Medical Schools in Florida

Florida is the southernmost contiguous state in the United States and the third most populous. Along with its tropical, sunshine-filled climate and abundant beaches, Florida also boasts a large Cuban expatriate population, as well as immigrants from all over the world. Florida also has large metropolitan areas, like Miami and Jacksonville, as well as suburban and rural areas, mostly in the northern part of the state. Florida has high population growth, and is a popular hub for retirees. If you wish to study in a pleasant climate, with exposure to patients of diverse backgrounds and of all ages – especially the geriatric population – make sure you explore what the state’s medical schools have to offer below.

Allopathic Medical Schools

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

Mission statement: “The college's mission is to advance the health and well-being of our community by training future generations of humanistic clinicians and scientists and translating discovery to patient-centered care.”

Each year, roughly 6,000 applicants compete for 66 available positions.

Location: Boca Raton, FL

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Mission statement: “By providing an environment enhanced by diversity, clinical innovation, and research, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine prepares socially accountable, community-based physicians, scientists, and health professionals who are uniquely qualified to transform the health of patients and communities.”

In recent years, 7,400 applicants have competed for 135 available spots. 

Location: Miami, FL

Florida State University College of Medicine

Mission statement: “The Florida State University College of Medicine will educate and develop exemplary physicians who practice patient-centered health care, discover and advance knowledge, and are responsive to community needs, especially through service to elder, rural, minority, and underserved populations.”

Each year, approximately 8,100 applicants compete for 120 available spots.

 Location: Tallahassee, FL

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

Mission statement: “Advancing human health through innovation in medical education, research, patient care and community engagement.”

Each year, roughly 6,200 applicants compete for approximately 50 spots at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine.

Location: Davie, FL

University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Mission statement: “The University of Central Florida College of Medicine educates and inspires individuals to be exemplary physicians and scientists, leaders in medicine, scholars in discovery, and adopters of innovative technology to improve the health and well-being of all. Our patient-centered mission is achieved by outstanding medical care, groundbreaking research and leading edge medical and biomedical education in an environment enriched by a diversity of peoples, backgrounds, experiences, talents, and beliefs.”

Each year, around 5,930 applicants compete for 120 available spots.

Location: Orlando, FL

Would you like to learn what is a good MCAT score? Check out our video:

University of Florida College of Medicine

Mission statement: “The College of Medicine strives to improve health care in Florida, our nation, and the world through excellence and consistently superior leadership in education, clinical care, discovery, and service.”

In recent years, approximately 5,370 applicants competed for 163 available spots. 

Location: Gainesville, FL

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Mission statement: “The Miller School of Medicine has four interrelated missions: patient care, teaching, research, and community service.”

In recent years, nearly 11,400 applicants have competed for 205 available spots. 

Location: Miami, FL

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Mission statement: “The mission of the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida is to provide for the education of students and professionals of the health and biomedical sciences through the creation of a scholarly environment that fosters excellence in the lifelong goals of education, research activity and compassionate patient care.”

In recent years, 6,384 applicants competed for 177 available spots.

Location: Tampa, FL

Osteopathic Medical Schools

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM Bradenton)

Mission statement: “The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners, and dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity. The professional programs are dedicated to serve all students through innovative curriculum and the development of postdoctoral education and inter-professional experiences.”

Location: Bradenton, FL (Branch)

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) 

Mission statement: “The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to student-centered osteopathic medical education to produce exemplary osteopathic physicians known for competent and compassionate care.”

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (main campus); Clearwater, FL (branch)

Are you still deciding between DO vs MD?

Eligibility for medical schools in Florida

As with most public universities, medical schools in Florida accept a majority of their matriculants from in-state. However, all medical schools in Florida accept out-of-state applicants, and many reserve up to 30% of spots just for out-of-state applicants. If you have ties to the state of Florida, this is a decided advantage on your application.

Canadian applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, however, generally you will need to be a permanent resident of the US or have a study permit to get accepted to Florida medical schools. While Florida med schools are not the most Canadian-friendly US med schools, there is still opportunity for Canadian students to get accepted with a strong application. International students are not accepted to most medical schools in Florida, barring the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, which accepts international students on a case-by-case basis.

Florida med schools receive thousands of applications per year, and competition is fairly fierce, so a strong application is a must. If you’re looking for professional help with your application, a med school admissions tutor is a great place to look.

Selection factors for medical schools in Florida

Florida med schools all share similar selection factors when it comes to admissions. All of Florida’s medical school admissions committees are looking for the following non-academic experiences in their applicants:

• Shadowing experience
• Research experience
• Clinical experience
• Volunteer or work experience in medical field
• Volunteer work or community service

Shadowing experience is only a requirement for some schools in Florida, but it is strongly recommended at the others. It’s a good idea to explore virtual shadowing opportunities or to ask to shadow a doctor so you can add this to your application. You can use these activities as your AMCAS most meaningful experiences.

