Becoming a Physician at AUA

Approved for clinical clerkships and residency training by New York state, studying medicine at AUA is truly unique and offers advantages unlike any other medical school in the Caribbean:

AUA is one of the few international schools approved for clinical clerkships and residency training by New York state. Although less than 7 years old, the AUA medical program is proud to be one of a few that has been approved by the State of New York, allowing our students the option to complete their clinical training and residencies at NY State-approved hospitals. This puts us in very distinct company as there are only a handful (less than 10) medical schools in the Caribbean which have this approval. NY approval is also important because approximately 20% of residencies and teaching hospitals in the United States are located in NY state, and you can not secure a residency spot in the state of New York without NYS approval.

AUA is the only hospital-integrated program in the Caribbean with a curriculum that is comparable to the medical education paradigm in U.S. medical schools. Beginning with their first semester, students are introduced to the clinical setting. AUA students begin their clinical experience during their Basic Sciences semesters by accompanying doctors on rounds at the local hospital either in Antigua or in Manipal, which has just been ranked the NUMBER ONE private medical school (number two out of all universities) in India, whom we are affiliated with.

AUA students can now pursue their dreams of becoming medical doctors, nurses and veterinarians in the most modern campus in the Caribbean. In January 2010, AUA opened its doors to this stunning new campus. This impressive 17-acre, multi-million dollar facility houses over 75,000 square feet of wi-fi classrooms, a multi-story library, a fully equipped learning center, study rooms, student government, and administrative and faculty offices -- all footsteps from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

AUA offers five locations where a student can take their first Clinical Medicine semester when they return to the U.S. No other medical school offers such an opportunity. Graduates of the Basic Science program move on to attend the 16-week Family Practice I / Internal Medicine I semester conducted in one of five different U.S. locations; Staten Island, NY, Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA, Brooklyn, NY or Pontiac, MI. Upon completion, students are ready to sit for the USMLE™ Step 1.The Clinical Clerkship segment consists of 6- and 12-week core and 4-week elective rotations at various AUA-affiliated approved teaching hospitals in the U.S., which is required for licensure in all states.

AUA is committed to ensuring that our faculty to student ratio remains high. It is our president’s pledge that all classes are kept to a level of no more than 120 students per classroom. This will optimize the students’ learning experience. AUA also has the most modern of educational equipment found in its classrooms, labs and library facilities. The university’s dedication to provide a high quality medical education is also evident by the recent opening of our brand new multi-million, 17-acre campus.

AUA is one of the few schools that offer both a four-year and a six-year medical program that leads to becoming a licensed physician in the United States and Canada. AUA offers two distinct programs for students interested in attaining a medical degree: the four-year MD degree program, and the six-year AS/BHHS-to-MD degree program in conjunction with American International College of Arts and Sciences Antigua (AICASA).

As part of our mission, AUA does its utmost to prepare students to become licensed U.S. physicians. Shelf Exams are used as final exams for the Basic Sciences courses, ensuring that the students meet U.S. medical education requirements. AUA prepares its students to achieve passing scores on the U.S. Medical Licensing Examinations™ (USMLE) and provides clinical clerkship opportunities in some of the best teaching hospitals in the U.S.

As part of our mission in preparing students to become successful U.S. physicians, AUA graduates have been highly successful in securing U.S. residencies through the National Residency Match Program. In 2007 and 2008 virtually all AUA U.S. eligible graduates have obtained residencies, generally their first or second choice, with the exception of 3 students in 2008 who are obtaining their residency through the scramble. We will continue to report as we are notified of additional placements. The NRMP Main Match is set up to provide impartial matching for applicants' preferences for residency positions with program directors' preferences for applicants. According to the NRMP website, “Each year approximately 16,000 U.S. allopathic medical school seniors and 15,000 graduates of osteopathic, Canadian or foreign medical schools compete for approximately 24,000 residency positions.” In 2009, 15,242 U.S. graduates, 14,359 won residency positions; 94%. More than one-fifth of the positions available through the match this year were in internal medicine.

AUA is a recipient of U.S. Congressional approval. The Honorable Donald M. Payne of the 10th District of New Jersey visited Antigua in 2006 in support of expanding educational opportunities for students who dream of becoming physicians He commended AUA on its immense impact on the surrounding communities, and praised the school’s commitment to a high standard of learning and achievement. Congressman Payne applauded AUA President and Founder Neal Simon, Esq., for establishing a quality medical education program with a focus on accommodating the need for diversity in medical education.

Under the offices of the Mayo Clinic Medical Transport’s Gold Cross Training Center, AUA has been named as an international training site by the American Heart Association (AHA). AUA is the first medical school in the Caribbean to have a formal program accredited by the American Heart Association. Under the supervision of certified instructors from the Mayo Clinic, students, faculty, health care providers and even lay persons take part in the week-long exercise and earn their certificates. The completion of the BLS certification is required for AUA students who are being certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), as it is a requirement for first semester students. Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) must be completed by fourth year students according to the AHA guidelines.

