If you’re thinking about attending a Caribbean medical school, chances are you’re already familiar with the Ross University School of Medicine. While some Caribbean medical schools have a bad rap, Ross stands out among the rest for graduating well-trained physicians who place into U.S. residencies and continue on to successful careers in medicine.

Generally considered one of the best medical schools in the Caribbean, Ross Medical School appeals to many students with low stats who couldn’t get accepted to U.S. med schools—which are increasing in competitiveness—but who are still determined to practice medicine. The good news is, even if it wasn’t their first choice, many excellent physicians have used Ross as the starting point for accomplished medical practices. 

Ross University School of Medicine has been educating doctors for over 40 years and boasts an alumni network of more than 14,000 physicians. Graduates are able to practice medicine in all 50 states and in 900 countries throughout the world. 

If you’ve applied unsuccessfully to U.S. MD and DO programs and are looking for an alternate route to earn a medical degree, Ross University School of Medicine offers a chance to continue pursuing your dreams of becoming a physician. But before you apply, it’s important to be aware of the differences you’ll experience at Ross versus a U.S. medical school. 

In this article, we’ll do a complete Ross University School of Medicine review, taking you through Ross University School of Medicine rankings, acceptance rate, admission requirements, tuition rate, programs offered, available scholarships, and a whole lot more. Carefully read through.

About Ross University School of Medicine

Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is a private medical school. Its main campus is in Barbados, and separate administrative offices are in Iselin, New Jersey, and Miramar, Florida, in the United States.

Founded in 1978, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) offers an MD degree program administered by a faculty whose primary responsibility is teaching.

The systems-based curriculum is designed to enable students to acquire and master the basic knowledge needed to pursue successful careers in medicine. In January 2019, RUSM opened its new Medical Sciences Campus in Bridgetown, Barbados. Clinical rotations are completed at affiliated US teaching hospitals. RUSM has an alumni network of over 14,700 MDs across the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and beyond. In 2020, RUSM graduates achieved a 93.5% 1st-time Residency rate; 545 current and former RUMS graduates attained residencies in 24 different specialties.

Ross University School of Medicine Cost

“How much is medical school per year? How much does Ross Med School cost?” 

These questions are among the many questions that prospective students ask. In fact, thinking about medical school tuition can be enough to stop many students from applying, since many are overwhelmed by the cost of medical school tuition. 
Medical school tuition can seem like a lot of money, but medical school is a major investment in your future. To help offset the cost, scholarships and financial aid are available to eligible students, intended to fill any gaps that may exist between your family’s ability to afford educational expenses and the cost of attendance. Typically, students at RUSM finance their medical school costs by combining family resources, federal student loans and scholarships and loans from other sources.

Effective September 2021 (subject to change without notice)	Medical Sciences (MS)	Semester 5 FOM* (Regular Track Students only)	Clinical Clerkships
Tuition per semester (Flat Rate: 9-21 credits)	$24,750	$18,563	$27,310
Education Resource Fee	$500	$500	$400
Student Service Fee	$900	$900	$0
Education Technology Fee***	$700	–	–
Student Government Association Fee per semester	$60	$60	$25
Health Insurance Fee per semester Price includes an administration charge.	$953	$953	$953

• Students registered for 8 credits/weeks will be considered full-time students and will be eligible for financial aid based on their individual credits.
• Students registered for 4 to 7 credits/weeks will be considered half-time students and will be eligible for financial aid based on their credits/weeks.
• Students who are registered for 3 clinical credits/weeks or less per semester will also be charged based on credits/weeks and considered less than half time.

*Students in the regular track program take 5 semesters of Foundations of Medicine and 6 semesters of clinical clerkships for a total of 11 semesters. Students in the accelerated track take 4 semesters of Foundations of Medicine and 6 semesters of Clinical Clerkships for a total of 10 semesters.

**The rates represented above represents a full-time, 15 week/credit schedule each semester. Medical school tuition will be prorated per clinical at a rate of$1,778.40 per credit/week and the Educational Resource Fee at $26.67 per credit/week. The Clinical Sciences Student Government Fee and the Student Services Fee is not subject to proration. Health Insurance is billed on a periodic basis in September, January and May regardless of schedule and is not subject to proration.

***The Educational Technology Fee is a mandatory, one-time fee assessed for Semester 1 and is for RUSM iPad Technology Fee.

Med School Cost– Ross Medical School Tuition

Medical School Tuition Policy On Failed Courses 

Students failing any course in any semester will be required to repeat that course and will be charged the full rate of medical school tuition for the remedial semester. Questions relating to this policy should be directed to the Office of Student Finance. 

Medical School Tuition Refund Policy For Withdrawals 

A withdrawal occurs when a student’s enrollment is permanently discontinued or, in some cases, even temporarily interrupted (see note below). Withdrawal may be official (when the student notifies the dean in writing) or unofficial (without written notification). The effective date of withdrawal is normally the student’s last date of attendance. 

