Attending medical school in the Caribbean is a great way to learn medicine through an international lens. With high-fidelity labs and hands-on lectures, these schools prepare you to serve diverse patient populations with compassion, knowledge, and grace under various circumstances. Despite the many benefits these schools offer, many students are often quick to dismiss them.
Today, we'll answer a few frequently asked questions aspiring students have about Caribbean medical schools.
Are Caribbean Medical Schools Legitimate?
Yes, accredited Caribbean medical schools are a legitimate option if you want to become a doctor. Caribbean medical schools can be accredited by a broad range of accrediting bodies including, but not limited to:
- Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM)
- Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP)
The curriculum in an accredited Caribbean Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is often created based on U.S. standards to prepare you for residencies, licensing exams, and careers. Although the exact curriculum can vary depending on the school, Caribbean medical schools typically consist of:
- Two years of medical sciences in the Caribbean
- One year of clinical rotations at affiliate hospitals in the U.S., U.K., or Canada
- One year of elective rotations at affiliate hospitals in the U.S. U.K., or Canada
Is a Caribbean Medical Degree Valid in the U.S.?
For a Caribbean medical degree to be valid in the U.S., the school must be accredited by a body that’s recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) like American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.1
Graduates of these Caribbean medical school programs are eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Exam® (USMLE®) and complete residencies in the U.S. just like graduates of U.S. medical schools.
1American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM, accredmed.org), which is the accreditor used by the country of St. Maarten.
Are All Caribbean Medical Schools Accredited?
No, not all Caribbean medical schools are accredited. Although Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine was provisionally accredited by the CAAM-HP from 2013 to 2019, it was put on probation in 2019, but ultimately lost its accreditation in January 2024. More than a year later, students are still fighting to be properly compensated.
The Big Four are accredited and prepare you for residency and licensure in the United States and Canada. Accrediting bodies like the CAAM-HP are recognized by the U.S. National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This helps ensure the curriculum at these colleges meet the educational and training requirements to meet the health care needs of future patients.
Be sure to check a school’s accreditation status before enrolling to ensure you’re choosing the program best aligned with your long-term goals.
What Are the Big Four?
Throughout your research, you've likely come across mentions of “the Big Four” Caribbean medical schools. They boast excellent reputations, high-quality medical education, and strong first-time residency match rates. These accredited institutions are recognized for their student outcomes.
The Big Four are:
- St. George’s University (SGU)
- 95% U.S. residency placement rate for 2020–20241
- AUC
- Saba University School of Medicine
- 97% residency placement rate4
- Ross University School of Medicine (Ross Med)
1Average of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of students/graduates who obtained a U.S. residency divided by the total number of students/graduates who applied to a U.S. residency program in a given year as of October 2024.
2First-time residency attainment rate is the percentage of students attaining a 2024-25 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2023-24 who were active applicants in the 2024 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.
3First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE® Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was in 2019-2023. In order to sit for the USMLE® Step 1 exam, students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum.
497% four-year residency placement rate is the percentage of students attaining a residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 who were active applicants in the NRMP match or attained a residency outside the NRMP match.
5First-time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2024-25 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2023-24 who were active applicants in the 2024 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.
6First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE® Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was in 2019-2023. In order to sit for the USMLE® Step 1 exam, students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum and earn a satisfactory score on the NBME CBSE exam as listed in the student handbook.
Graduating from the MD program at any of these schools can prepare you to offer compassionate, quality care to each patient you encounter.
Are Caribbean Medical Schools Expensive?
The cost of Caribbean medical schools can vary. Some schools, like AUC*, are approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer financial aid to those who apply and qualify. If you apply to AUC, you may also qualify for several in-house scholarships such as:
- The Trailblazer Award, which awards up to $80,000 USD over eight semesters to students who reach key academic milestones during their studies. Those who successfully completed a medical expense reimbursement plan (MERP) are ineligible for this.
- The Aspire Award, which awards up to $50,000 USD to students who reach key academic milestones during their MD program.
*The AUC program at UCLan in Preston, UK is not for U.S. federal student aid (Title IV). Students should consider alternative funding options, such as private loans or scholarships. The financial aid team is available to assist with questions or other funding options
Are Caribbean Medical Schools International Schools?
Yes, Caribbean medical schools are considered international, which can be a benefit for students looking for a global perspective in their medical education.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Caribbean Medical School?
When narrowing down your Caribbean medical school options, make sure to look for these three things:
- Accreditation. If you complete a medical program in the Caribbean that isn’t accredited, you won’t be able to obtain licensure or qualify for residencies in the United States. That’s because accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met. Without accreditation, there’s also a very good chance you won’t be able to use U.S. federal financial aid to help cover your tuition.
- USMLE® Pass Rates. Before you can begin the clinical portion of your medical studies, you’ll need to pass USMLE® Step 1. Choosing a program with strong USMLE® pass rates can increase your chances of doing well on these exams.
- Strong Residency Placement Rates. High match rates can improve a school’s reputation, and give you access to the vast list of hospitals affiliated with your school, which can help ease some of the stress you’re under during the match process.
Interested in an accredited Caribbean medical school with strong first-time USMLE® pass rates as compared with non-U.S/Canadian schools? Apply for admission to AUC! Take the first step toward your medical career today.
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