Admissions FAQ

Is UHSA accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)?

No. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) only accredits institutions in the United States and Canada and not foreign institutions. However, once you pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), you are equalized with those individuals who graduate from the LCME accredited institutions.

Since 1983, UHSA has been listed within the Avicenna Directory of Medical Schools, formerly the World Health Organization (WHO). UHSA is also recognized by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB), and listed within the International Medical Education Directory (IMED).

This recognition confers eligibility for the medical graduates of the university to take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) in the U.S. and is one of the requirements of the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) in the U.K. Our listing in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED-FAIMER) also allows our students to take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE). Nursing students are eligible to take the NCLEX examinations for licensure within the United States.

Is UHSA accredited by CAAM-HP?

We filed for accreditation in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, we are pending an accreditation visit, which we anticipate will be soon.

What type of degree do I receive after completing the Medical Programs at UHSA?

You will be awarded a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.

How long is the MD program?

The M.D. program at UHSA is a 4-year program. The first six terms of the program are dedicated to completing the Basic Sciences, followed by a Review of the Basic Sciences.
The final four terms of the program are spent completing the Clinical Sciences at our affiliate teaching hospitals. Our MD program is based on the curriculum standards of U.S. medical schools by fully integrating the basic sciences and clinical sciences throughout the entire MD program.

How long is the Premedical Sciences program?

Designed for high school graduates, the 96-credit-hour Premedical Sciences Program offers students direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program upon completing the four premedical academic terms.

Our curriculum is consistent with our integrated medical curriculum, allowing students to have a smooth transition into the basic sciences of the MD program. It presents fundamental scientific concepts from a medical perspective and incorporates USMLE Step 1 familiarization from day one.

How long will I be in Antigua?

For the Medical Doctor Program, you will be in Antigua for the first two years, completing the Basic Sciences portion of the program.

Does UHSA use cadavers within its curriculum?

Yes. Students are exposed to cadavers throughout the curriculum.

Where will I conduct the Clinical Sciences (rotations)?

Please visit the Hospital Affiliations webpage for an updated list.

Will I be able to do my residency in the United States after obtaining the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree?

Yes, once successfully passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination tests, you will have the opportunity to obtain a license to practice medicine in the United States. You should check with the State Medical Board of the state where you would like to practice medicine for their specific requirements regarding foreign medical school graduates.

Program Requirements

Are books included in the tuition and fees?

No. Books and supplies are not included within the tuition and fees.

Have any of your graduates who went through your medical programs been accepted into residency programs in the United States?

Yes. Many of our graduates who completed our medical programs have passed the United States Licensing Examinations (USMLE) and consequently have been accepted into residency positions as well as practicing in the United States.

Is there an Alumni contact list for prospective candidates?

Yes. But you will need a user ID and password to access it on the web site. The login information will be provided after acceptance to the program.

How soon are we able to get permission to take Step I?

Once completing the Review of the Basic Sciences, students are required to complete the Review of the Basic Sciences. Students are then required to take the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and pass with satisfactory results. Upon successful completion, you will be granted the opportunity to take United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step I.

Is there a Campus Dress code

Yes. During visitations to Hospitals, Clinics, and Classrooms, as well as during the Laboratory periods, medical students must wear their scrubs or lab coats. Please visit the Campus Dress Code section of the website.

Tuition & Fees

What is the cost per year?

Please visit the Tuition and Fees web page.

General Questions

Does UHSA accept transfer students?

Yes. Visit the Transferring to UHSA for more information.

Does UHSA accept transfer students who have been dismissed from other medical schools?

No. Students who were previously dismissed will need to start the medical program as new students.

Does the medical school accept individuals with a B.S. degree in other disciplines but lack science requirements?

Yes. Individuals with a B.S. degree in other disciplines but lacking science requirements may be considered for the M.D. program, however, the necessary prerequisites would need to be completed for admission.

If I work in a healthcare field, will it enhance my chances of admission into your medical program?

Experience in the healthcare field, definitely will be considered. However you would still be expected to have all the prerequisites as well as the required competitive grades.

I am a Doctor in Chiropractic Medicine (DC) Doctor in Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Dentist (DDS) Physical Therapist or any other medical related profession. Can I be accepted as a transfer student and just take the Clinical Sciences portion of the medical program since I already completed the Basic Sciences at the DC, DPM, and DDS School?

UHSA can only accept as transfer credits, courses earned at another medical school listed in IMED. The ECFMG does not recognize credits awarded at a DC, DPM or DDS School and therefore will not grant certification to graduates who have not obtained all of their Basic Sciences credits at an IMED listed medical school.