Take the Next Step: Meeting Caribbean Medical School Requirements
No matter where you are on your journey to becoming a doctor, AUC, a leading Caribbean medical school, has dedicated faculty and staff to guide students through the process, ensuring they meet all Caribbean medical school requirements and are prepared for a successful career in medicine.
The AUC Advantage
Excellence and Support in Medical Education
- Hands-On Training: Learn in advanced cadaver and simulation labs.
- Expert Faculty: Study with dedicated MDs and PhDs.
- Competitive USMLE Scores: AUC students’ USMLE Step 1 First-time Pass Rate has consistentlyexceeded that of Non-U.S./Canadian Schools for each of the last five years.*
A Supportive Community
- Small Incoming Class Sizes**: Personalized attention and mentorship.
- Collaborative Learning: Build connections in team-focused communities.
- Wellness Focus: Prioritize health and balance for success.
- Inclusive Environment: Join a diverse, welcoming culture.
*First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students who attempted it for the first time. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum.
**Based on average incoming classes from 2023-24 academic year at the Sint Maarten campus
First time residency attainment rate for 2023-2024 grads1
of semester one incoming students are over the age of 25
Accredited Medical School
AUC graduates are eligible to seek licensure in all 50 U.S. sates, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Department of Education has determined that AUC is an eligible institution for participation in Title IV federal financial assistance programs. AUC students who qualify are eligible to receive U.S. student loans in order to attend our medical school.2
1First 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. The current rate for 2025 is 94% as of Apr 22.
2American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM, www.accredmed.org), which is the accreditor used by the country of St. Maarten.
Admissions Requirements
Our MD program is open to qualified candidates with a first degree, minimum Bachelor’s or equivalent, in any discipline (science-focused study preferable but not mandatory), from an accredited university.
AUC utilizes a holistic approach to admissions, considering many factors when reviewing an applicant for admission including undergraduate performance and MCAT score, as well as intellectual and social maturity, critical judgment, adaptability, volunteer work, and life experiences, and graduate school performance (if applicable).
We encourage our career changer candidates to speak with a member of our medical school admissions team to discuss their opportunity to attend AUC.
MERP: Medical Education Readiness Program
The Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) is a 15-week medical school preparatory program offered to students who have been granted conditional acceptance to AUC. It's designed to provide students with additional academic preparation to foster medical school success.
- Helping students build a strong foundation of medical sciences
- Helping students adjust to the demands of medical school and develop the study and learning techniques critical to succeeding at AUC
- Providing students with an opportunity to build strong social networks among fellow students that contribute to their success at AUC
Clinical Rotations
Clinical Return Home
Once students pass the USMLE Step 1 exam, they embark on their core rotations in either the U.S. or U.K. For some U.S. students, our participating hospitals provide opportunities to return home to the New York City, Miami and Detroit areas, as well as the U.K.
If you have any inclination or desire to apply for and attend medical school, just do it. If you try and don’t succeed, at least you’ll know you gave it your best effort, which is better to live with than the feeling of regret from not chasing your dreams.
Since earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at AUC, Dr. Stivala has also served as a reservist in the United States Army Medical Corps
Adam Stivala Class of 2016
“There were so many times when I thought I wasn’t going in the right direction, but it all led me to where I am right now. [an internal medicine resident at Nassau University Medical Center in New York.] I absolutely love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life.”
Alumna Shannon Stegall, MD '16 talks about what it's like to be a nontraditional medical student, the benefits of the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP), and her experience completing clinical rotations in England.
Shannon Stegall Class of 2016
“So, the question I had for myself was, ‘Do I spend two more years in graduate school or push ahead and go to AUC?’ The answer was easy. I knew St. Maarten had the best lifestyle and I had a friend who’d done well there. That was all that I needed”
Dr. Brooks’ journey to become a surgeon is a most unusual tale. Before his acceptance to AUC, he was a professional football player with several NFL teams including: The L.A. /St. Louis Rams, the San Francisco 49ers and more.
Steven Brooks Class of 2005
Financial Aid And Scholarships
AUC Helps Transition Your Family
Students and their families have access to stunning beaches, sports, activities, countless local markets and duty-free shopping and multicultural cuisine. AUC’s Department of Housing and Residential Life will help you find the place that’s right for you while the Office of Safety & Security provides 24-hour coverage to the campus and surrounding community 7 days a week. Additional safety services/resources, including our AUC Safe app, provide peace of mind.
The AUC Spouse’s Organization fosters fellowship and community involvement for families while you attend classes. The org can provide guidance, support and assistance pre and post move to the island. For more information, contact them at aucspousesorg@gmail.com
Career Changer FAQs
Do your research. Depending on the career you have and the career you want to enter into, you’ll need to know what the requirements of the new career entail in terms of degree, coursework, and experience. You may need earn a degree or take courses to gain the proper educational foundation, or to prepare to take required exams to get into an educational or training program for your new career. Gaining some experience in the new career, such as through job shadowing, will also help you determine if it seems like a good fit.
There are many different healthcare jobs from which to choose. Ultimately, you should begin by researching different careers to see which may align with your current level of education and skills. But you don’t have to limit yourself – if you are interested in pursuing jobs dissimilar from your experience, you’ll need to consider additional education and training that may be required.
If you want to become a doctor, you’ll need to look at various medical schools and research their entry requirements. A background or degree in science is helpful, but each school has specific requirements in terms of coursework and credits for entry. Additionally, you’ll need to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) or other accepted entrance exam and earn a respectable score. It’s strongly recommended that you reach out to medical school admissions departments to discuss your aspirations and a successful pathway to meet your end goals.
What is ideal for some may not be ideal for all. It depends on your interests, aptitudes, and dedication to the career you wish to pursue. In addition to researching various career paths, you should also consider what level of interaction you wish to have with patients. Do you want to have a lot of interpersonal interaction with a patient? Nursing or becoming a family practice doctor may be a good fit. If you prefer more of a problem-solving role, surgery or pathology might be a good fit. Or you may find you are more interested in medical research. For medical students, many find that their clinical rotations give them hands-on experience in various specialties that guide them to their ultimate careers. Reach out to medical school admissions departments to discuss specifics.
If you are currently in a healthcare role and wish to branch out into another career in healthcare, talk to others who are currently in that role. Do research to find out what is required in that role and what education/training is necessary. You may also want to do some job shadowing to get a feel for whether you are suited for the role.