• If a student withdraws, Ross University School of Medicine’s tuition and charges corresponds with federal loan entitlement regulations, which are based on the period attended: 
• If a new student withdraws prior to the start of the first semester, no med school costs are due. 
• If a continuing student withdraws prior to the start of a semester, no med school costs are due. 
• If a student withdraws during the first 60% of a semester, no med school costs are directly prorated based on the portion of the semester that has elapsed. (As semesters are normally 15 weeks in length, tuition is prorated for withdrawals during weeks 1 through 9.) 
• If a student withdraws after the first 60% (i.e., after completing the 9th week) of a semester, full medical school charges remain due. 

Note: Although a leave of absence may be authorized in limited circumstances, failure to return to the University from a leave of absence is considered a withdrawal as of the last date of attendance. Please note that a leave of absence and an academic leave of absence are two different statuses. (For an explanation of an academic leave of absence, refer to the section on Academic Policies in the Student Handbook). Additionally, under federal regulations, a leave of absence must be requested and approved in advance, may not exceed 180 days, and may not be granted within 12 months of a previous leave of absence. An interruption of enrollment status that does not qualify as a leave of absence is considered a withdrawal as of the last date of attendance. 

Is Ross University School of Medicine Good? Ross University School of Medicine Review

Ross University School of Medicine prepares highly dedicated students to become effective, successful physicians. This is achieved by focusing on imparting the knowledge, skills, and values required for our students to establish a successful and satisfying career as a physician.

Generally considered one of the best medical schools in the Caribbean, Ross Medical School appeals to many students with low stats who couldn’t get accepted to U.S. med schools—which are increasing in competitiveness—but who are still determined to practice medicine.

Students of Ross University School of Medicine complete their clinical rotations in the U.S. at one of Ross Medical School’s affiliated hospitals, and its graduates can qualify for licensure in all fifty states after completing their residencies.

Before we evaluate if Ross University is a good medical school, there are a few factors that are considered when looking at Caribbean med schools:

• USMLE pass rate
• Residency match rate

These data points reveal how well each med school trains its students and prepares them to successfully begin their medical careers. Let’s look at how Ross Medical School measures up to U.S. med school programs.

Ross University School of Medicine USMLE Step 1 pass rate

In 2019-2020, RUSM achieved  96.7% USMLE Step 1 Pass Rate. 

Unlike other knowledge-based exams, the USMLE Step 1 wholly assesses how well you can apply your skills, values, and attitudes to real life, patient-centered scenarios.

It further assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with specific emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.

Step 1 ensures mastery of not only the sciences that provide a base for the safe and competent practice of medicine, but also the scientific principles required for the sustenance of competence through lifelong learning.

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Ross University School of Medicine residency match rate

Completing a residency is a prerequisite to becoming a licensed physician in the United States. For a med school to be good, the residency match rate is an important indicator that shows that they really graduate students who become doctors.

In 2019/2020, Ross Medical School records a 95.2% residency match rate for its graduates.

So while matching into a residency will be more challenging from Ross Medical School than from U.S. med schools, you still have better chances at Ross than at many other international med school programs.

Ross University School of Medicine Ranking

According to edurank.org – Ross University School of Medicine ranks No. 1 school of medicine in Roseau and Dominica and 5993 in the world.

According to 4icu.org – Ross University School of Medicine ranks No. 1 in Dominica and 4041 in the world.

Is Ross University School of Medicine Accredited?

Ross University School of Medicine is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org). CAAM-HP is the legally constituted body founded in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), authorized to determine, set standards, and accredit programs of medical, dental, veterinary, and other health professions education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM.

Accreditation by CAAM-HP is a rigorous, peer-review process that examines all aspects of a medical program. The CAAM-HP board, an independent and autonomous body of professionals, only certifies medical schools that are operating at the highest levels of industry standards.

Through this accreditation, the CAAM-HP provides assurance to medical students, graduates, the medical profession, healthcare institutions, and the public that programs leading to qualifications in medicine satisfy national and international standards for educational quality, and that the graduates have a sufficiently complete and valid educational experience.

What Are The Programs Offered At Ross University School of Medicine?

There are a few different options to earn an MD from Ross University School of Medicine.

• Four-and-a-half-year MD (five semesters of classroom instruction and four semesters of clinical rotations)
• Four-year MD (accelerated track—students must academically qualify for it during the first semester)
• MD/Master’s of Public Health

Ross University MD Program

If you are seeking rigorous, hands-on, medical education and expert training, RUSM provides students with a range of medical opportunities that will enable them to grow into competent professionals.

