Your Ultimate Guide to Medical Degrees in the USA (2024) | Top Medical Schools, Admission Requirements & More

Your Ultimate Guide to Medical Degrees in the USA (2026)

Summary

• Multiple pathways: The U.S. offers various degrees and paths for those aspiring to work in medicine, including MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathy).

• Undergraduate requirements: Before entering medical school, students must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by the MCAT exam.

• Graduate medical education: After completing the undergraduate degree, students continue for 4 years to get their MD or DO. Residency training follows and can last 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.

• Top medical schools: Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UCSF, and University of Pennsylvania consistently rank among the best medical schools in the U.S.

• Specialization options: Medicine has numerous specialties, such as cardiology, neurology, surgery, and pediatrics, among others.

• Admission Requirements: Strong academic performance (GPA), MCAT scores, clinical experience, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency are some key requirements for admission.

• International students: International applicants face competitive entry into U.S. medical schools, but completing an undergraduate degree in the U.S. can improve chances.

A Deep Dive Into Medical Degrees in the USA

1. Types of Medical Degrees in the USA

Medicine in the USA involves a multi-tiered education system, from undergraduate pre-med programs to graduate medical education and postgraduate specializations. Here’s a breakdown:

Undergraduate Pre-Med Degrees

To start a career in medicine, students must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree (pre-med) at a university. This program prepares them for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Students can choose majors like pre-medicine, biology, or exercise science, though some schools require classes in humanities, English, math, and other sciences.

Graduate Medical Education

After earning an undergraduate degree, students enter medical school for 4 years of intensive training. There are two main paths:

1. Doctor of Medicine (MD) – Allopathic medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating diseases.

2. Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) – Emphasizes holistic care and includes techniques like osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

The first two years focus on classroom-based studies (pre-clinical), while the final two years involve clinical rotations (working in hospitals). Upon completing medical school, graduates must enter a residency program to gain practical experience.

Postgraduate Degrees

After medical school, graduates can pursue fellowships (advanced training in a specialty) or PhDs (research-focused training). PhDs are typically for those aiming to conduct research or teach at medical schools.

Learn More: MD Doctor Salary 2026: By Specialty, Experience, and Trends (Full Guide)

2. Medical Specialties

The field of medicine offers numerous opportunities for specialization, including:

• Cardiology

• Oncology

• Pediatrics

• Radiology

• Surgery

• Anesthesiology

• Neurology

• Psychiatry

These specialties allow physicians to focus on a specific area of healthcare, and students can start exploring their interests before entering medical school.

3. Medical School Entry Requirements

Admission to medical schools in the USA is highly competitive, and the requirements vary slightly across schools, but there are common criteria that almost all medical schools share:

GPA (Grade Point Average)

A strong academic performance is crucial, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 expected, though many successful applicants have higher GPAs (around 3.77). Schools particularly focus on science-related courses like biology and chemistry.

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The MCAT is a standardized exam that tests students on topics such as biology, chemistry, psychology, and critical reasoning. Although there is no official minimum score, the average score for accepted applicants is around 512. Preparing for this test is essential, and taking practice exams can be beneficial.

Prerequisites

Some common prerequisites for medical school include:

• Biology (1 year with labs)

• Chemistry (2 years with labs)

• English (1 year)

• Physics (1 year with labs)

• Psychology and Sociology (1 course each)

Letters of Recommendation

Medical schools typically require 4 to 5 letters of recommendation. These should include:

• 2 science professors (to speak about your academic abilities)

• 1 non-science professor (to highlight your overall academic potential)

• 1-2 letters from extracurricular activities such as research or clinical experience

Clinical Experience

Hands-on experience in healthcare settings, like volunteering or shadowing doctors, is crucial. Medical schools often expect applicants to have several hundred hours of clinical experience.

English Proficiency (for international students)

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English through exams like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.

4. Top 5 Medical Schools in the USA

The U.S. is home to some of the best medical schools in the world. Here are the top five, based on academic reputation, research, and student outcomes:

1. Harvard University

• Rank: #1 for research

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

• Tuition: $69,300

• Harvard Medical School offers two programs: Pathways (active learning and early clinical experience) and Health Sciences & Technology (HST) in collaboration with MIT for those interested in biomedical research.

2. Stanford University

• Rank: #5 for research

• Location: Stanford, California

• Tuition: $63,747

• Stanford’s School of Medicine offers flexibility in curriculum and a focus on interdisciplinary studies. Students have access to Silicon Valley’s innovation hub.

3. Johns Hopkins University

• Rank: #2 for research

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland

• Tuition: $59,700

• Known for its excellent hospital, Johns Hopkins provides a unique Genes to Society curriculum that integrates clinical experience with academics.

4. University of California, San Francisco

• Rank: #5 for research, #5 for primary care

• Location: San Francisco, California

• Tuition: $45,124 (in-state), $57,369 (out of state)

• UCSF is famous for its faculty and its research output. It has a strong focus on primary care and works closely with global health initiatives.

5. University of Pennsylvania

• Rank: #3 for research

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Tuition: $65,940

• The Perelman School of Medicine offers various dual degree programs and has one of the oldest medical schools in the U.S.

5. MD vs DO: What’s the Difference?

Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians in the U.S., but they have different training. MDs focus on allopathic medicine, which is the conventional approach, while DOs incorporate osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and have a more holistic approach. Both degrees are highly respected, and the choice depends on personal preference and the approach to patient care.

Learn More: How to choose between the MD and DO paths

Conclusion

Studying medicine in the U.S. is a rewarding journey that requires commitment, hard work, and perseverance. With top universities offering comprehensive medical programs, numerous specializations, and high earning potential, it’s a path worth considering for anyone interested in healthcare. Whether you’re looking to pursue an MD or a DO, the U.S. offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring physicians.