MBBS in the USA for Indian Students

The USA is host to some of the world's premier medical schools, offering advanced medical education with unparalleled research opportunities. Hence, if you are an Indian student with a desire to become a doctor, doing your MBBS in the USA will place you at the pinnacle of excellence in medicine.

While the frequently used word in India is "MBBS," the equivalent degree in the US is a Doctor of Medicine or MD. Generally, students need to complete an undergraduate degree before enrolling in a medical school to pursue their MD in the USA. This lengthy procedure asks for good planning and preparation.

Now, let us learn about MBBS in the USA for Indian students in greater detail.

In India, MBBS is an undergraduate degree. On completion, graduates can begin medical practice or get employment in healthcare institutions as medical professionals or doctors.

However, in the USA, an MBBS is equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which is a postgraduate program. This fundamental difference highlights the distinct journey of medical education when you choose to study MBBS in the USA.

• Undergraduate Pre-Medical Studies (3-4 years):

  Students pursue a bachelor's degree in a science-related field—biology, chemistry, physics—to build a strong base for their intended study of medicine. The coursework is focused on natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

• Medical School (MD Program) (4 years):

  It comprises a demanding curriculum with classroom learning and clinical rotations. It is broken down into two phases: basic sciences, the first two years, and clinical rotations, the last two years. The students also take the Medical College Admission Test, better known as MCAT, before applying to medical schools.

• Residency (3-7 years):

  This provides hands-on training in a particular medical specialty under the watch of experienced physicians. This stage is critical in getting a medical licence to practise. This structured pathway must be understood if Indian students wish to pursue medical education in the USA. It requires some meticulous planning and preparation.

The USA is home to some of the most prestigious medical schools in the world, offering cutting-edge research and top-quality education. In this context, pursuing an MBBS degree in the USA (where it is known as MD) provides the following benefits:

International Medical Degree

• An MD from any US medical school is looked on with high regard all over the world and hence provides entry to ample opportunities in career.
• The USA has advanced medical infrastructure, state-of-the-art research laboratories, and excellent exposure for students to the latest practices of medicine.
• Research culture in US schools is stringent, and the students are encouraged to contribute towards medical advancement.
• A diverse patient population provides soon-to-be doctors with invaluable clinical experience.

Doctors in America command high salaries and are efficient in their career prospects. The decision to do an MBBS in the USA is vital. Given the rigours of its academic curriculum and high cost of living, it does require a lot of planning and preparation. On the other hand, returns in terms of career opportunities and professional growth make it worthwhile.

The MBBS, or equivalently the MD (Doctor of Medicine) in the USA, is a rigorous course designed to produce highly skilled doctors. When you choose to study MBBS in USA, the curriculum is segmented into different phases:

Pre-Medical Studies (Undergraduate)

• Duration: Typically 3-4 years
• Subjects: Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, and often some courses from the humanities stream.
• Focus: To lay a good science foundation before getting into medical school.

Medical School (MD Program)

• Duration: 4 years
• Basic Sciences: Anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology.
• Clinical Sciences: Internal medicine, paediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, other essential clinical rotations;
• Electives: Opportunities for the deeper exploration of some areas of interest;
• Exams: Students mainly undertake the United States Medical Licensing Examination in three parts:

  Step 1: Examination for basic sciences

  Step 2: CK - Clinical knowledge

  Step 3: Clinical skills

• Orientation: Practical work in a particular area of medicine under the supervision of expert physicians. This includes internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, family medicine, and many others.

The MBBS/MD course in the USA aims to develop students into accomplished physicians who possess deep medical knowledge and clinical skills. This vigorously taught academic program, along with extensive clinical training, prepares the graduating students for successful healthcare careers.

The MBBS course structure in the USA is difficult and encompasses a broad array of medical sciences. Its two primary phases include pre-clinical and clinical.

Pre-Clinical Phase

This phase deals with the initial or basic medical sciences, which are as follows:

• Anatomy: Structure of the human body
• Physiology: Functions of the human body
• Biochemistry: Chemical processes in the human body
• Histology: Tissues of the human body under the microscope
• Embryology: Development of the human embryo
• Biophysics: Mechanisms of physics in biological systems

Clinical Phase

This phase involves the practical application of knowledge in medicine through interacting with patients and gaining practical experience.

• Internal Medicine: Diseases in adults
• Paediatrics: Health care of infants, children, and adolescents
• Surgery: Surgical procedures and methods for treatment
• Obstetrics and Gynecology: Women's health and childbearing
• Psychiatry: Mental illnesses and disorders
• Preventive Medicine: Public Health and Infectious Diseases.
• Family Medicine: General care of patients and families.

Specialisations

• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Radiology
• Dermatology
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedics
• Emergency Medicine

The curriculum may vary slightly between one medical school and another; however, the core topics are always the same. Such a strong backbone provides the foundation for having a successful career as a medical graduate in healthcare.

The United States is home to some of the most esteemed medical schools globally. Here are a few top institutions where you can study MBBS in the USA:

Keep in mind that this will not be an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other quality medical schools in the USA. Deciding factors should always include specialisations, location, cost of living, and your personal preference, among other things.

