We can not argue the fact that medical education has become a crucial aspect of any healthcare system, there is also so much demand for professionals in this field.
When writing this article, the state of Alabama has only four (4) reputable medical schools that provide quality education and training for medical professionals.
This article will provide an overview of the best medical schools in Alabama, the requirements, and also answer some of the frequently asked questions.
You can also take your time to read our previous article on the best medical schools in Alaska and how to get in.
Is Alabama a good place for medical studies?
Yes, Alabama is a great place to study medicine because of the state’s growing healthcare industry.
With the expansion of medical facilities and the increasing demand for healthcare services, there is a high demand for medical professionals in Alabama.
The state also offers an affordable cost of living and a high quality of life, making it an attractive location for medical students.
For your interest, take your time to read our article on the steps you can take to become a medical doctor and some related questions.
What are the requirements to get into a medical school in Alabama?
The medical schools in Alabama can be really competitive to get into, but with some requirements from your side, you stand a fair chance. Here are some requirements you need before applying;
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree
- Applicants should take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Applicants must also submit transcripts, a letter of motivation, and a personal statement.
Additionally, applicants must have completed specific prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Related: The 5 Best Medical Schools in Arizona & How To Get In
What are the best medical schools in Alabama?
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine (UAB Heersink)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine is one of the highest-ranking medical schools in Alabama, ranked by U.S. News in 2019 as the No. 37 in medical primary care, No. 32 in medical research, and No. 15 in obstetrics and gynecology.
It is a 4-year public school located at 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233 with other campuses at Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Montogomery. Students start their first two years at the campus in Birmingham and can drift to any other campus later.
Getting into the UAB School of Medicine can be very competitive, the school has a low acceptance rate of 5% with an average GPA and MCAT scores of 3.78 and 493. Tuition fees vary, residents pay approximately $34,662, while international students pay around $66,178.
To get into the UAB School of Medicine, intending Alabama residents are required to possess an average BCMP GPA of 3.0, international students are required to have a 3.3 BCPM to get an invite, and both students are required to get a total MCAT score of 495.
Related: The 5 Best Medical schools in Kansas
2. University of South Alabama College of Medicine (USA COM)
The University of South Alabama College of Medicine is another top four-year medical school in Mobile, Alabama, located at 5795 USA Drive North, CSAB 170 Mobile, AL 36688, United States.
As one of the best medical schools in the world, the University of South Alabama has a very low acceptance rate of 4.04%, with an average GPA of 3.6 and an MCAT score of 507.
Students spend their first two years at the school’s main campus in the Medical Sciences Building and can drift to the USA Health System Hospitals to get their clinical training.
For tuition fees, In-state students in their first year at the USA COM pay about $32,830 yearly, while international students pay around $64,764.
3. Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM)
The next on our list of the best medical schools in Alabama is the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private medical school located at 445 Health Sciences Blvd, Dothan, AL 36303, United States.
The ACOM is widely known as the first osteopathic medical school in Alabama, enrolled in its first class in 2013, and is focused on training professionals who will address Alabama’s primary care medical needs.
Getting into the ACOM is not an easy task really, the school has a very low acceptance rate of 4.25% with an average GPA of 3.74 and an MCAT score of 505.
For tuition fees, all accepted students regardless of status are required to pay a yearly tuition of about $57,658.
Related: The 4 Best Medical Schools in Quebec and How To Get In
4. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
Last but not least is the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private medical school on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg (VA), with other campuses in Spartanburg (SC), Auburn, and Monroe, (LA).
The school has been ranked by the US News as No. 95-124 in best research medical schools, and No. 94-124 in best primary care medical schools,
While applying to this school, it is important to know that the school gives preference to applicants with an average GPA of 3.5, they place emphasis on the required courses and interviews.
For tuition fees, VCOM’s yearly tuition fee for VCOM’s DO program is $49,800, you can visit the school’s admission department to get updated details.
Related: The 6 Best Medical Schools in Ontario and How To Get In
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medical schools are in Alabama?
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine (USA COM), Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VIOM) are four of the best medical schools in the state.
How much is the medical school in Alabama?
The tuition fees for each of the medical schools in the state differ,
| Medical Schools in Alabama | Tuition Fee ($) | |
| In-state | Out-of-state | |
| UAB Heersink | $34,662 | $66,178 |
| USA COM | $32,850 | $64,764 |
| ACOM | $57,658 | |
| VCOM | $49,900 | |
What is the cheapest medical school in Alabama?
The cheapest Alabama medical school for In-state students is the USA COM at $32,850 per year while the VCOM is the cheapest for international students at $49,900.
Does every medical school in Alabama require the MCAT?
Yes, all the medical schools in Alabama consider MCAT scores a very important admission requirement, hence all applicants must possess it.
Conclusion
Alabama is an excellent place to study medicine, with reputable medical schools and a growing healthcare industry.
Medical graduates in Alabama have numerous job opportunities and can work in various healthcare settings.
To get into a medical school in Alabama, applicants must meet specific requirements, including a bachelor’s degree, MCAT scores, and prerequisite courses.
For your interest:
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