RUSM Medical Doctor Degree: Admissions Overview

Graduating over 16,000 alumni over the past 40 years, we’d like to think we have a strong track record of success.

Start Your Application
Student with White Coat

The Medical School Admissions Process

Our mission is to find individuals with the potential to develop into outstanding physicians.We’ve accepted students from both medical and non-medical backgrounds. Start your journey to becoming an MD.

Admissions Requirements

Review our full list of med school admission and prerequisite course requirements.

View Admission Requirements

Tuition and Fees

Find out more information about tuition, financial aid, and scholarships available for Ross Med Students.

View Tuition and Fees

How To Apply

Get started on your Ross University School of Medicine application today.

Start Your Application
Hands on from the start video cover image

Compassionate healthcare begins here.

Because You’re Ready to Start Strong.

Your career in medicine begins the moment you set foot on our Barbados campus. With hands-on research and clinical opportunities built into your first semester, a Ross Med education is designed to take you further.

Request More Info
RUSM and the Application Process

Connect with Admissions

Do you have questions about our curriculum, your eligibility, or how to apply? Whatever your questions may be, our Admissions team is here to support you on your journey.

Ask A Question

Get a Personalized MD Program Admissions Report

Wondering how your medical school application stacks up?  
Complete this quick questionnaire to find out how you can be a successful medical school applicant at Ross Med.

Start My Personal Assessment
What Year Do you Want to Start?
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring March Summer May July 1
START RESIDENCY
Medical Sciences
January Start
5 Semesters Completed in Barbados

Begin studying for USMLE Step 1
Clinical Sciences
Core Rotations*

Begin Your Residency in 8 months

Elective Rotations**
Medical Sciences
May Start
5 Semesters Completed in Barbados

Study for USMLE Step 1
Clinical Sciences
Core Rotations*

Begin Your Residency in 2 months

Elective Rotations**
Medical Sciences
September Start
5 Semesters Completed in Barbados

Begin studying for USMLE Step 1
Clinical Sciences
Core Rotations*

Start Your Residency after Graduation

Elective Rotations**
Leave Barbados
Match Day
Graduation

Please Note: The Clinical Sciences portion of our curriculum is completed in one or more of our affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses. 

January Program Highlights
  • Start sooner, practice sooner: Get an 8-month head start over students who wait to begin in the following fall. This translates to becoming a licensed physician and starting your career sooner.1
  • Head start on residency prep: Students who start in January and proceed through the program on schedule have more flexibility and time to study for the USMLE® 2 CK exams. You may also have more time to schedule clinical electives and take part in extracurricular activities.
  • Prepare for residency interviews without added academic distractions.  A January start could put you in a position to end your elective rotations shortly after NRMP® registration opens2—giving you the space and time to focus on acing your residency interviews. 

1 Students must successfully pass all courses prescribed in the Ross Med preclinical and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses. 

2 Actual curriculum timeline, including core and elective rotation completion, may vary.

Request Information
Apply Now

Please Note: The Clinical Sciences portion of our curriculum is completed in one or more of our affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses. 

May Program Highlights
  • Accelerate your medical career: Start med school immediately after completing your undergrad. With a May start date, you can skip the traditional waiting period . 
  • Beat the competition: Apply for admission in May and increase your chances of securing a spot in medical school, as September is typically the most competitive time to apply.  
  • Increased flexibility for certain exams and electives: May starters might have more flexibility in scheduling Step 2 of the USMLE® as there may be less competition for testing slots during the summer months. Additionally, some clinical rotations have summer intake dates, making scheduling potentially smoother for May starters.  
Request Information
Apply Now

Please Note: The Clinical Sciences portion of our curriculum is completed in one or more of our affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses. 

September Program Highlights

Begin your medical journey with a fresh perspective. Our September start date gives you the time during the summer to relax, rejuvenate, and prepare for the rigorous demands of medical school.

