The dream of every Indian student is to learn medicine in the USA, which offers world-class medical school, advanced technology, and career opportunities that have no end. Among the very best destinations for aspiring doctors, it indeed lies in the United States. In this post, we will break down everything you need to know about pursuing MD/MBBS in USA for Indian students-from eligibility to requirements to top universities and scholarships.
Is It MD or MBBS in the USA?
One of the most common questions that comes into the minds of Indian students is
They are going to pursue MBBS OR MD in USA
Here’s the difference:
What is the Difference?
- MBBS (Bachelor’s of Medicine, Bachelor’s of Surgery)
The abbreviation MBBS is commonly used in India, the UK, and other Commonwealth countries.
It is an undergraduate program which may take around 5.5 years to complete, including a year of internship.
- MD (Doctor of Medicine)
In the USA there is no MBBS degree. Medical education culminates in an MD degree.
MD in the USA is equivalent to MBBS in India but is considered a postgraduate degree as students have completed a 4-year pre-medical program (bachelor’s degree) before entering medical school
Key Characteristics of MD in the USA
- Entry Requirements:
Those who apply for MD programs should have an undergraduate degree in any relevant field. Usually, it is a 4-year pre-med bachelor’s degree in science including biology or chemistry. All countries offering MBBS do not require a pre-med background.
- Duration:
MD in the USA usually 4 years after finishing the usual 4 years of undergraduate pre-med program.
MBBS in India is 5.5 years including a one-year internship.
- Educational Structure
MD: More practically oriented towards real exposure to clinical and more research-based learning.
MBBS: Focuses more on the theoretical system of medicine and surgery.
- International Acceptance:
The degree of MD in the USA is highly internationally accepted and carries much prestige because of strict and full-time curricula.
Why Doesn’t the USA Offer MBBS?
The USA follows a different type of educational system. All the professional degrees, like medicine, law, and pharmacy, are regarded as graduate degree. Thus, when the students enter medical schools, they are matured, academically prepared, and have acquired a basic education of the sciences in their undergraduate studies.
- For Indian Students:
If you would like to study medicine in the USA, then you will be doing an MD course and not MBBS. Though the process is more tedious and costly compared with India, the quality of education, clinical training, and career opportunities make it worthwhile.
Understanding this distinction between MD and MBBS allows Indian students a much clearer view of preparation for the US unique journey of pursuing medical study.
Eligibility/Requirements for MBBS/MD IN USA
To pursue an MD/MBBS in USA, Indian students must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in sciences, which must include a pre-medical program.
- High scores in MCAT preferably above 510.
- English Proficiency Scores in TOEFL/ IELTS.
- Satisfactory academic record at class XII level with PCB subjects
- Letters of Recommendation: 3-5
- Clinical or volunteer experience in health sector
- Essay /personal statement
- Application submitted AMCAS
- Proof of sufficient monetary resources.
1. Pre-Medical Education
The applicant must have a pre-medical degree or complete a bachelor’s program in science-related fields. However, the duration is 4 years.
- Relevant Majors include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or any other life sciences.
Academic performance in the pre-med courses is always an important prerequisite for competitive applications.
2. MCAT
- Medical College Entrance Test: This is a standardized examination whereby your knowledge of science, or perhaps your skill in solving problems would be checked. And a good score can increase your chances of getting admission into the best universities.
- Score Range: The test ranges from 472 to 528, and competitive scores normally stand above 510.
- The Exam consists of four sections: the Biological and Biochemical Foundation of Living Systems, the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, and the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundation of Behavior.
3. Academic Qualifications
Good science aptitude formed by a meritorious academic record in relevant subjects is mandatory. For Indian applicants, Class 12th must have been followed with good grades in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Pre-medical phase extra courses undertaken increase the chances of application.
4. GPA/Percentage
Most MD programs require a high GPA, generally above 3.5, which is equivalent to a minimum of 80% in India.
5. English Proficiency
Non-native speakers are required to show English proficiency in tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
| Language Proficiency Tests Name | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | Minimum score band of 7.0 |
| TOEFL | 90 – 100 |
6. Age Limit
The candidate should be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission. However, the upper age limit of MD/MBBS in USA for Indian students is not marked.
