Frequently Asked Questions About Ross Med

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ross accredited and by whom?

Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) 

Ross University School of Medicine is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org). 

CAAM-HP is the legally constituted body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), empowered to determine and prescribe standards and to accredit programs of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM. 

Accreditation by CAAM-HP is a rigorous, peer review process which examines all aspects of a medical program. The CAAM-HP board, an independent and autonomous body of professionals, only certifies medical schools which are operating at the highest levels of industry standards. 

Through this accreditation, the CAAM-HP provides assurance to medical students, graduates, the medical profession, healthcare institutions, and the public that programs leading to qualifications in medicine meet appropriate national and international standards for educational quality, and that the graduates have a sufficiently complete and valid educational experience.

Additional Recognition

The World Health Organization includes Ross in its listing of medical schools approved by recognized national authorities.   

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) granted full accreditation to Ross University School of Medicine’s Simulation Institute in November 2013.

Are the accreditation standards for Ross Med comparable to US medical schools?

The United States Department of Education, through its National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), has determined that the accreditation standards employed by the CAAM-HP are comparable with those used to evaluate programs leading to the MD degree in the United States by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

Is Ross Med accredited by a US accreditor?

There is no US accreditor that grants accreditation directly to schools outside the US.

The United States Department of Education, through its National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), has determined that the accreditation standards employed by the CAAM-HP are comparable with those used to evaluate programs leading to the MD degree in the United States by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

Can Ross Med graduates practice in the United States?

Yes. Ross Med graduates are eligible to apply   for licensure in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

That being said, New York, New Jersey, California, and Florida require institutional review and state approval, or licensure, prior to the conduct of clinical clerkships. Approval by the Medical Board of California is also necessary for physician licensure in that state. Many other states defer to California’s approval for the purpose of licensure. Review more details on these approvals below.  

  • California: The state has reviewed Ross University School of Medicine’s academic program and found it acceptable, allowing the licensure of graduates from Ross University School of Medicine.
  • New York: The state has approved Ross University School of Medicine’s educational program, allowing Ross Med students to complete clinical training and residencies at hospitals throughout the state.
  • New Jersey: The state has approved Ross University School of Medicine’s medical education program, permitting students to complete their clinical training at approved teaching hospitals in the state.
  • Florida: The state has reviewed Ross University School of Medicine, and it is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education.
     
Can I be licensed outside of the United States?

Ross Med graduates receive a Doctor of Medicine degree which is recognized internationally. However, licensure requirements vary in each country. Some countries may require foreign medical graduates to take additional tests before receiving approval to practice.

What is Ross Med's residency attainment rate?

Ross Med's first-time residency attainment rate for 2024-2025 graduates is 96%.  

First-time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2025-26 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2024-25 who were active applicants in the 2025 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.

What support does Ross Med provide students in obtaining a residency?

Upon completion of the basic sciences medical curriculum, students receive ongoing advising by the Office of Student and Professional Development to help prepare them for residency. For example, students are guided on the timeline to meet MATCH, requirements for graduation, and how to effectively complete the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).

Additionally, the Office of Student and Professional Development provides feedback on students’ CVs and personal statements and offers mock interviews in preparation for MATCH.

Where is the Med Ross pre-clinical campus?

Ross Med is located on the island of Barbados. Students complete two years of medical sciences before returning to the US to complete their clinical education (clinical rotations) at one of our affiliated teaching hospitals.

What is required to apply?

Our MD program requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, completion of prerequisite coursework, submission of your MCAT scores, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A full list of requirements can be found on our Admissions Requirements page here.

If you are still missing a document or two, you may still submit your application. You can send additional materials and/or updated transcripts later to admissions@rossu.edu.

Is there a minimum MCAT score or GPA requirement?

At Ross Med, we believe in a holistic admissions process. Your grades and MCAT® scores only tell us part of your story. Your pursuits and interests outside the classroom, and your passion to make a difference help communicate your capability as future medical student.

For the FY 21-22 academic year direct admits to the Ross Med MD program had:

  • 3.21 average undergrad GPA
  • 3.11 average pre-req GPA
  • 495 average MCAT score
Do I need a bachelor's degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree or higher (or international equivalent) is required for admission into Ross Med’s MD program.

Is the MCAT required?

Yes, students applying for the MD program are required to submit their MCAT scores as part of their complete application.

When will I move to Barbados?

Incoming students will arrive on island approximately one week before classes start. During this week, you will participate in orientation where you will meet your fellow students, faculty, and staff, and will get the chance to explore your new island home and get checked in for your classes.

