Becoming a doctor is a dream for many. It is a well-respected career that offers stability and a great sense of reward. Medicine is a critical component of the healthcare system that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries.
A good medical education is essential for anyone considering a career in this field which means it is in any medical student’s best interest to find a quality education. While the U.S. has always been a prime choice, a Caribbean school of medicine is also a good option for a variety of reasons.
The Caribbean is home to several medical schools that offer a unique and valuable educational experience for students. The best part is that these medical schools have a more holistic way of assessing students, smaller class sizes, have rotating admissions and partnerships with hospitals and clinics, providing students with ample clinical experience.
Caribbean medical school requirements
The admissions procedure is one of the many factors that contribute to the overall success of Caribbean medical schools. While U.S. schools are more focused on measuring each candidate against strict criteria, medical schools in the Caribbean assess each candidate on their overall achievements. They are keen to know how students can contribute to the field and what drives them to be a doctor.
This means that many deserving candidates who are unable to clear the rigid admission criteria of U.S. medical schools are able to fulfill their professional dreams in the Caribbean.
While each medical school in the Caribbean has its own admission requirements, here is a list of some of the most common:
- Students must hold a science degree from an accredited university or any professional school
- They must present a personal statement and a letter of recommendation
- They must attain an adequate Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score
- Students who are non-native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Applying to a Caribbean medical school
Given that Caribbean medical schools have rolling admissions, students don’t have to worry about missing deadlines. Each admission application is evaluated as they are received with no harsh time limits.
Here is the process that is commonly followed by medical schools in the Caribbean:
- Students interested in applying for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree need to sit for an MCAT exam and present their MCAT score with the application
- They can then complete the medical school application online and submit the application fee
- Along with the application and fees, students should submit the required documents that were mentioned earlier
- The documents then need to be mailed to the medical school
- The student’s application will be assessed and if successful, they will be shortlisted for an interview
While this is the most commonly followed procedure by medical schools in the Caribbean, it is advisable to get in touch with the medical school that you are applying to and get detailed information from them.