Doing an MBBS in the USA will be a considerably expensive affair. So, here is a breakdown of MBBS in USA for Indian students fees:

• Tuition Fees

  Of course, the highest cost would be for tuition. No doubt, fees differ widely between public and private medical institutions. You would have to pay anywhere between USD 30,000 to USD 70,000 annually for tuition in general. Since this is an MD course that runs for four years, your total expenditure on tuition would be around USD 120,000 to USD 280,000.

• Living Expenses

  Living costs in the USA vary from city to city and depending on your lifestyle. You could be looking at an annual expense between USD 15,000 and USD 25,000 per annum on accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.

• Other Costs

  In addition to the tuition fee and cost of living, the following are some additional expenses you must keep in mind:

  Health Insurance: This is compulsory for all international students.

  Books and Supplies: The expenses of textbooks, lab coats, equipment, etc.

  Travel: Flight charges, visa fees, and travel insurance become part of this cost.

  Personal Expenses: Money spent on leisure activities, outings, and miscellaneous personal needs.

The total cost for MBBS in USA will thus be in the range of $150,000 to $350,000, depending upon the university, location, and style of living.

There are eligibility criteria that must be met to obtain an MBBS in the USA for Indian students. These include:

Academic Qualifications

• 10 + 2 completion with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
• A minimum aggregate of 50% marks or as such in PCB. Some universities require a bachelor's degree in a science-related field.

English Proficiency

• IELTS score of 6.5 or above
• TOEFL score of 90 or above

Entrance Exam

• MBBS admission in the USA is compulsorily preceded by the MCAT.

Admission Procedure for MBBS in the USA

The admission procedure for pursuing an MBBS in USA is highly competitive and needs careful planning:

• Undergraduate Degree: Study for a bachelor's degree; it may be required by some colleges. All the pre-medical subjects need to be included in the syllabus.
• Preparing for MCAT: Prepare for the MCAT examination and take it.
• Search for Medical Institutions: Search for medical institutions that will suit your needs, location preferences, and the like, keeping in mind the ambitions and goals relating to your career.
• Application Submission: Fill out the application forms for the chosen medical schools along with essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts within the deadline.
• Interviews: The selected candidates can be called for an interview.
• Acceptance and Enrollment: On getting acceptance, you must confirm enrollment by paying the required deposit amount.
• Student Visa: A student visa is necessary to study in the USA. Required documents include:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • MCAT score
  • English language proficiency test scores - IELTS or TOEFL
  • Financial documents to prove funds
  • Passport and visa
  • Proof of extracurricular activities - if any

Successful application to most medical colleges in America requires adequate knowledge of the eligibility criteria and the admission process.

The MBBS scholarship in USA for Indian students can significantly offset the expenses. While competition may be tough, there are several scholarships open to Indian students.

• Good Academic Performance: Always maintain good grades throughout your education.
• Extracurricular Activities: Engage in community service, research work, and leadership.
• Standardised Tests: Acquire high marks in MCAT.
• Effective Essays: Write persuasive essays that must address your academic goals and needs.
• Apply Early: Apply for scholarships well before the deadlines.

It takes dedication and effort to get a scholarship. Researching scholarships available to you and applying for them with diligence will give you greater chances of receiving financial support for your medical education in the USA.

An MBBS degree in the USA will be the stepping stone to some of the highest-paying career options in the field. Some of those options, along with their salary packages, are as follows:

Rewarding Career Options

• Physician: General practitioners, specialists in cardiology, oncology, paediatrics, or any other specialty.

  Average Salary: $200,000 – $400,000 per annum

• Surgeon: A lot of surgical specialties are available to pursue, like orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and more.

  Average Salary: $250,000 – $500,000 per annum

• Anesthesiologists: Although it is a subspecialty of surgery, these doctors are mainly responsible for administering anaesthesia to patients before surgery.

  Average Salary: $250,000 – $350,000 per annum

• Radiologists: These physicians are primarily responsible for interpreting medical images.

  Average Salary: $200,000 - $350,000 per year

• Psychiatrist: Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions

  Average Salary: $200,000 - $300,000 per year

Other Possible Careers

• Medical Researcher
• Healthcare Administrator
• Medical Sales Representative
• Medical Educator
• Public Health Specialist

The USA's vibrant healthcare system has great potential for medical professionals. By sheer hard work and dedication, MBBS degree holders can have an excellent career in this field of high repute.

With highly-esteemed medical schools, cutting-edge research facilities, and a robust healthcare system, the decision to pursue MBBS in USA for Indian students can be truly life-changing.

AECC understands the complexity of studying abroad and helps fulfil students' dreams. Our expert counsellors will assist you in going ahead with the application process, whether in terms of scholarships or aid with your visa process and travel arrangements.

Always remember that correct research and planning are the keys to realising your dreams of MBBS in USA. By sheer dedication and perseverance, you can overcome the challenges to build up a successful medical career! Let AECC be your guide in this journey!