2,700 per month. Here’s the monthly breakdown of living in the USA-:

Residence	$1,500-1,700
Other living costs	$1,200

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Medical Students in USA

• Harvard Medical School Scholarship
• AMTIE Student Scholarship
• Vagelos Scholarship
• Stanford Institutional Aid
• AMTIE Student Scholarship
• ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence
• AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarship
• Financial Aid for Non-US Medical Students

Learn About US Universities Acceptance Rate
Chicago University Acceptance Rate	Yale University Acceptance Rate	Princeton University Acceptance Rate	University of Cincinnati Acceptance Rate
Columbia University Masters Acceptance Rate	Caltech Phd Acceptance Rate	MIT Acceptance Rate for International Students	University of California Berkeley Acceptance Rate

Duration of Medical Studies in USA

You can only pursue a medical degree through postgraduate study in the United States. Students must complete a four-year pre-med program before applying for medical degrees in their chosen American medical schools. A postgraduate degree in medicine, such as a Doctor of Medicine in the United States, lasts four to six and a half years. 

Job Prospects and Salary for Medical Graduates in USA

Job Profiles	Average Annual Salary
General Pediatricians	$255,054
Psychiatrists	$279,717
General Internists	$260,313
Gynaecologists	$296,892
Surgeons	$310,610

Comparing Medical Education in India vs USA

If you are willing to study medicine in USA after 12th, then you must be aware that the requirements for studying for a medical degree in the USA are much different than in India. Here are some of their common differences: 

Features of Differentiation	USA	India
Duration of Study	Obtaining the degree of MD requires 4 years of medical school study along with 3 to 5 years of residency.	The degree of MBBS takes around 5.5 years to complete, including 4.5 years of study and one year of internship.
Entry Requirements	A pre-med or bachelor’s degree and MCAT exam.	NEET or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.
Type of Degree Awarded	Doctor of Medicine (MD)	Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Teaching Methods	Problem-based learning and residency training.	Traditional lecture with practical training.
Specializations Post-Degree	Obtaining Fellowship post-residency training.	Obtaining MS (Master of Surgery) or MD (Doctor of Medicine) after MBBS.

Important Resources to Study in USA
How to Settle in USA from India	Best Scholarships for MS in USA	Best Cities to Study in USA	USA F-1 Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students	How to Apply & Obtain PR in USA	Education System in the USA	Student Visa for the USA from India

Conclusion

The decision to study Medicine in USA enables you to explore theory and hands-on clinical training in the best form. The United States is home to the world's best medical schools that offer globally recognized MD programs.

If you are seeking world-class scientific research and development opportunities along with a world-renowned education system, in that case, there is no better choice for you than the top medical schools in the United States.