How can you determine a Caribbean medical school’s quality?

While looking for the best Caribbean medical schools to study at, you’ll have to conduct a rigorous amount of research. Joining a medical school in the Caribbean is a decision that will give direction to your future career, and therefore, you have to be selective about your choice. 

Going through various accreditations and approvals has always been a reliable way to extract necessary information and it works for the Caribbean medical school structure as well. When you are bombarded with an exhausting amount of information, going through such merit listings can help you quantify your results easily. 

Key recognitions and approvals from authoritative regulatory bodies is crucial for medical schools in the Caribbean. MUA, for example, has approvals from the key states of New York, Florida and California which serves as a badge of excellence and means that students will have access to high quality clinical rotations in their third and fourth year of school that would otherwise be unavailable to them. While conducting research on best possible options, you should research these key approvals. 

In addition to approvals from the key states of  New York, California, and Florida, MUA’s MD program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). The school also has a high USMLE Step One first time pass rate, and has access to the U.S. Federal Direct Loan Program, which means students can apply for student loans to fund their education. 

Essential factors like a school’s curriculum, USMLE Step 1 pass rate and most importantly, the chance to secure a top medical residency must be given due weightage. 

Medical residency 

Pursuing a medical career consists of many steps before becoming a licensed doctor. While completing your medical education and earning a degree is necessary, it’s a residency program that marks the final stage in your journey as a medical student. 

During this time you will be intensively trained in your selected speciality. Only after you have been accepted into a residency program and successfully completed it can you start your medical career. 

Hence, this becomes an important criterion in selecting a medical school. In the case of Medical University of the Americas (MUA), graduates have obtained residencies across the U.S. and Canada in various medical specialities. Moreover, many MUA graduates have gone on to become Chief Residents, a prestigious leadership role obtained by a select few in their residency. A significant group of MUA graduates go on to pursue fellowship opportunities following their residencies. 

Since 2001, 88% of MUA graduates who were seeking residency placements have successfully found positions in the U.S. and Canada. This is a remarkable achievement that can easily propel the career of a medical student.  

USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate 

Another important thing that students have to consider is the USMLE Step 1 exam. Taken at the end of your basic sciences program, it is an essential metric for success in your medical career. It is important to pass the  USMLE Step 1 exam on your first attempt and with the best score possible. It is an important step in enabling you to apply for a competitive residency. The examination is a way to assess medical students and their ability to apply important concepts of science which are pivotal to the field of medicine. 

Medical University of the Americas has achieved an outstanding 95% USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate (between 2015 and 2019), and the school takes all the necessary steps to ensure that students are fully prepared for the exam. The consistent effort put in by the experienced faculty has brought about an immense difference in the education and results of the students at MUA.  

If you are about to begin your medical journey and are undecided about the right Caribbean school then take a look at the Medical University of Americas which is known for its academic excellence.

At MUA, you will be taught a curriculum which is modelled on U.S. and Canadian medical schools. With a great learning environment, the school is known for its 20-year old education policy where each student is given undivided attention in small classes. 

As a result, MUA graduates have excelled in their careers and gained many professional accomplishments. If you are keen to be a part of this established medical school then check out their MD program. Discover more about med school requirements and studying in the Caribbean here.