How Many Years is Medical School in The Caribbean?

Most medical schools in the Caribbean emulate the medical standards set my medical schools in the USA and Canada. Hence, an MD programme in the Caribbean also lasts for 4 years like MD programmes in the US.

The first 2 years of the programme are used to cover the comprehensive basic sciences and other clinical disciplines required for a medical career. The last 2 years involve physical training in form of clinical rotations and residencies.

The qualifications required for an MD programme in the Caribbean also echo American and Canadian medical schools. Most Caribbean schools require you to show competency in pre-requisite coursework subjects like general biology, organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Proof of proficiency in English also forms an important admission criteria. MD programmes are taught in English in the Caribbean. Hence, you should have sufficient competency in the language to understand your coursework.

Some Caribbean schools might even ask for standardized examination scores like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination General Test). That way, they have a ready-made filter to select only the deserving students from the lot. However, this is a rarely enforced criteria and is not mandatory for most MD programmes.

How do you select a good medical university in the Caribbean?

Although most Caribbean schools follow American medical standards, choosing a particular MD programme is still a lengthy process. You have to evaluate a lot of factors and do a careful consideration since your future medical career is at stake.

Here are a few helpful factors that can help you narrow down your choice of a Caribbean medical school.

• University accreditations: The list of a medical school’s accreditations and approvals from national and global medical bodies, is a sign of its excellence. These accreditations can help you pursue a medical career in the USA or Canada. 

• Tuition fee of the programme: Even though the tuition for medical school is relatively less in the Caribbean, it can still be expensive. Compare the tuition fee for MD programmes for a bunch of Caribbean schools along with their accreditations. You can then select a programme which is cheaper without compromising on the quality of the education.

• USMLE Step 1 pass rate: A high USMLE Step 1 pass rate showcases the university’s capability to train their students in the highest standards. Passing the USMLE Step 1 exam is also required for practicing medicine in the USA. Go for a Caribbean medical school whose USMLE Step 1 pass rate is greater than 90%.
• Scholarships or financial assistance: Some Caribbean schools offer financial assistance or scholarship programmes for deserving students. These initiatives can also reduce the cost of your medical education. Find out if you are eligible for any scholarship programme and if your preferred school has it.

Apart from these criteria, look into the clinical rotations and residency postings of the previous students. These can reveal the type of emphasis placed on the practical training of the students. You must also review the campus location and facilities like the library or student accommodation.

Choosing the right school for your MD programme can help you make the best of your medical studies. Select an appropriate Caribbean medical school today to become a successful doctor.