Medical school in the United States is a graduate program designed to educate physicians in the undifferentiated field of medicine. The standard curriculum spans four years, with the first two years focused on classroom and laboratory-based education in basic sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physiology. The latter two years consist of clinical rotations in teaching hospitals where students gain hands-on experience across specialties including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, internal medicine, and surgery. Many schools have adopted systems-based curricula since the mid-2000s, integrating relevant topics across organ systems. A small number of universities now offer three-year programs as an alternative.
Admission to U.S. medical schools is highly competitive, typically requiring a bachelor's degree and completion of specific pre-medical coursework including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics with labs. In 2023-2024, 52,577 applicants applied to M.D.-granting schools, with 22,981 matriculating for a 43.7% success rate. Admissions criteria include undergraduate GPA (average 3.77 for M.D. in 2023), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores (average 511.7 in 2023), letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews. Many programs also value community service, volunteer work, research experience, and unique personal experiences. Post-baccalaureate programs are available for students who lack pre-medical coursework.
All medical schools in the United States must be accredited by recognized bodies depending on their degree type. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredits M.D.-granting schools, while the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association accredits D.O.-granting schools. The Flexner Report of 1910 significantly reformed medical education by establishing structured standards and regulations. Since 2005, the Association of American Medical Colleges has recommended background checks on all applicants.
Upon completion of medical school, graduates receive either an M.D. or D.O. degree but cannot practice independently until completing a residency program and passing the appropriate licensing examination (USMLE Step 3 for M.D. or COMLEX Level 3 for D.O.). Doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine have equal scope of practice in the United States.