Explore the Caribbean Islands & Medical Schools
The Caribbean is an incredibly diverse region. Each Caribbean island has its own unique history, culture, and character. Some islands are dependencies of European or South American countries, while others are independent nations. Find out about Caribbean nations and the notable medical schools they are home to.
Antigue and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign state that sits in the Lesser Antilles region, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is made up of islands, the two major islands being Antigua and Barbuda. These islands are popular tourist destinations for people from around the world. From the friendly, welcoming locals to the beautiful beaches, reefs, lagoons, and famous bird sanctuary, Antigua and Barbuda has something for everyone. One of the finest medical schools in the Caribbean is also located here. American University of Antigua is one of the most highly accredited medical schools in the Caribbean, with approval by the New York State Education Department and the Florida Department of Education, recognition from the Medical Board of California, and accreditation from CAAM-HP. In addition, they are approved for Title IV funding.
American University of Antigua
The American University of Antigua is one of the most highly accredited medical schools in the Caribbean. It is considered one of the “Big Three” Caribbean medical schools, andl has been provisionally accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) since 2012. AUA has been recognized by the Medical Board of California, licensed by the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education, and approved by the New York State Education Department. In 2016, AUA began its partnership with Florida International University to offer the Global Health Track, making it possible for students to complete Basic Sciences at AUA and complete clinical rotations in the US. Since then, AUA has expanded its partnerships to medical schools and hospitals in the UK, and has begun a partnership with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science to create a pathway for under-represented minorities to make it into medical school. AUA’s curriculum is focused on making medical education more personalized; the classes are small, so students receive personal attention from the faculty. The MD program is divided into two sections: Basic Sciences, where students will learn about the foundations of medicine, and Clinical Sciences, where students will apply their knowledge of Basic Sciences in actual clinical situations. AUA does not factor your MCAT scores into the admission process. They believe that the MCAT does not determine your ability to practice medicine. However, if you apply, you will be asked to send your MCAT scores, because you may end up being eligible for a scholarship.
Barbados
Barbados
Barbados is one of the most diverse countries in the Caribbean. People come to Barbados from all over the world and fall in love with it. The locals are friendly, the beaches and weather are beautiful, the culture is riveting, and there is a lot to do. The crime rate is low and the healthcare system is of a very high standard. Ross University, one of the most highly accredited schools in the Caribbean, is located in Barbados. Ross is one of the three schools with approval from California, New York, and Florida, and is eligible for Title IV funding.
Ross University
Ross University is one of the most reputable medical schools in the Caribbean. It is considered one of the “Big Three” Caribbean medical schools, and is comparable to a US medical school. Thousands of doctors all over the United States and the rest of the world have gotten their medical degrees from Ross. Graduates of Ross University are currently practicing in many countries, and in all fifty US States. In 2020, Ross University’s first-time residency rate was 94%, and this rate included residencies in 24 disciplines. Not only is Ross University recognized and approved by California, New York, New Jersey, and Florida; Ross University is eligible for Title IV funding, meaning students can receive US federal financial aid to fund their education at Ross University. Ross’s MD program is very oriented and provides a hands-on education. Students at Ross are offered a wide range of global medical opportunities.
Grenada
Grenada
Grenada, often called the “Island of Spice” because of its production of nutmeg and mace, is a sovereign state at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain in the Caribbean sea. It is northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Life in Grenada is authentic and pure; people visit Grenada for natural beauty and a laid-back, simple way of life. In Grenada, you can hike on some of the Caribbean’s greatest hiking trails under waterfalls and through rainforests, scuba dive in some of the Caribbean’s purest water, visit the world’s first underwater sculpture, lounge on the beach, or experience the rich and vibrant local island culture. In addition, Grenada is home to one of the most standout and highly accredited medical schools in the Caribbean. St. George’s University (SGU) has been approved by the states of California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, and accredited by the national accrediting agency of Grenada, an agency recognized by the US Department of Education as having comparable accrediting standards to US organizations. SGU is one of few select Caribbean medical schools eligible for Federal Student Aid.
