What is an MD degree?

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is a professional graduate degree held by physicians and surgeons. Earning an MD degree should prepare medical school graduates to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of practicing medicine.

Doctor of Medicine Degree

Program Overview

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.

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 clinical experiences in the Barbados community before returning to the U.S. for clinical rotations and residency.

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 clinical experiences in the community.

Curriculum

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

Learn more about curriculum

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.

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.

Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

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), or the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) 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.

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

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

Residency Match

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.

2022 Competitive Residency Appointments

98%

Ross University School of Medicine's first-time residency attainment rate for 2022-2023 graduates.¹

597

RUSM Graduates Attained Residences in 2023

Medical Disciplines

91.6%

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

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

¹First-time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2023-24 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2022-23 who were active applicants in the 2023 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 2017-2021. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum and earn a satisfactory score on the NBME CBSE exam as listed in the student handbook.

Get Started Today

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

Request Information

Ask Admissions

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.

Academic Resources & Student Support

Academic Calendar

Faculty

Academic Support

Campus Tour

Campus Services

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

Why Ross Med?

15,000+ 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