If you have a genuine sense of concern for others and want to make a real difference in people’s lives, a career in medicine is the perfect fit for you. Studying medicine is a big commitment, so it is important to gain some medical work experience, shadow a doctor or work as a hospital scribe to develop a better understanding of the medical field.
If you are all set for this highly challenging career and decided to study medicine, it’s time to start finding the right Caribbean medical school to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor. Before applying, it is important to carefully know which school is accredited, provides you with quality medical education, offer clinical rotations and helps you secure the perfect residency match.
Here is a step-by-step guide that can ultimately help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Why Should I Study in the Caribbean?
One of the main reasons why you should apply school is the easier acceptance and a smoother admission process. The average GPA and MCAT scores are comparatively lower than U.S. which will significantly increase your chances of gaining acceptance. Furthermore, rolling admissions throughout the year, which allows students to submit their application at their own pace. It offers flexible application deadlines and bolsters your chances of acceptance.
Do Rankings Matter?
If you are considering which schools to apply to in 2019, carefully check the rankings. Ranking algorithms are based on student selectivity, median MCAT and GPA, research activities, faculty resources, and residency director assessment scores. Before making a decision, you need to research carefully about each school and consider all the ranking factors to determine whether a school is a good fit for you.
Do Grades Matter when Applying?
Your grades are the most important component that can strengthen your application. The overall GPA requirements is lower than U.S. Though grades are not the only criterion for acceptance, there are many other factors that matter most during the admission process. Grade requirements depend on the medical university; however, it is important to secure stellar grades in biology, chemistry, physics, and other science courses. As admissions committees want to ensure that you have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and can handle the coursework you are required to study. It is strongly advised to check the entry requirements for the particular school you are applying to.
Do Caribbean schools require MCAT?
Your MCAT scores are the most important academic metrics that admissions committees use to evaluate your application. Securing stellar MCAT scores can increase your chances of gaining admission. It is important to know the median MCAT score that can guarantee your spot. If your GPA is less than perfect but your MCAT score is impressive, you can still get in. So, prepare well for the test and secure good marks.
How much does it cost to study in the Caribbean?
The tuition cost in the Caribbean is relatively lower than in the U.S. and Canada. The average tuition cost is $3,990 per semester for the pre-medical program, $4,990 per semester for the basic sciences program, and $6,490 per semester for the clinical sciences program.
Do you need a bachelor’s degree program?
In order to gain admission to a top medical university, students are required to complete a bachelor’s degree program, which includes the prerequisite courses of General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics. Applicants are advised to complete courses in advanced science courses such as genetics, biochemistry, human physiology. Most schools require a minimum of 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and must complete the undergraduate study before applying.
Is Windsor accredited?
Windsor University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Board of St. Kitts & Nevis, licensed and chartered by the Ministry of Education, and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools in partnership with FAIMER. St. Kitts medical university is also listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Directory of Medical Schools.
Is Caribbean a good choice for a career in medicine?
There are many schools that offer clinical rotations at teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada. It will prepare you for a number of competitive medical specialties. After graduating from an accredited school, you can easily match with your first-choice residency programs such as primary care, psychiatry, radiology and more in the U.S. It allows students to obtain clinical experience, medical knowledge and leadership skills required to pursue a lucrative career in the field of medicine.