The DO program curriculum is designed to enable students to gain and master basic sciences concepts and prepare to integrate the knowledge of these concepts into clinical care. The philosophy behind this approach is to prepare medical school graduates to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of practicing medicine.

RUSM offers two tracks in the Medical Sciences Program: a four-semester accelerated track and a five-semester track. These curriculum options are designed to further cultivate student success and empower you to advance through Medical Sciences at a pace that aligns with your personal study needs.  

Ross students complete the clinical portion of the curriculum—and the majority of their training—in the United States at leading teaching hospitals across the country during years 3 and 4 of the program. During these years, students will also prepare and take the United States Medical License Exams (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 (CK and CS).

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Ross University School of Medicine MPH Program

Ross University School of Medicine partners with Chamberlain University College of Health Professions (Chamberlain) to offer a unique opportunity to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the same time as your MD degree.

Physicians with an MPH degree have a broader understanding of how to attend to patients. Through this program, the students take a thorough analysis into looking at the elements that make up a healthy community.

As an MD with an MPH, you should be able to bridge the gap between patient and community and think about your patients in a broader context.

Chamberlain’s flexible, 42-credit MPH is a generalist graduate degree program. RUSM students who pursue the degree with their MD degree can complete the program in as few as four years.

Eligibility Requirements

• All RUSM students who are in good academic standing (ie, have maintained a 3.0 GPA) following their first semester are eligible to enroll in the MPH program. All students will have their performance in both programs monitored to ensure they meet Satisfactory Academic Progress for both programs throughout their term of dual enrollment.
• Graduates of the RUSM MD program who meet the accepted standards of admission for the Chamberlain MPH degree program.

What Is Ross University School of Medicine Acceptance Rate?

The Ross University School of Medicine acceptance rate is 42.7%. Out of the 42.7% accepted, 48% are female and 52% are male. Ninety-seven percent of all students are citizens of the U.S. or Canada, and 24% of students are from under-represented backgrounds.

Ross Medical School offers three different start sessions each year—in September, January, and May. The September start brings in the largest number of new students, so applicants, who would prefer smaller cohort sizes can choose to enroll in May or January. 

Let’s take a look at RUSM admission requirements.

Ross University School of Medicine Admission Requirements

Taking the MCAT is one of the Ross Medical School requirements. Here are the average stats of students accepted to Ross:

• Median MCAT: 496
• Median total GPA: 3.22

Applicants must have taken the MCAT within five years of the semester they plan to enroll at Ross. Applicants who attended non-English institutions must also submit TOEFL scores to be considered for admission. 

Here is a list of the Ross University School of Medicine application requirements.

• Ross online application or a copy of an AMCAS or AACOMAS application
• Official transcripts from all colleges or professional schools attended
• Minimum two letters of recommendation
  • One letter from a premed professor
  • One letter from a physician (preferred) or an employer 
• MCAT scores
• Passport-sized photo (optional)

Ross University School of Medicine seeks to enroll students who share their priorities of improving global health and making positive impacts in communities.

The perfect med student at Ross is committed to making medicine available. Having this as a guiding principle gives you an edge over applicants.

After you submit your online application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application has been received.

An admissions officer will contact you if your application is incomplete, if your qualifications do not meet RUSM admissions requirements, or if the Office of Admissions reviews your file and decides to invite you for an interview.

RELATED POST: What Is MCAT And When To Take The MCAT?

How Long Does It Take To Graduate From Ross University School of Medicine?

While each institution differs in instructional model and grading, the traditional medical school timeline lasts approximately four years, followed by residency and fellowship training that can last an additional three to seven years or more depending on your chosen specialty.

For the basic sciences curriculum, which is the first part of medical school, Ross University School of Medicine offers two tracks in the medical sciences program: a four-semester accelerated track or a five-semester track. This allows you to choose between an accelerated pace or a non-accelerated curriculum.

RUSM also has a convenient rolling admissions timeline so you can start school at a time that’s right for you. You can begin the program in September, January, or May. While September is the traditional medical school start date, the flexibility of a January or May start date allows you to complete coursework before graduation and provides more time to prepare for United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE) testing.

Ross University School of Medicine Tuition

Here’s a rundown of Ross University School of Medicine tuition fees:

Effective September 2021 (subject to change without notice)	Medical Sciences(MS)	Semester 5 FOM* (Regular Track Students only)	Clinical Clerkships
Tuition per semester (Flat Rate: 9-21 credits)	$24,170	$18,128	$26,676
Education Resource Fee	$500	$500	$400
Student Service Fee	$900	$900	$0
Education Technology Fee***	$700	–	–
Student Government Association Fee per semester	$60	$60	$25
Health Insurance Fee per semester Price includes an administration charge.	$953	$953	$953

The rates captured above represent a full-time, 15 week/credit schedule each semester. Medical school tuition will be prorated per clinical at a rate of$1,778.40 per credit/week and the Educational Resource Fee at $26.67 per credit/week.

