Doctor of Medicine Degree

If you’re ready to learn the practice of medicine—the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful healthcare impact in the U.S., Canada or abroad—you belong at Ross Med.

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Ross University School of Medicine MD Program Overview

Immerse yourself in Ross Med's Medical Sciences coursework and labs, and gain hands-on experiences alongside physicians across Barbados. Then, seamlessly transition to the U.S. for clinical rotations at our affiliated teaching hospitals.

2023 Curriculum Timeline
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North America preparation

Our curriculum is designed to prepare our graduates to practice in the United States and Canada, where most of our students originate and plan to return for practice.

Year 1 & 2 – Medical Sciences

Our basic sciences curriculum, called Medical Sciences, is an organ systems-based curriculum that organizes the teaching of medicine by systems within the body, like the digestive or respiratory systems. This approach, which mirrors how medicine is actually practiced, gives you a big picture look at the physiological, anatomical, and biochemical processes of an organ system all at once.

Year 3 & 4 – Clinical Sciences

After successful completion of the Medical Sciences curriculum in years one and two on the Caribbean island of Barbados, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) students finish the Clinical Sciences curriculum in years three and four at teaching hospitals in the United States or in the United Kingdom. Also in years three and four, Ross students prepare for and take the United States Medical License Examination® (USMLE®) Step 1 and Step 2 where they demonstrate their medical knowledge and clinical skills. (Step 3, the final exam before licensing, is typically taken during residency.)

RUSM students begin clinical training and patient interaction during the first week of year one of medical school and are well prepared to apply their skills in the Clinical Sciences curriculum.

RUSM MD Program Curriculum

The Ross Med curriculum is designed to prepare our graduates to practice in the U.S. and Canada.

Our students receive a rigorous medical education with opportunities for early hands-on experiences in the Barbados community before returning to the U.S. for clinical rotations and residency.

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Accredited Education

The Ross Med curriculum is designed to prepare our graduates to practice in the U.S. and Canada and attain U.S. and Canadian residencies and licensure.

Flexible Start Dates

Three flexible start dates—January, May, and September for all cohorts.

Hands-on Teaching

A rigorous education with early hands-on experiences in the community.

Medical School Prerequisites

Ross Med requires the completion of a 4-year degree or higher. We encourage students to pursue interdisciplinary courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics and the integration of principles across the preclinical sciences. All courses must have been completed within the last ten years. 

Supplemental Application Documents

In addition to medical school prerequisites, you must upload the following documentation as it becomes available. As part of the application process, you will also need to complete an admissions interview.

  • MCAT scores
  • Official transcript(s) from each College, University and/or professional school attended
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal statement (750 words or less). 
View Admissions Requirements

Required Medical School Prerequisites

  • Inorganic or General Chemistry: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
  • Organic Chemistry: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
  • General Biology or Zoology: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
  • Physics: One semester (four semester hours) with laboratory
  • Mathematics: One semester of college-level mathematics (three semester hours), preferably calculus or statistics
  • English: Two semesters (six semester hours). Canadian students may satisfy the English requirements in 3 possible ways: (1) Two semesters of university humanities where essays composed at least 40% of the overall mark, (2) International Baccalaureate English and (3) Advanced Placement English.

All coursework must be completed before you can matriculate.

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Ross University Admissions

Ross Med takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. Our expert admissions team considers your passion for the medical field as well as your undergraduate performance, clinical experience, and MCAT score.

 
Step 1: Admissions Requirements

Review the admissions requirements for details on how to begin and complete your medical school application. You should take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) before applying to medical school, but it is possible to add MCAT scores after submission.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Apply online through the Ross University School of Medicine application  or apply using the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®), the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine® Application Service (AACOMAS), Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS), or the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) and upload your common application.

Step 3: Supplemental Documents

Send any supplemental documents to our admissions staff. Note: you can submit unofficial documents to get the medical school application process started, but your  official documents must arrive prior to the start of classes.

RUSM MD Tuition

We know that your med school education is a major investment of time and money, so we’re committed to providing scholarships and financial aid to all eligible students.

As a Title IV-eligible university, our students can also assess all the student assistance the US government provides, including student loans and grants.

View Student Financial Resources
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I'm a Career Changer

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

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I'm a Canadian Applicant

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

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I'm a Transfer Applicant

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

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Residency Match after Ross University School of Medicine MD Program

Ross Med provides the prerequisite clinical training and interview prep to fully prepare each student for future residencies. Our students have matched all over the U.S., Canada, and beyond. See how far a Ross Med education can take you.

2024 Residency Appointments
96%


Ross University School of Medicine's first-time residency attainment rate for 2024-2025 graduates.1

551


RUSM Graduates Attained Residences in 2024

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21


Medical Disciplines

83%


RUSM student’s five-year cumulative USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate 2

28


Ross University school of medicine has 28 affiliation agreements with hospital systems in 9 states, as well as the District of Columbia. ​

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1 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.
2 First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was in 2020-2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum.

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Ross Med has the tools to get you working with patients in weeks, not months.
 

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RUSM MD Student Resources

 

At Ross Med, you’ll receive the guidance you need to succeed as a practicing MD.

From social activities on the beautiful island of Barbados to academic assistance to emotional support—our students, faculty and staff are here to help you every step of the way.

 

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What Ross has that makes it so special—that other Caribbean schools don’t have—is that we have a very strong community here. When one person struggles, we all struggle; we feel what other people feel. We’re all in this together.
Dana Abossi, Ross Med Canadian Student
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Why Ross Med?

16,000+ Alumni Network

Follow in the footsteps of our alumni. Ross Med graduates are practicing throughout all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Learn More About Our Alumni
Clinical Experiences 

Your clinical experiences can be completed at one or more of our affiliate teaching hospitals across the U.S. All core rotations can be done in a single location if desired. 

Affiliate Teaching Hospitals
Flexible Start Dates

Three flexible start dates—January, May, and September—give you the freedom to start medical school when it’s right for you.

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