collageThe University of New Mexico School of Medicine (UNM School of Medicine) is a division of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNM HSC) located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The UNM School of Medicine is home to a variety of degree-granting programs, including the only MD program in the state.
History
The school was established in 1961 by the Regents of the University of New Mexico. The first class was admitted in 1964, and the school graduated its first class in 1968. The school also received full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education that same year. The school uses UNM Hospital as its primary teaching hospital, along with the VA Medical Center located at Kirtland Air Force Base, along with the other hospitals that make up the UNM Hospitals system.
In 1994, University administration decided to combine the School of Medicine, along with other programs in Physical and Occupation Therapy, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and other programs into one entity known as the UNM Health Sciences Center, with the aim of combining the education and research contributions of each of these entities into one. While they may be grouped together on paper, day-to-day operation of each department is somewhat independent of each other.
The school today
MD program admissions
Currently, the MD program enrolls about 106 new students each academic year, with the total enrollment in the MD program comprising about 15% of the School of Medicine student body.Because the school is supported with state money, primary admissions preference is given to New Mexico residents. Secondary preference is given to applicants from other Western states that do not have a medical school, such as Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, as well as applicants from all other states. As is the case with virtually all other medical schools in the United States, admission is very competitive.
National recognition
The school is widely known for its Rural Medicine, Family Medicine and Primary Care Medicine programs. These programs are consistently ranked among the best nationally, with the Rural Medicine program consistently being ranked in the top five nationally. In 2015, U.S. News & World Report rated UNM 3rd in Rural Medicine, 10th in Family Medicine, and 35th in Primary Care.
Additionally, the state-of-the-art Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education at the school has received attention for both the Leonard M. Napolitano Ph.D. Anatomical Education Center (anatomy lab) and the Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center (IHSC). The anatomy lab was named in recognition of Leonard Napolitano, an anatomist and a founding member of the School of Medicine in 1964.The IHSC is designed to simulate the provider experience using standardized patients and allows students to experience and practice clinical skills while not putting patients at risk. The IHSC is unique in that it houses four different simulations including Acute Care, In-Patient, Out-Patient, and Pharmacy.
What Medical Programs Are Available at UNM SOM?
The UNM school of medicine offers different programs to accomodate every student need. First, it welcomes applications to its school of medicine from students from any field who are interested.
So, it offers programs to equip and aid students meet up with medical school prerequisites. Subsequently, they can now enroll in the U of New Mexico School of Medicine. They may have to earn a baccalaureate degree through the College of Arts & Sciences in a challenging four-year curriculum.
In addition, the University of New Mexico also offers a medical degree and a merged BA/MD degree program for students.
Doctor of Medicine Degree
BA/MD Program
When Does the University of New Mexico Medical School Start Classes?
For the University of Mexico Medical School, classes begin as soon as the White Coat Ceremony is done. Basically, students who intend to attend the University of New Mexico must have it at the back of their mind that they must complete applications before November 1.
For the class of 2024, the following dates are very notable and important to Students of 2024 class:
- September – Student Organization Fair
- September – Student Residency Fair
- September – 5th Annual ZIA Bowl
- October – Fall Fest
- November – MED Talks
- December – Gratitude Tuesday
What is the New Mexico Medical School Admission Requirements?
Just like every other medical school, New Mexico school of medicine have basic documents that every student must have before applying to the school. Depending on your program type, admission requirements may differ.
However, the list below is a general admission requirement irrespective of the program type.
- Minimum GPA of a 3.0
- Minimum MCAT of a 494
- Completion of all required prerequisites
- Meet residency requirements
- Application fee of $75
Early Decision Program
The early decision program (EDP) is open to students who are applying to the UNM SOM. However, WICHE applicants who apply through EDP may be considered. For the class of 2019, the list below is the admission requirements for EDP:
- Average MCAT of 506
- Average GPA of 3.74
- Apply to both AMCAS and non-AMCAS participating schools.
Premedical Enrichment Program (PrEP)
The PrEP is a post-baccalaureate curriculum offered to educationally-disadvantaged New Mexicans with a bachelor’s degree. They must exhibit exceptional non-cognitive characteristics yet are not eligible for admission into medical school due to low MCAT scores or undergraduate GPA.
The admission requirement for PrEP include the following:
- Same MCAT, GPA as Regular MD program.
- Completion of prerequisites.
- Applicants must apply to the UNM School of Medicine Regular MD program utilizing the AMCAS application.
See the universities offering the cheapest MBBS program in the world.
How Much Does U of New Mexico Medical School Cost?
The university of New Mexico School of Medicine is one of the cheapest medical schools, according to studentloanplanner. Basically, no matter how cheap it is, it will definitely not be free.
However, you may attend the UNM SOM for free if you are a beneficiary of any of these fully funded scholarships for medical students.
Depending on your medical program at New Mexico School of Medicine, tuition fees could range from $15,798 for in-state students -$45,396 for out-state. Generally, its required fee is $3,212.
On the other hand, the cost of medical school in Mexico (National University to be precise) is about 25 cents a year.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities at the New Mexico School of Medicine?
The New Mexico School of Medicine has an Office of Financial Aid that administers scholarships to only students who merit it. The process of qualifying or becoming a beneficiary is quite rigorous and very competitive.
Every year, the Office of Financial Aid awards scholarships worth 50 million dollars is awarded to deserving students. These scholarships are available to all students, both transfer and international students.
For medical school, students can apply to any of these scholarships for health science students.
American Medical Association Scholarships
This AMA Foundation provides financial assistance through scholarships, grants and awards to deserving medical students and residents across the nation. The scholarships include;
- American Medical Women’s Association – Member Awards & Scholarships
- Minority Scholars Award – $10,000 scholarships for first and second-year medical students from historically underrepresented groups in the medical profession
- Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships – $10,000 scholarships for rising fourth-year medical students, based on academic excellence and financial need.
- Scholars Fund – Scholarship assistance for medical schools across the country.
DAR National Society – Medical Scholarships (Deadline April)
With a yearly application deadline in April, DAR National Society awards $5,000 annually for up to four years for only deserving students. At the end of four years, students must have got a total of $20, 000 total. Only one application will be considered and students applying must fulfill eligibility criteria.
To confirm eligibility, see the next block.
- Students who have been accepted into ar are pursuing an approved course of study at U of New Mexico school of medicine can apply to the Alice W. Rooke Scholarship.
- Students of high scholastic standing and character who have been accepted into or are pursuing an approved course of study to become a medical doctor at New Mexico Medical school can apply to The Irene and Daisy MacGregor Memorial Scholarship.
- Students who have been accepted into or are currently, pursuing an approved course of study at the graduate level at New Mexico School of Medicine can also apply to Irene and Daisy MacGregor Memorial Scholarship
- Also, students who have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have been accepted at New Mexico med school can get awards worth $5,000 if they apply to Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical scholarship.
Arthur N. Wilson, MD Scholarship
This scholarship awards $5,000 to a medical student at New Mexico Med School who graduated from a high school in Southeast Alaska.Scholarship Link
University of New Mexico Medical School Rankings
According to Usnews, the new Mexico med school ranks for the following;
Best medicals School : Primary Care
52
Best Medical Schools: Research
81
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