Study Medicine In U.S. As An International Student

Medical education is an excellent choice. You will not only serve the society and save lives of thousands of people but also promise yourself a high-standard life. But the path to such a career is quite tough. It begins with your decision to study medicine. The earlier you decide it, the better it is.

Let’s say you are an Indian student who wants to study in a U.S. medical school. Here are some things you must know.

1. Application process

As an international student, you must possess an undergraduate degree. The subjects you study for the degree must be according to what several medical schools require. Different schools may have a different list. It’s essential that you go through what schools you may want to consider and study accordingly during your undergraduate years.

Next, you’ll need a brilliant MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) score. You’ll need to take this exam if you wish to study medicine abroad. Once you have good scores in your undergraduate degree and MCAT exam, you can start applying to U.S. medical schools.

Remember that under all circumstances; you will be at a disadvantage as an international student during the application process. All the publicly funded medical institutions in U.S. have to give preference to residents due to government policies, and all the private schools are extremely costly. Caribbean medical schools are a good choice to evade both of these disadvantages and ultimately practice in the U.S. as a doctor.

2. What to expect

If you wish to study medicine, you need to be prepared for a hectic life for at least 7-10 years. It’ll take four years to finish the course and then there’s a 3-7 year residency program after which you’ll be able to practice medicine independently.

Note that you’ll need to pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) after you finish your degree. In fact, the exam happens in 3 phases, and it begins with your degree only. For example, you can take the first one after finishing the second year of your course.

If you study medicine in the Caribbean medical school, then also you will need to pass the same exams to have the same status as a doctor in the United States. During your education, you’ll also go through clinical rotations. These are usually at the medical centers affiliated with the colleges. Caribbean schools like AUSOM allow you to do the rotations in the U.S. based medical centers. Click here for more information US clinical rotations.

3. Should you study medicine?

Before you begin your medical education, you must give a good thought on whether you want that kind of life or not. As a doctor, your life will be hectic. Your career will take off much later than your friends, and it will take years for you to have an extremely successful life. Be prepared for it.