St. George’s University
St. George’s University (SGU) is one of the most highly accredited medical schools in the Caribbean. It is considered to be one of the “Big Three” Caribbean medical schools, and has been approved by the states of California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. It is one of the few select Caribbean medical schools that are eligible for Federal Student Aid. St. George’s University is the top provider of physicians to US residency positions in the world. As a student getting your MD at St. George’s University, you will spend the first two-to-five years, depending on your entry qualifications, being instructed on preclinical sciences at SGU’s True Blue campus in Grenada. After this, for the remaining two years of your studies, you will complete your clinical rotations in a number of clinical hospitals in the US, UK, and Grenada.
Nevis
Nevis
Nevis is one of the more laid-back islands in the Caribbean. There isn’t much of a party scene; Nevis is more of a scenic vacation destination. From beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests to ruins of old British plantations, Nevis has something for everyone. The island is home to the Medical University of the Americas, one of the more notable Caribbean medical schools. The school is approved for US Federal Loans, and is accredited by the national accrediting agency of Nevis, an agency recognized as having accreditation standards similar to those of US agencies.
Medical University of the Americas
The Medical University of the Americas (MUA) is an accredited Caribbean medical school located on the island of Nevis. MUA is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, which is the official accrediting agency of Nevis. The US Department of Education has ruled that the accreditation standards used by this organization are comparable to those used by US accrediting agencies, and the school has been approved to participate in US Federal Student Aid programs. At MUA, students participate in a comprehensive ten-semester program that resembles that of a top US medical school. The class sizes are small, and the classes are focused on preparing students for Step 1 of the USMLE. Students learn from faculty with either an MD or PHD in the field they teach. The curriculum is divided into basic sciences and clinical training. After the completion of basic sciences studies, students take part 1 of the USMLE, and then begin their clinical rotations.
Saba
Saba
Saba is a unique island; it is small, and has no beaches, since it is on top of an inactive volcano. There is virtually no crime on the island, the people are incredibly nice, and the island is unbelievably clean. In addition, Saba has some of the best scuba diving and hiking on the planet. The island of Saba is home to another Caribbean medical school that is worth noting. Saba University School of Medicine is approved by New York, California, and Florida, and the school’s M.D. program is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders, an organization recognized as using comparable standards to those of US organizations. In addition, Saba University is approved for federal loans, a sign that a school is legitimate and trustworthy.
Saba University
Saba University School of Medicine is an accredited Caribbean medical school on the island of Saba. The school is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders, an organization that has been recognized as having accreditation standards comparable to those of US organizations. Saba University is one of the few Caribbean medical schools that has been approved for US Federal Student Aid, is approved by the New York State Education Department, recognized by the Medical Board of California, and licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. At Saba, your ten semesters of learning will consist of both academic and clinical study. The academic learning often involves small-group and hands-on learning sessions, along with analysis of current medical literature. Students will apply this knowledge to clinical situations as they leave the Saba campus and join students from other schools at teaching hospitals around the US during clinical rotations.
Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten
St. Maarten is an island in the Northeast part of the Caribbean, about 190 miles east of Puerto Rico. Half of the island is French territory, and is called Saint Martin, while the other half is Dutch territory, and is called Sint Maarten. The island is known for its festive nightlife, beautiful beaches, reefs, wildlife, casinoes, shopping, and jewelry. The locals are known for being especially hospitable, open-minded, and friendly. On the Dutch side, most people speak English or Dutch. A medical school of note on the Dutch side of the island is the American University of the Caribbean (AUC). While AUC doesn’t have approval or accreditation from any US state organization, the school is accredited through 2021 by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, the official accreditor of St. Maarten. This organization has been recognized by the US Department of Education as using accreditation standards comparable to those set by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits medical programs in the US. Based on this, the school’s attrition rate, and the success rate of the alumni, AUC has made the list of reliable Caribbean medical schools that you may want to consider.
American University of the Caribbean
The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is an accredited school on the island of St. Maarten. The school is accredited through 2021 by the official accreditor of St. Maarten, the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). The US Department of Education reviews the standards that countries use to accredit medical schools, and has recognized the ACCM as having similar accreditation standards to those of US accrediting agencies. Because of this approval, students at AUC may qualify for US Federal Financial Aid. As a graduate of AUC, you will be eligible for licensure in all 50 US states. At AUC, you will learn in a collaborative learning-oriented environment with small class sizes, international training opportunities, and various student organizations.