Pursuing a medical degree is among the most exciting career options. But the process of entering a medical school can also be stressful, as the high expense of the medical program, stringent entrance requirements, and other factors of the US medical universities cab derail the dream of becoming a doctor. Thankfully the Caribbean medical schools exist, and many US students earn their medical degrees from island medical schools.
The Caribbean islands are home to around 60 medical schools, where notable there is a group of medical colleges popularly known as the “big four.”These “big four” medical schools are accreditated to offer high-quality education. Surprisingly, the Caribbean medical schools are good in terms of cost. Moreover, the island medical schools have a higher acceptance rate, drawing the attention of aspiring doctors from across the globe.
Attending a Caribbean medical school may be the best decision to make for a futuristic career in medicine. But how do you know what aspects to consider before selecting a Caribbean Medical School? Well, here are the six things you must consider before choosing a Caribbean Medical School.
- Accreditations: Be sure the medical school you consider is fully accredited to offer the best possible medical education. Anaccredited medical school means that the school offers an education that matches the country’s national standard for medical education.
So, while choosing a Caribbean medical school, prioritize those with approval from the New York States Education Department of Education. Additionally, look for a medical school accreditation by CAAM-HP or ACCM since they offer the best medical degree in the Caribbean.
- The United States Medical Licencing Examination(USMLE) pass rate: Many students studying a medical program in the Caribbean medical school aspires to take residency or practice medicine in the US or Canada, which requires you to qualify the USMLE. The passing rate can be a clear indicator to determine the education quality offered by the particular medical school.
- Match Rate for Residency Program: A critical factor in seeking admission in a Caribbean medical school. It is closely tied with the USMLE pass rate, as your score in the exam determines if you can get the residency of your match. If you aim to practice medicine in the US, do not oversee this aspect.
- Medical School Prerequisites: Your admission to a Caribbean medical school requires you to fulfill the medical school requirements.Moreover, you will have to prove your potential in succeeding in the medical program. MCAT is an exam that checks the competence of the student.
- Federal School Loan Qualification: Medical education is expensive, and according to the latest report of the AAMC, nearly 73% of medical school students graduate in debt. Many accreditated Caribbean medical schools allow the students to apply for a student loan to finance their medical education. Having access to federal loans can offer relief while managing debt.
- Attrition Rate: A good attrition rate of a medical indicated high-quality education. The island medical schools with accreditation from the US agencies usually reflect a lower attrition rate. Make it a point to look for the attrition rate before committing to a medical school.
If you are among those international students aspiring to attend a Caribbean medical school to earn a recognized medical degree, choosing the right medical school becomes important. Now that you know all aspects to consider before enrolling in a Caribbean medical school. Sign up for the medical program now!
