Caribbean medical schools provide alternative path for students to pursue their medical career. Studying in the Caribbeans offers you a chance to hasten your medical career, US residency opportunities and adventure. Caribbean medical school often is a dream come true for students who have applied to several US medical schools without success.
So what makes Caribbean medical schools different from others? How does it stand out from the rest?
High acceptance rate
Caribbean medical schools have a higher percentage of applicants than U.S schools. This is as a result of less restrictive requirements. The average GPA and MCAT for U.S medical schools is 3.6 and 3.1 while that of Caribbean schools ranges between 3.2 and 3.3. Only few Caribbean medical schools consider the MCAT scores for admission.
Clinical rotation opportunities
Most Caribbean medical students get to do their clinical rotations in the US for their third and fourth year. Their first and second year which is centered on basic science is done on their campuses overseas. Doing clinical rotations in the US gives you an advantage when applying for US residency.
Rolling admissions
Most Caribbean medical schools operate a rolling admission policy. This gives you an opportunity of applying throughout the year. Caribbean schools runs three admission cycle: One in January/February, another in May and September. Perhaps you got a rejection letter from an American medical school in March, you have the opportunity of applying to a top Caribbean school in May.
Less tuition
Caribbean medical schools are less expensive than US medical schools. This reduces the burden of taking student huge loans on prospective medical students. Also, cost of living in the Caribbean island is reasonably lower than of the U.S.
Conducive environment for study
The Caribbean have warm, tropical climates year round. A serene environment will help your studying habits. The Caribbean island has beaches and exotic surroundings where students can unwind after study.
Clinical exposure
Caribbean medical schools runs a curriculum by which students acquire clinical skills in their first year. This prepares them for clinical rotations as they get to apply the medical knowledge gained during basic sciences. Many US medical implement clinical training much later in their pre-clinical curriculum.
Residency chances
Most Caribbean medical schools have affiliations with US residency programs. Many US medical schools are affiliated with teaching hospitals which enables students connect with hospital administrators, thus offering them a chance at residency. Caribbean medical school graduates fill residency positions in family medicine, paediatrics, internal medicine and other competitive fields.
Global health experience
Some medical schools in the Caribbean offers unrivaled global experience that you won’t possibly find in the United States and Canada. This improves your odds of getting matched.