How long will I stay in Barbados?

The first two years of our medical sciences curriculum are completed on our campus in Barbados. After that, you will complete two years of clinical rotations at one or more of our affiliate teaching hospitals in the U.S.

When should I submit my application for Admissions?
When should I submit my application for Admissions?

 

We do not have any restrictions on when a person can submit their application. 

Since we operate under rolling admissions, we continue to accept applications for each semester until all seats for that term are filled. In the event that all seats are filled before an applicant receives a decision, the application is automatically considered for the next available semester. 
RUSM has three start dates in September, January and May.

Start your Application TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
What do I need to submit my application?

The admissions committee ...

You can submit your application in advance of:

  • Sitting for the MCAT
  • Receiving your MCAT score
  • Completing the essay portion of the application
Start your Application TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
How do I submit an application for admission?

You can apply directly on the Ross University School of Medicine website: https://medcommunity.rossu.edu/s/application

Are applicants granted interviews?

Once the Admissions Committee determines an applicant is a viable candidate to attend RUSM an interview is scheduled.

What percentage of applicants are granted interviews?

Not every applicant is granted an interview.

What is the 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 Ross University School of Medicine. MERP's dual mission is to provide students from a variety of backgrounds with additional academic preparation to foster their success in medical school, and to help determine the readiness of these students to meet the demands of a fast-paced and rigorous medical school curriculum like the one at RUSM.

Can I apply directly to Medical Education Readiness Program?

No. The Admissions Committee of Ross University School of Medicine may grant an applicant conditional acceptance to the university, contingent upon the student's successful completion of MERP, if the Admissions Committee believes that an applicant might benefit from strengthening his or her foundation in the medical sciences before starting as a first semester Ross medical student.

How do I find more information about Medical Education Readiness Program?

Visit the MERP website at www.medschoolprep.com for more information, including MERP graduate profiles and program information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caribbean Medical Schools

Want to know more about what it's like to attend med school in the Caribbean? RUSM answers the most common questions about attending an overseas medical school, Caribbean life and more here.

What is the tuition at RUSM?

You can find our tuition & fees schedule here.

How do I find out about Financial Aid options for Ross?

Please visit the Financial Aid section to find the options available for Ross.

Are RUSM students eligible to receive US federal direct student loans?

US citizens and eligible non-citizens must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid® (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to determine their eligibility for a Federal Direct Loan. When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include the appropriate school code: Ross University School of Medicine: G22460. Once the Office of Student Finance has received your FAFSA information from the U.S. Department of Education, you may be required to submit additional information, such as citizenship documentation. The Office of Student Finance will notify you if you are required to submit additional information. If you have a complete file, we will determine your eligibility for the types of student loans listed below. Interest rates on federal student loans are based on the 10-year Treasury note plus a set percentage established by federal law. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans to find current interest rates and loan fees.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

This is a non-need-based Federal loan which the student can borrow up to the cost of attendance, less other aid. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS is a credit based loan. If a student does not have remaining eligibility for the

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan(s) because he or she has reached the maximum aggregate Federal Direct loan limit of $138,500, or academic year limit of $20,500, approved borrowers may be eligible for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program up to their Cost of Attendance. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans to find current interest rates and loan fees. The federal government does not offer any grants or scholarships for graduate students.

For more information about the terms and repayment obligations, contact the Office of Student Finance at 732-509-3051 or FinAid@RossU.edu

Additionally, DeVry Medical International (DMI), offers a loan program to assist RUSM students in semesters 6-10. The DMI loan is designed to address financial challenges a student may experience after exhausting all other funding sources such as provincial and private loans. Eligible students may cumulatively receive up to $75,000 to cover tuition and fees.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

This is a non-need-based Federal loan with a limit of $10,250 per semester. The Department of Education charges an origination fee on the funds disbursed. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans to find current interest rates and loan fees.

What financial aid options are available to Canadians?

Canadian students may be eligible for loans through the Canadian government and/or private loan programs. Please refer to the Financial Planning Guide for Canadian Students, which is available online here Canadian Financial Planning Guide, for more information. Other Foreign Nationals may be eligible for assistance in their country.

Additionally, Institutional Loan Program, offers a loan program to assist RUSM students in semesters 6-10. The DMI loan is designed to address financial challenges a student may experience after exhausting all other funding sources such as provincial and private loans. Eligible students may cumulatively receive up to $75,000 to cover tuition and fees.

Does RUSM offer any scholarships?

Yes. Please see the full list of Ross scholarships offered.

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