The medical field continues to evolve at a rapid pace along with the constant technological advances, the changes in our society, our bodies, the environment, and our health problems.
There are numerous careers and specializations in the medical field, and if you’re interested in becoming a Medical Doctor (MD), you will first have to attend Medical School.
In the next few sections, we’ll discuss the most important facts about Medical School and how much it can cost.
Table of Contents
What Is Medical School?
Medical School is a graduate program that prepares students to obtain a medical degree.
It’s one of several steps that you must take to become a Medical Doctor (MD).
The first two years of Medical School are dedicated to science training, where basic medical concepts will be provided.
The next two years will focus on clinical training, which means that you’ll have experience with real patients in real medical settings.
There are numerous Medical Schools, and their requirements, curriculum, and teaching method can greatly vary, as well as their costs.
Is Becoming an MD the Right Choice for Me?
Unlike other careers or fields of knowledge, becoming a doctor in medicine can take most of your time, of your budget, and your life as a whole.
You’ll need to ask yourself whether you are passionate about medicine and science, about helping others, if you are prepared to dedicate your life to that career, and if you can handle the pressure, stress, and responsibility that comes with it.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Medical School?
There are several requirements to apply to Medical School.
Even though each Medical School has different requirements, most of them share the next few basic ones.
Bachelor’s Degree
As Medical School is a graduate program, you’ll first have to obtain a Bachelor’s degree.
This degree doesn’t necessarily have to be connected to a science or medical degree, but it is recommended.
However, people with different types of majors can still apply to Medical School.
Medical School Prerequisites
These are courses that you must take before applying to Medical School.
If you chose a major in a scientific area, you might be able to avoid these courses or take less than needed, since you already took them.
For those who chose a completely different major area, they can attend a post-Baccalaureate program, which allows them to take those courses that are needed to enter Medical School.
GPA
GPA stands for Grade Point Average, and it indicates the grade you have obtained in different settings, such as high schools, colleges, or graduate schools.
The required grade will depend on the school you want to apply to, but they are usually high.
MCAT Exam
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an exam developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) that evaluates different areas of knowledge and skills of those who want to enter Medical School.
Although it’s not required in every Medical School, it is very common, since it’s directly connected to the medical field.
The average grade will also vary according to the school you wish to apply to.
Extracurricular Activities
The activities that Medical Schools pay more attention to are those that concentrate on clinical, research, and volunteer experience.
You must provide sufficient proof of participating in these areas for a certain time, helping to prove that you are interested in medicine, that you have had some experience in the field, and that you want to continue that career pathway.
How Long Does Medical School Last?
As previously mentioned, Medical School lasts four years in total.
It’s important to understand that after graduating from Medical School, you will have to continue your education by entering a residency program at a hospital, where you’ll be working under the supervision of a doctor.
Residency programs can last between three and seven years.
How Much Does Medical School Cost?
Medical School is considered one of the most expensive graduate programs you can find.
Its cost can greatly differ between states and types of schools.
On average, you can pay from $130,000 to $240,000 in public schools for four years of Medical School, the cost depending on whether you are a resident of the state or not.
In private schools, the cost is usually between $240,000 and $260,000.
