Canadian-Friendly American Medical Schools in 2024

Dreaming of medical school? Canada’s competitive landscape might make you consider US options. Many US institutions boast excellent reputations and rigorous education, attracting students from around the globe, including Canada. In this blog post, we’ll provide a current list of US medical schools welcoming Canadian applicants.

Which US Medical Schools Are A Good Fit for Canadian Applicants?

While Canada’s high medical school rejection rates raise concerns, getting into US medical schools isn’t a breeze either. In the 2023-2024 cycle, only 43.7% of applicants were accepted. Similar to Canada, the US faces a doctor shortage, but this hasn’t led to a significant increase in admissions rates. The reason? The desire to become a doctor has grown as fast as the need for new physicians.

The path to admission is especially steep for international students. With a mere 9% acceptance rate last year, competition is fierce. Many medical schools rely on state funding, and governments prioritize using those resources to train future doctors who will likely remain in the US and help address the doctor shortage. As a result, some schools, like Albany Medical College and the Chicago Medical School, have closed their doors entirely to international applicants.

Canadians have a distinct advantage compared to other international applicants. Shared educational systems and similar medical approaches mean Canadian undergrads rarely face issues with coursework acceptance. Interestingly, some “Canadian-friendly” US medical schools might even evaluate Canadian applications alongside those from out-of-state US residents.

What Is The Average Tuition for Canadian Students at U.S. Medical Schools?

Be prepared for significant tuition costs when pursuing an MD in the US. Compared to Canada, tuition for out-of-state students at US medical schools is substantially higher. On average, public medical schools charge around USD 67,308 annually, while private schools can cost as much as USD 70,596 per year. Converting this to Canadian dollars, that’s roughly CAD 69,327 for public schools and CAD 72,714 for private schools (based on the exchange rate as of February 18, 2024).

Studying medicine in the US can be significantly steeper financially compared to Canada. While Canadian citizens pay an average of CAD 16,798 annually at a Canadian medical school, attending an American one can cost roughly five times more.

Unfortunately, scholarships and financial aid for Canadian students at US med schools are typically limited. These programs are often funded by the government and reserved for US residents. However, there is a glimmer of hope! Some prestigious private institutions, like Yale and Harvard, offer financial aid specifically for international students.

Many institutions, like New York Medical College, require upfront proof of funding for the entire program duration, which often involves holding funds in escrow. Consequently, relying on substantial student loans or lines of credit becomes necessary for most students.

The upfront cost, excluding living expenses, can reach a staggering CAD 330,000. Interest rates can accumulate rapidly, especially with lines of credit. Additionally, Canadian government loan programs might not fully cover all costs. Remember, your income will likely be minimal during medical school and around $60,000-$75,000 during residency. This can significantly extend your repayment period compared to a Canadian medical degree, which typically costs around CAD 67,200 in total.

Before committing, contact your provincial student loan office, local banks, and the chosen schools’ financial aid departments. They will provide a clearer picture of costs and available financial aid options, helping you make the most informed decision.

Admission to U.S. Medical Schools As A Canadian Candidate

You may have come across information online suggesting that US medical school admissions focus more on the overall profile of applicants, including their life experiences and personal backgrounds, rather than solely on grades and test scores. However, as discussed in our guide to Canadian medical school admissions, the objectives of both processes are similar.

Both systems place significant emphasis on GPA, with successful US medical school applicants typically having an average GPA of around 3.7. Additionally, US schools pay close attention to MCAT scores, given the increased variability in educational standards across the country compared to Canada. On average, successful applicants to US medical schools score around 511 on the MCAT.

However, both systems recognize the urgent need for more medical professionals and prioritize candidates who demonstrate potential to become successful physicians rather than solely focusing on academic prowess. These candidates often have relevant experience in the medical field and personal qualities such as empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to addressing public health issues. Moreover, diversity is valued, with a focus on admitting students who can contribute diverse perspectives and understand the unique healthcare needs of non-white, non-urban, and less affluent communities.

While the ultimate goals of both systems are similar, the methods used to evaluate applicants differ. In the US, personal statements, secondary essays, and panel interviews are significant, whereas they hold less weight in the Canadian system. Each of these evaluation methods allows applicants to showcase different aspects of their suitability for medical school.

For more information on how to navigate US medical school admission as a Canadian applicant click here.

Which US Medical Schools Welcome Canadian Applicants?

Certain US medical schools have admission criteria that treat Canadians the same as out-of-state American students. This means Canadians have an easier time gaining acceptance compared to other international applicants. Additionally, Canadians attending these schools pay out-of-state fees rather than international student fees.

Many Canadian students interested in medicine apply to both US and Canadian medical schools to improve their chances of acceptance. Dr. Puja Laroia, our MD expert, opted for US schools for personal reasons and also applied to DO schools, which are not available in Canada.

Canadians aiming for US medical schools should note that not all institutions accept Canadian or international students. Some don’t even consider out-of-state applicants due to the highly competitive nature of medical school admissions, with no shortage of applicants despite the need for more medical professionals in both the US and Canada.

While the US boasts over 150 medical schools, competition is still fierce, comparable to the 17 medical schools in Canada.

Canadian-friendly American Medical Schools: Allopathic

Here is a compilation of allopathic institutions in Canada that are welcoming to Canadian applicants. We gathered this information from the AAMC’s Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR).

We define “Canadian-friendly” schools in two main ways. Some institutions have informed the AAMC that they assess Canadian applicants similarly to out-of-state US applicants rather than as international candidates. Others consider all applicants equally, regardless of citizenship, and their admission records show they frequently accept Canadian students.

Canadian-friendly American Medical Schools: Osteopathic

Here is a compilation of osteopathic American medical schools welcoming Canadian applicants.

Conclusion

In summary, gaining admission to a US medical school as a Canadian is challenging because of intense competition and expenses, yet it’s feasible for certain students. This guide covers application procedures, financial factors, and a key list of Canadian-friendly medical schools to start your exploration. Remember to research schools and financial aid thoroughly to make a well-informed choice.

Remember to tune in to Jack Westin‘s MCAT Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to gain expert insights, elevate your preparation, and improve your medical school application!

Jack Westin’s team understands the importance of every aspect of the medical school application process. That’s why we offer specialized Medical School Admission Consulting to guide you through this transformative journey.