The Clinical Sciences Student Government Fee and the Student Services Fee is not subject to proration. Health Insurance is billed periodically in September, January and May regardless of schedule and is not subject to proration.

The Educational Technology Fee is a mandatory, one-time fee assessed for Semester 1 and is for RUSM iPad Technology Fee.

How To Get A Scholarship To Medical School

Scholarships for medical students can be a great opportunity to help fund a medical career.

The Ross Scholarship Committee will review the qualifications of each applicant. Award recipients must meet the criteria for admission to Ross, submit an application for admission, and meet the specific criteria set for each scholarship award. Students may also be required to meet additional requirements.

In few lines, we’ll be listing the available scholarships at Ross University School of Medicine.

Scholarships Opportunities at Ross University School of Medicine

The mission to educate and provide opportunities to a diverse and dedicated student community has been at the core of RUSM’s imission.

Ross offers a variety of scholarships to help aspiring doctors offset the cost of medical education. These scholarships are either awarded by selection or application. Here is the list of scholarships available at RUSM.

Awarded by selection

RUSM considers all applicants who satisfy the criteria for admission for all available scholarships. Here, no additional forms or scholarship application are required rather, candidates will be considered based on documentation provided as part of their medical school application.

#1 Ross Success Scholarships

This merit based scholarship renders tuition and housing assistance to students enrolling in Ross University School of Medicine’s MD program.

Housing Benefit: Up to $19,000
Tuition Benefit: $78,000 to $108,000

To be eligible, you have to:

• Available to all eligible incoming, first semester students beginning with May 2021 semester and beyond.
• Must have a minimum MCAT score of 486 AND minimum undergrad GPA of 2.8
• Must commit to attending RUSM by the starting term deadline.

#2 Canadian Founder Scholarship

This Canadian Scholarship is offered to students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. This merit-based scholarship provides tuition assistance to students who enroll in the MD program at RUSM.

Scholarship Benefit: $15,000 one time scholarship for first semester

Eligibility:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
• Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale – OR – minimum “old” MCAT score of 23 / “new” MCAT score of 496.
• Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree)
• This scholarship is open to incoming first-semester students only. Students do not need to apply for this scholarship.
• Must maintain full-time enrollment status and remain in good academic standing.

#3 Merp Success Scholarship

The Merp Success Scholarship is for students who have excelled academically during the Medical Education Readiness Program.

Tuition Benefit: $30,000 to $95,000

Eligibility:

• Completion of MERP with a 70% grade or higher.
• Matriculation to RUSM for the MD program.

Awarded by application

To be considered for the following scholarships, you will need to complete a scholarship application.

#1 Alumni legacy scholarship

This scholarship is offered to students who have a work/volunteer history with a RUSM graduate. The scholarship provides tuition aid to students.

Scholarship benefit: $24,170 (FULL COST OF FIRST SEMESTER TUITION, ONE-TIME SCHOLARSHIP FOR FIRST SEMESTER)

Eligibility:

• Letter of recommendation from a Ross University School of Medicine graduate
• Applicants must hold an offer of admission to RUSM for the scholarship to be awarded
• This scholarship is open to incoming first-semester students only
• Complete and submit the scholarship application below
• MCAT score
• GPA
• Clinical experience, including shadowing/preceptorships
• Special honors or recognition

Meeting the requirements above guarantees you’ll be reviewed for the scholarship and doesn’t guarantee the scholarship award.

Note: Applicants who are not offered the Alumni Legacy Scholarship will automatically be offered a $500 Alumni Book Scholarship if they completed all initial eligibility requirements.APPLY HERE

#2 The Eliza Ann Grier Scholarship

The Eliza Ann Grier Scholarship is offered to students from under-represented minority groups in the field of medicine. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to students enrolling in the Ross University School of Medicine’s MD program.

Scholarship benefit: $24,170 (FULL COST OF FIRST SEMESTER TUITION, ONE-TIME SCHOLARSHIP FOR FIRST SEMESTER)

Eligibilty:

• This scholarship is open to incoming first-semester students only.
• Proof of United States citizenship or permanent resident status.
• Must be classified as an under-represented minority (African-American, Native American, or Hispanic-American).
• Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.  
• Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).
• Personal essay— describe an important event in your life, how that event shaped who you are, and how you anticipate that event will shape you as a physician.
• Letter of recommendation.
• Complete and submit the scholarship application below.

Note: Meeting the criteria above ensures you will be reviewed for the scholarship, but does not guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded.APPLY HERE

Conclusion

Offering students the best of medical science experience, RUSM is an academic haven to behold. Carefully read through for details of how to secure admission into Ross University School of Medicine and other relevant information as highlighted in this article.