Research experience and clinical experience, while not strictly required, are a huge plus on your application to any Florida med school. Gaining clinical research as a premed student or having direct clinical experience is considered a gold standard if you have it. However, community service, volunteerism or any paid and unpaid work experiences in healthcare also look great on your application. Over 85% of matriculated students at Florida medical schools have all of these items on their CV, so it’s a huge help to your application.

Academic selection factors can be quite rigorous at medical schools in Florida, too. On average, matriculating students have a GPA above 3.7 and an MCAT score above 512. All schools in Florida have a minimum GPA and MCAT score they will consider from applicants, typically a 3.3 GPA is the minimum. MCAT prep is essential if you plan to apply to med school in Florida, since the competition for a good MCAT score is high.

It’s also wise to look into CASPer test prep, as med schools in Florida will require you to take it.

What kind of doctor you can become at medical school in Florida

Florida has the highest projected percentage of the US population aged 65 and older, so it’s no surprise that doctors interested in careers in geriatric care or home care are in high demand in the state. Future physicians interested in internal medicine, primary care or rehabilitation will also find Florida a good state to practice in, as these disciplines are in high demand.

If you’re wondering how to choose your medical specialty, the top 5 most common medical specialties practiced in Florida are psychiatry, general surgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine and radiology. If you’re interested in eventually pursuing a family medicine residency or an internal medicine residency, Florida med schools will have plenty of opportunities. In fact, Florida has some of the best family medicine residency programs in the entire US.

Or, if you’re looking towards the DO medicine route, Florida has one of the most notable osteopathic programs in the US at its Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Bradenton, FL.

Top 10 Tips for Applying to Medical Schools in Florida

Applying for medical school can get overwhelming. No matter which medical schools in Florida you’re applying to, check out our top 10 tips below to make the process smooth and successful!

1. Decide which schools are a good fit for you. Choosing the right school isn’t just about medical school cost or prestige. It’s also about which school is best for your learning style and goals. Do your research to learn more about the curriculum, research opportunities, academic culture, and location of the schools that interest you. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, check to make sure you know all about the selection factors, prerequisites, and important deadlines for your short-listed schools. You can also use MSAR data or admissions statistics to help you narrow down where your best options are.
2. Give yourself enough time. The more time you spend on your application, the stronger you will be as an applicant. Make sure you are aware of all of the necessary components of your application. Start working on your application months in advance. This gives you plenty of preparation time, as well as a buffer if you need to retake the MCAT or want to enroll in an MCAT prep course ahead of time. To make sure you're on the right track, check out medical school application timelines.
3. Make the grade. Your GPA shows the med school admissions committee your academic capabilities. Inform yourself about medical school GPA requirements and strive to achieve the highest GPA you can! To know how to get into med school with a low GPA, learn how to address any gaps or weaknesses in your application and how to strengthen other sections of your app to stand out.
4. Excel in extracurriculars. You need to have good extracurriculars for medical school to have a strong application. Community service, research activities, volunteering at a clinic or nursing home – all of these activities will give your application a boost!
5. Choose your references wisely. When it comes to medical school recommendation letters, you need to choose writers who will give you a strong reference. If someone seems hesitant or unenthusiastic about endorsing you, move on to someone else. Your med school application verifiers and referees are your advocates to the admissions committee, so be sure to choose writers who know your abilities well and believe in you!
6. Craft your MCAT study schedule. Take a moment to learn what is the MCAT score expectations for your schools of choice and come up with a solid study plan to ace the test. You should start studying for the test at least six months before your planned test date.
7. Get shadowing experience. Shadowing experience is frequently required or recommended by medical schools, and doing it will give you valuable insights into the working lives of physicians. Learn how to ask to shadow a doctor to get started. You can also explore virtual shadowing opportunities or check out BeMo’s free shadowing opportunity!
8. Write and re-write your personal statement. Personal statements can be tricky to write, and no first draft is ever perfect. Familiarize yourself with medical school personal statement examples before you begin, and then commit yourself to at least several weeks of writing and re-writing to make your statement just right. Ask for feedback from a teacher or consultant to make sure it’s clear and compelling.
9. Do extensive interview prep. You need to do a lot of practice to prepare yourself for your medical school interview! Practice your answers to common questions such as “Why do you want to be a doctor?” and “Tell me about yourself” to get started. Work with a mentor or advisor to develop good interview strategies that will make you shine. You should familiarize yourself with medical school interview formats, too, such as the multiple mini interview (MMI). You can also strategize by knowing how to schedule medical school interviews.
10. Ask questions. Since applying to medical school is a long and stressful process, it can be easy to get a little lost along the way. If you get confused by any part of the process – MCAT, prerequisites, deadlines, etc – ask the admissions department of your school of choice or a medical school advisor for help.

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results. 

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