7. Statement of Purpose
Explain why you want to pursue medicine in the USA.
8. Resume/CV
Write about your work experience, volunteer experience, and relevant achievements.
9. Financial Stability
Proof of funds ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year is required.
10. Extracurricular Activities
Volunteering, Internships, or Showing experiences in healthcare can strengthen your application.
Is NEET required or play an important role while planning to study MBBS in USA
As of 2022, the set of examinations has become an indispensable requirement in the system for Indian students if they would like to pursue medicine from a foreign land. While NEET is not required for entry into medical schools in the USA, it does carry relevance when such students plan to return to India and practice medicine after accomplishing their MD.
NEET plays a crucial role here and affects your journey to study MBBS (MD) in the USA this way.
NEET and Its Role for Indian Students
NEET scores never matter to the medical schools in the USA; however, an NEET test is strictly inevitable under all these circumstances as follows:
- Eligibility for Studying Medicine Abroad:
The Medical Council of India is now National Medical Commission, which insists that Indian students clear NEET to pursue medical studies abroad. Without NEET, the foreign medical degree may not be recognized by India.
- Practice Medicine in India:
For practice in India, an MD from the USA would require FMGE or its version under NMC. In fact, given that you cleared NEET before starting to do your medical abroad, you would be eligible for FMGE.
Why NEET Is Also Relevant for Indian Students
- Residency in India: If you wish to return to India and intend to start practicing medicine, NEET has become an unavoidable requirement in order that your foreign education becomes eligible under the laws of India.
- Indian Government Recognition: NEET is an entrance to an international degree in medicine, which a medical student would like to achieve, if the degree issued qualifies him/her to sit for an examination, which precedes a license to practice medicine in India.
Indian Students Should Take NEET?
Yes, IF
- You would like to return to India after you complete your MD program.
- Your foreign degree should qualify you under Indian legal authority.
No, IF
- You would like to settle in the USA or some other country to start practice upon completion of the course.
- You will do all your stages of medical education, pre-med, MD, and residency in the USA itself, where NEET is not applicable.
Top Universities for MD/MBBS in USA
Several prestigious universities in the USA offer high-quality MD programs. Here are the top medical schools known for their outstanding education and research in the medical fields:
| University Name | Ranking | Annual Tuition Fees (Approx.) |
| Harvard Medical School (HMS) | #1 | $69,511 |
| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | #2 | $61429 |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | #3 | $66,297 |
| Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | #4 | $59,500 |
| Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | #5 | $73,476 |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine | #6 | $57,300 – $70,000 |
| Washington University School of Medicine | #7 | $67,000 |
| Yale School of Medicine | #8 | $68,000 |
| Duke University School of Medicine | #9 | $67,320 |
Course Duration/ Details
The MD program in the USA typically spans 4 years and is divided into two main phases:
Those who clear the MCAT after the pre-med program can get enrolled in an MD course in any medical college. There are two main stages of medical studies:
Preclinical Stage: Years 1–2
- Academic training classroom-based.
- Courses include Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Physiology, Microbiology, and Behavioral Sciences.
- Other than the knowledge regarding primary care for the patient that includes communication with the patient and examination techniques,
Clinical Phase :(Year 3-4)
- Involves practical clinical training in hospitals and health institutions.
- Exposes the students to the different specialties including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Family Medicine.
- Aims: Practical experience and guide students for taking a specialty decision for future practice.
MD vs MBBS in USA for Indian Students
| Features | MBBS (India) | MD (USA) |
| Duration | 5.5 years | 4 years (after 4 years of pre-med) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 with PCB | Pre-med Program + MCAT |
| Curriculum | Theory-based with some practicals | Research problem-solving oriented |
| Recognition | National | International |
| Focus Area | General Medicine | Advanced medical training |
| Residency | Optional | Mandatory (3-7 based on specialty) |
NEET Vs MCAT
Here is the key difference between the NEET and MCAT.
| Key Difference Parameters | NEET | MCAT |
| Purpose | Entrance test for MBBS in India and abroad eligibility. | Admission to medical schools in USA |
| Eligibility | Class 12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Bachelor’s degree in Sciences (pre-med) |
| Subjects Covered | PCB, English, and Aptitude | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Critical Thinking |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to high (undergraduate level) | High (graduate-level understanding) |
Specialization
Post-MD, students can choose from a wide variety of specializations. Here are some popular fields:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery (General, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, etc.)
