2 Degrees in 6 Years
This program allows successful participants to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical Science degree and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree after six years.
6-Year BSc/MD Program
Our 6-year medical program allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical Science degree and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
What is the 6-year BSc/MD program?
The 6-Year BSc/MD Program is a 2+4 accelerated medical education program for students who have secondary school credentials (e.g., high school or IGCSE “O-levels”). The 6-semester (2-year) pre-medical curriculum is offered on-campus or online, including asynchronously, to accommodate students from multiple time zones. The program is offered three times per year, starting in January, May or September.
Benefits at a Glance
Save Money and Time
Save two years’ worth of undergraduate tuition, fees and living costs, and become a physician two years sooner than the traditional undergraduate then medical school pathway.
Grow Your Network
Participants undertake both their pre-med and MD studies with the same group of friends and study partners, meaning they develop close, supportive bonds that last a lifetime.
Guaranteed Admittance to Med School
Students who successfully complete the pre-med portion of the curriculum will be automatically admitted to the MD program at MUA, avoiding the challenges and expenses of applying to medical schools separately.
Dedicated Faculty
Our 6-year program faculty members hold either a PhD, MD or both, and have extensive teaching experience. Beneficially, many also instruct in the MD program, meaning they know and share what students need to succeed.
Experience Nevis
The final semester of the pre-med portion is conducted entirely in-person on our Nevis campus. Beneficially, this helps students get comfortable on the island before starting the MD program, giving them the opportunity to quickly immerse themselves in their Basic Science studies.
6-Year BSc/MD Program Timeline
Admissions Requirements
The following pre-med requirements help ensure that students are prepared to manage the academic and personal demands of our expansive medical education:
- Entry Qualifications: Secondary School Diploma – A high school or O-levels diploma with a strong performance in science. The following qualifications can be considered for admission to the 6-Year BSc/MD program:
- American or Canadian High School curriculum
- IGCSE (“O-Levels”): B or better in minimum 6 subjects, which include Biology, Chemistry, Math and English
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
- English Proficiency: Applicants whose principal language is not English may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or they may be required to take and pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 7.0. The Admissions Committee may consider scores of 6.5 in both the overall and writing sections of the IELTS. Other comparable English proficiency tests may also be accepted.
- Admissions interview
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
Accreditation and Recognition
Medical University of the Americas’ MD program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and holds key U.S. state approvals. The pre-med portion is accredited by the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education. MUA MD graduates go on to practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
The Experience at MUA
At MUA, we are committed to ensuring that our students succeed academically, personally and throughout their future careers as practicing physicians. Our faculty consistently provides individualized support at every stage of your medical school journey, and our extensive student services provide you with access to:
- Academic coaching
- Career advising
- Mental health support
- Residency application support
- Student counseling
- Teaching assistants
- The Learning Center
- Wellness programming
Students also benefit from the many organizations and clubs that allow them to create friendships, explore their passions and have some fun.
MUA Campus Experience
Our 10-acre campus, located on the eastern side of Nevis, features many modern facilities, including the administration building, our medical reference library, many classrooms, a student cafeteria and the multipurpose building that houses laboratories for gross anatomy, microbiology, histology and pathology.
Of additional benefit for those attending classes on campus, the peaceful and safe environment on the island of Nevis provides an ideal setting for focusing intently on the study of medicine.
Discover our campus and the beauty of Nevis in this student testimonial video:
Pre-Medical Curriculum
The six-semester pre-med curriculum is designed to prepare aspiring physicians for the rigors of the MD program.
Pre-Medical Program Costs
Our cost-effective tuition and fees make this program accessible for students from around the world.
FAQs About the 6-Year BSc/MD Program
Only U.S. students are required to complete the MCAT; all other program participants can continue into the MD portion without taking the MCAT. U.S. students usually take the MCAT in the 5th or 6th semester of the pre-med program.
Yes, successful 6-year BSc/MD program participants graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical Science degree and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree after six years (16 semesters).
The benefits of an accelerated medical program, such as the 6-year BSc/MD program, include saving significant time and money when compared to the traditional pathway of completing four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. Starting your career two years sooner also has significant long-term earnings and advancement benefits.
At MUA, our programs start in January, May and September. We accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time for an upcoming start date.