Many U.S. and Canadian students aim to pursue a medical education in their home country. However, this is not feasible for most aspiring medical students due to the limited number of seats available in U.S. and Canadian medical schools. The latest data from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) suggests that the number of applications exceeds the number of available seats in U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
According to the AAMC, medical applications increased by 18% during 2020. The number of medical applicants jumped nearly 60% between 2002 and 2020, while the number of students who enrolled in medical school increased by only 35%. The small number of seats available in U.S. and Canadian medical schools makes it increasingly difficult to get in, even for strong candidates.
While getting into U.S. or Canadian medical school can be challenging for potential medical students, top Caribbean island medical schools provide additional opportunities for those looking to earn an MD and practice medicine in the U.S. and Canada.
A proven pathway to becoming an MD
Many qualified candidates find leading Caribbean medical schools a worthwhile option to become a doctor for various reasons. Medical schools in the Caribbean boast a holistic admissions process and take pride in admitting international students with experiences and skills that would make them outstanding doctors.
If you want to start your journey to becoming a doctor, learn why medical schools in the Caribbean are a great place to pursue an MD.
Approvals and accreditations
The Liaison Committee of Medical Education (LCME) is an accreditation body for U.S. medical schools. Graduating from a medical school accredited by the LCME allows you to practice medicine and prescribe drugs in all 50 states in the U.S.
Unlike in the U.S., separate accrediting bodies approve medical schools in the Caribbean. The Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) provides key state approvals in some of Nevis’ top medical schools. ACCM-accredited medical schools in the Caribbean allow eligible medical graduates to practice medicine in all U.S. states and Canada.
Residency placement
Becoming a fully licensed doctor is a multi-stage process. The residency program marks the final stage in your journey to becoming an MD. Therefore, carefully choosing a medical specialty is imperative to gain intensive training during the residency program. Every year, graduates from top Caribbean medical schools obtain residencies across the U.S. and Canada.
Federal student loan qualification
It is a well-known fact that medical education is a considerable investment. Access to federal student loans can reduce the financial burden on students. Some top Caribbean medical schools are approved to participate in the U.S. Federal Student Loan Program to provide financial aid to eligible students.
Pursuing an MD program in the Caribbean provides patient exposure from the first semester. These medical schools also offer a more personalized learning experience to students. To know more about what it takes to gain admission into a Caribbean medical school, research the top medical schools on the island.