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Gynecology and Obstetrics
These specializations offer lucrative career options, and physicians who specialize in high-demand areas can earn substantial salaries.
Scholarships Available for Indian Students for MBSS in USA
Here are the Scholarships available, along with their coverage and approximate amount.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Coverage | Approximate Amount |
| Fullbright-Nehru Fellowships | US-India Education Foundation | Tuition Fees, Health Insurance, and Living or Traditional Expenses | Fully Tuition and Living Expenses |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Tuition, Living, Travel, and Health Insurance | Up to $100,000 for the entire program |
| AAUW International Fellowships | American Association of University Women | Tuition and living expenses (for women) | $18,000 – $30,000 per year |
| Dr. K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships | Mahindra Group | Tuition assistance for postgraduate students | Upto 8 lakhs |
| JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education | Tata Trusts | Partial loan scholarships for international studies | 1lakh – 10 lakhs |
Cost of MD/MBBS in USA for Indian Students
MD-equivalent MBBS studies in the USA have a much higher cost compared to that of medical education in India and other countries. This table shows you the overall cost you need to bear while planning to study MD in USA.
| Expenses | Estimate Cost |
| Public Medical School (Tuition Fees) | $100,000 – $200,000 (Total for 4 years) |
| Private Medical School (Tuition Fees) | $200,000 – $280,000 (Total for 4 years) |
| Living Expenses | $20,000 – $35,000 per year. |
| MCAT | $ 330 – $ 375 |
| USMLE (Step 1) | $1,000 – $ 1,300 |
| USMLE (Step 2) | $1,200 – $ 1,500 |
| Medical School Application Fee | $100 – $500 per school |
| F1 Visa Application Fee | $160 |
| SEVIS Fee (Student Visa) | $350 |
Salary Expectation After MBBS IN USA
Salaries for MD graduates in the USA vary widely depending on the specialization and location.
| Profession | Salary (annually) |
| General Practitioners | $20,000 to $250,000 annually |
| Cardiologists | $400,000 to $600,000 annually |
| Orthopedic Surgeons | $450,000 to $700,000 annually |
| Dermatologists | $350,000 to $500,000 annually |
| Psychiatrists | $220,000 to $300,000 annually |
Challenges for Indian Students Pursuing MBBS in USA
- High Fees: This is an expensive country to study medicine in; even for scholarships there are very few options.
- Tough Admission Procedure: Getting admission is very tough as there is a tough competition from high academic standards and limited seats for international students.
- Cultural Adaptation: A new culture, new education system, and all else that comes with the lifestyle can be overwhelming.
- Residency Placement: The match for residency is a desperate requirement, but it is all very competitive, particularly if you are an international student.
Post-MBBS Options in USA for Indian Students
Indian students, after doing an MD, can pursue the following career
1. Residency Programs
This is the postgraduate training program; it is compulsory. The duration of the residency is 3-7 years. With the help of this program, doctors can specialize in cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and many other areas. Graduates must pass the USMLE exams and complete residency before becoming licensed practitioners, which adds to the time and effort.
2. Licensing and Practice
Students wishing to practice medicine independently must pass all three steps of the USMLE and secure state licensure.
3. Fellowships
For students desirous of subspecialty, fellowships are advanced training programs in oncology or interventional radiology, among others.
4. Research Options
Most MDs enter research positions, either in an academic institution or a pharmaceutical company.
5. Return to India
If Indian students want to practice in India, then they have to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination conducted by the National Medical Commission(NMC).
Conclusion
Pursuing MD/MBBS in USA for Indian students is an excellent option for those who have global career ambitions in medicine. Though highly grueling and expensive, the quality of education, great career scope, and recognition internationally are unmatched. Through the understanding that involves nuances connected with MBBS admission in the USA, differences between MD and MBBS, and exploring post-MBBS options in the USA, Indian students will thus be well-informed about their aspirations.
If you plan for MBBS/MD in the USA, then start planning ahead and begin to prepare for the MCAT and look into scholarship opportunities so that this journey will be a little easier for you. As a globally trained doctor, possibilities for you are limitless.
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