  • Benefit from a structured and predictable academic calendar that is similar to the traditional medical school timeline.
  • Increase your student network from the start. September typically our largest incoming class size of the three start terms. Connect with like-minded students from around the world, fostering lifelong friendships and expanding your global perspective.
Request Information
Apply Now
Please note: The above example is for sample purposes only. Actual curriculum timeline, including core and elective rotation completion, will vary.
*All students must complete 48 weeks of core rotations. Each core rotation is either 6 or 12 weeks in length.
**All students participate in 42 weeks of elective clerkships. Each elective rotation is between 4 - 8 weeks in length.

 Program Highlights

  • Start sooner, practice sooner

  • Head start on residency prep

  • Prepare for residency interviews with no distractions

  • Return home for your clinical year

 Program Highlights

  • Accelerate your medical career

  • Beat the competition

  • Increased flexibility for certain exams and electives

  • Return home for your clinical year

Program Highlights

  • Traditionally structured academic calendar

  • Head start on residency prep

  • Increase your student network from the start

  • Return home for your clinical year

Apply Now

 

Please note: The above example is for sample purposes only. Actual curriculum timeline, including core and elective rotation completion, will vary.


1All students must complete 48 weeks of core rotations. Each core rotation is either 6 or 12 weeks in length.

What a Ross Med Applicant Looks Like

  • Average Undergrad GPA: 3.27*
  • Average pre-req GPA: 3.19*
  • Average MCAT Score: 494*
  • 100% Committed to Serving Others

*Data is representative of the Ross Med September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 cohorts.

Students working at the Sim lab
Ross Med saw something in me that other schools didn't. They saw more than my GPA. They saw more than my resume. They saw the potential. And I really appreciated that because without Ross Med, I wouldn't be the doctor that I am now.
Asha Stegall, MD '24
Asha Stegall

Perusing your Medical Degree: Find your fit at Ross Med

Everyone has a unique journey. Ross Med welcomes US, Canadian, and international applicants to follow your calling and pursue your MD at Ross Med.

I’m a Career Changer

We’ve accepted students from both medical and non-medical backgrounds. Start your journey to becoming an MD.

Go to Career Changers

I’m a Canadian Applicant

Canadian students are eligible for residency training and practice in Canada and the US.

Go to Canadian Applicants

I’m a Transfer Applicant

Ross Med will consider admitted students with experience from other medical school programs.

Go to Transfer Applicants
Virtual Tour Cover Image

Take a Virtual Tour of Ross Med

Spend your first two years of medical school learning on the scenic island of Barbados.

Take a Virtual Tour

Blog

6 FAQs About Transferring to Medical School

News Articles

Dr. Mehrdad Soleimani, MD ’07, Co-Founds Symposium Dedicated to Physician Wellness

Alumni Spotlight

Nick Paslidis, MD ’88, Named Master of the American College of Physicians

News Article

Celebrating Pride Month: Ross Med’s LGBTQ+ Doctors Association

Learn More

Featured News

Ryan Azarkhail
Ryan Azarkhail, MD ‘23, Nominated by Peers as Class Speaker
News Article
Learn More

Additional Medical School Resources

Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP)

The Medical Educational Readiness Program (MERP) is offered to promising Ross Med applicants who could benefit from additional academic support and maximize success in medical school. This 15-week online program is designed to help students succeed and prepare for their first-semester curriculum.

Learn More About MERP

Medical School Information for Parents, Family, and Friends

We know how influential parents, family, and friends are in their student’s lives and are also keenly aware that the idea of attending an international medical school brings with it a whole new set of things to think about, consider, and compare. Learn more about our Friends and Family guide to medical school for Ross University School of Medicine!

Visit Parents Guide

Information for Pre-Med Advisors

As a pre-med advisor, you want to feel confident sharing programs and pathways to medical education that fit the unique needs of your students. Explore Ross Med’s admissions philosophy, curriculum, student supports, and academic outcomes. 

Visit Pre-Med Advisors