The United States is a nation with a long history of innovation in medicine and medical research. While there are over 50 medical schools in the US, only 19 of them have robust rankings by US News & World Report. While some individuals might be content with any school that would potentially accept them as a student, others have their eyes on these top-ranked institutions—and they’re not necessarily low-ranking.
If you’re a pre-med student, knowing which medical schools are the best for you can be difficult. We’ve compiled a list of 19 top US medical schools and what each has to offer!
1. Harvard University
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, there is a private Ivy League research university called Harvard University. The oldest school of higher study in the United States and one of the most prominent in the world, Harvard College was established in 1636 and named for its first donor, the Puritan priest John Harvard. Harvard University’s School of Medicine, also known as HMS, is the oldest medical school in the nation and was established in 1782. The school strongly focuses on discovery and innovation, teaching their students to question everything about how medicine works. They even offer a course that teaches medical ethics: how doctors and patients should work together.
If you’re looking for a top medical school, Yale University might just be the perfect choice. With a curriculum that emphasizes research and clinical experience, Yale’s medical program offers students unparalleled opportunities to become leaders in the field. Check out more of the best medical schools in the US for additional options.
2. New York University (Grossman)
While founded in 1832, NYU’s medical school was not established until 1836 and is known by the name “Grossman School of Medicine.” This school is based in Manhattan. It’s a private research university with almost 1,800 students and more than 37,000 alumni who have become high-ranking professionals worldwide. Those seeking to learn more about research and innovation at NYU will be pleased to know that there are over 900 graduate students who study for their MS in MS programs in the United States.
3. Columbia University
The country’s oldest institution of higher learning, Columbia, was established in 1754 when it was known as King’s College. It was later renamed Columbia College and then Columbia University before finally taking its name. Columbia’s medical school focuses on teaching students how to become successful physicians. Students can do so by completing their training with hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge technology, including the newest genome sequencers, 3D printers, and more.
4. Johns Hopkins University
While still known as the Johns Hopkins Medical School, this private research university is located in Baltimore and has an MS in MS program that can last up to six years. The university is recognized for its medical knowledge, surgical technology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and nursing.
If you want to pursue a career in medicine, consider applying to Johns Hopkins University. As one of the top medical schools in the country, it has a highly respected reputation for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research facilities. Its emphasis on a well-rounded education and clinical experience prepares students to become successful physicians.
5. University of California-San Francisco
As the only public medical school in California, UCSF is also the only medical school in the UC system. It is a large school, with students from all over the world coming to learn under esteemed professors who have received several awards for their work.
6. Duke University
Duke University is based in Durham, North Carolina, and has a long history of education, including being one of the first to be founded in the nation. The university was established in 1789 and is home to some of the nation’s top medical schools and other research centers.
Duke University wasn’t only known as one of the best medical schools in the US but also offers a stunning campus that ranks among the most beautiful college campuses worldwide. Check out more here for The 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in The World.
7. Stanford University
Stanford University is a private research university. They have several schools with degrees and programs from medicine to law. The medical school of Stanford is known as the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, where doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are educated in high-level skills to provide the right treatment for patients. While still known as the medical school at Stanford, it first began admitting its students in 1885. Many of the school’s well-known graduates have become influential figures in many fields, including politics, law, business, and medicine.
8. University of Washington
In 1861, the University of Washington established a school to study medicine. The school was first known as “Medical Department” and then “Medical School” before finally being officially named “University of Washington School of Medicine” in 1908. Graduates from this medical school can become highly trained physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals who can work at any level nationwide and worldwide.
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9. Yale University
The medical school at Yale University was first established in 1810. It began as a part of the medical school of Yale and opened with just four students taught by Dr. Russell and Dr. Gunn. Since then, the school has grown, especially regarding research and development. Students at Yale can participate in study-abroad programs in over 30 countries, concentrating on global research institutions and medical colleges.
10. University of Pennsylvania, Perelman
In 1740, the University of Pennsylvania was established as a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They began accepting students for medical school in 1869 and have a strong focus on research. Their medical school is known for collaborating with Allentown’s (a nearby city) teaching hospital, the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
11. Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Alix
The Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, located in Rochester, Minnesota, is a private research university that focuses on providing research for other institutions and helping other schools develop. While most medical students in the United States attend school for four years and then become physicians, the students at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine take part in their study-abroad programs, where they travel to different countries and places around the world.
12. University of California—Los Angeles, Geffen
The students at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA can learn from many different mentors and advisors, including physicians, researchers, and leaders in the medical community. UCLA was founded in 1919 and has continued to grow ever since. They have become one of the most prestigious colleges in research on human health.
Looking for a medical school with top-notch research facilities and renowned faculty? Consider the reporters of Fox News attended by University of California—Los Angeles, Geffen. This prestigious institution provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking research opportunities, making it one of the best medical schools in the US for aspiring researchers and academics.
13. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
The first medical school at the University of North Carolina was founded in 1874. The school was founded by Dr. James Hinsdale and Dr. Richard H. Battle and accepted their first class of students in 1877, where they had six members. Since then, the school has grown to accept over a hundred students a year who can go on to become doctors and researchers, heading their clinics and research centers around the world.
14. Baylor College of Medicine
The Baylor College of Medicine students can learn from some of the nation’s most esteemed professors and contributors, including Dr. Hal Wirth. Dr. Wirth is a highly educated Professor in medicine and clinical research and has proven himself to be a qualified leader in research in terms of his work at Baylor College of Medicine and other universities around the country.
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15. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan’s school of medicine, located in Ann Arbor, was established in 1841. They were able to admit their first class of medical students in 1850, making them one of the nation’s first schools to teach medicine. The school focuses on ensuring that its students leave with the knowledge and background needed to become successful doctors.
16. University of Virginia
The University of California’s School of Medicine Virginia was established in 1825 and tasked to serve as the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College. The school was then able to become a separate institution, known as the Medical Department of the University of Virginia, in 1868. Since then, they have focused strongly on research and education regarding their well-known professors and other influential members.
17. Oregon Health and Science University
Established in 1908, the Oregon Health and Science University is a highly ranked research university in Portland, Oregon. The school welcomes students from throughout the world and the nation to give them a strong future as doctors and researchers. They have many research labs and centers where they’re able to conduct much of their research, including when it comes to studying human health.
Looking to study medicine in Oregon? Look no further than the Oregon Health and Science University. With a wide range of medical programs, students can specialize in the fields of family medicine, pediatrics, and neurology, just to name a few. For more information on medical schools, explore our Nature of the Northwest Internet Resources.
18. University of California—Davis
The College of Medicine at the University of California in Davis was established in 1901. It is among the most well-liked and prosperous medical schools in the entire nation. They provide a wide variety of services for their patients but can also provide health care for other people. This university has many academics and staff members who have achieved distinction in their disciplines; some have even won the Nobel Prize.
19. University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado’s University of Colorado School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the country. It was initially founded in 1883 and has continued to grow ever since. As the school has grown and become more popular, its students have become some of the most influential doctors and researchers.
20. University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota School of Medicine, located in Minneapolis, MN, was established in 1893. They have a strong focus on research, which has helped to further develop the science of medicine in Minnesota and worldwide. Many of their students can become some of the most influential doctors in the world.