Academic Programs

AUA offers two distinct programs for students interested in attaining a medical degree. The four-year MD degree program is designed for students who have either have an undergraduate degree or have completed at least 90 college credits and all prerequisite courses. The six- year AS/MD degree program, (in conjunction with AICASA), is designed for students who are starting their medical career directly from high school and non-traditional students who do not have or are missing prerequisite courses for the four-year MD program.

AUA College of Medicine (AUACOM)

4-year MD Degree Program starts with four 16-week semesters in Antigua where the curriculum is comprised of courses in Basic Sciences and their application to clinical medicine. Semesters begin in January and August, and students can begin their studies in any semester.
First and fourth semester students attend teaching rounds at the general hospital, conducted by our clinical faculty. Students are exposed to patients of all age groups. In addition, students practice history taking and physical examinations with patients at our ICM lab on campus. Third and fourth semester students also attend autopsies at the hospital as part of their pathology course.

Students begin their clinical education by attending the Family Practice I / Internal Medicine I program (formerly known as The Fifth semester) which is taught at U.S. clinical sites. This program serves as a bridge between the basic science curriculum and the clinical science curriculum. Presently, students attend one of AUA’s five locations in the U.S. – The Atlanta Medical Center-Primary Care in Atlanta, GA, The Greater Miami Health Education and Training Center in Miami, FL, The St. Joseph’s Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, MI, Wyckoff Heights Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and The Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, NY.

The Clinical Clerkship segment consists of 6-, 8- and 12-week core and 4-week elective rotations at various AUA-affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S. Once all 75 weeks of required clinical rotations are completed and the student passed both USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills and Clinical Knowledge exams, they are eligible for graduation.

If all coursework is taken consecutively, the medical program can be completed in 40 months or just over 3.5 years. The Doctor of Medicine degree is awarded after students have successfully completed all the requirements including the Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences coursework. Graduating students are eligible to participate in the Residency Match program, same as students graduating from U.S. medical schools. Graduates are also eligible to apply for their ECFMG certification.

American International College of Arts and Science – (AICASA) Antigua

6-year AS/BHHS-to-MD Degree Program in Antigua leads to both an Associate in Science in Pre-Health Sciences degree and a MD degree. The program incorporates college level science and humanities courses with medical school courses in a six-year program. This track is ideal for graduating high school students who are committed to medicine and are ready to begin their medical studies immediately after completing high school. It is also the path for non-traditional students who need to complete prerequisite courses before being accepted to the medical program.

BS HHS Degree Program Bachelor of Human Health Sciences Program (BS. HHS). This program will enable students in both the 6-year AS/BHHS-to-MD program and the 4-year Medical program to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Human Health Sciences degree The degree will provide a useful foundation for careers in the health sciences and related areas, and to aid in further graduate studies in the sciences including: medical programs dentistry programs veterinary sciences This degree allows students to pursue a wide variety of careers in the healthcare field such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, medical laboratories, medical research and education.

Kasturba Medical College International Center (KMCIC)

6-Year BS/MD Degree Program at Kasturba Medical College International Center incorporates college level science and humanities courses with medical school courses in a six-year program. Students start with two semesters of pre-basic sciences courses. Then the students move on to take the regular basic sciences courses and receive a BSc in Basic Health Sciences degree from Manipal University after the completion of the six semesters. The students then return to the U.S. to join the Introduction to Clinical Clerkship semester with AUA students who completed their Basic Science program in Antigua. This track is ideal for graduating high school students who are committed to medicine and are ready to begin their medical studies immediately after completing high school. It is also the path for non-traditional students who need to complete prerequisite courses before being accepted to the medical program.

Pre-Medical Program is offered in Antigua and Manipal to students who are starting their medical career directly from high school and non-traditional students who do not have or are missing prerequisite courses for the four-year MD program. The program consists of college level science and humanities courses to prepare students for medical school, and help them to think critically and develop good communications skills. Graduates receive an Associate in Science degree in Antigua or a Basic Health Science degree in India.

The admissions committee may also recommend that students who did poorly in prerequisite courses repeat those specific classes before starting the four-year M.D. program. Upon successfully passing these required courses, students are promoted to the next level.

Faculty & Learning

The faculty at AUA is comprised of outstanding, experienced teachers, all of whom have MD or PhD degrees in their respective fields. Many faculty members are board certified and also have been honored for their teaching abilities.

The primary mission of our faculty is to educate our students and help them succeed in the demanding environment of a medical school. Our high teacher to student ratio allows our faculty to be available for one-on-one mentoring and to provide guidance for the students.

Many of our faculty members are accomplished researchers and notable scientists in their field. They publish articles, textbooks, and present their findings at international medical conferences.

Residence Halls

AUA requires that all incoming (excluding transfers), Pre-Med, 1st semester Basic Science Nursing and Veterinary students reside in University-sponsored housing for the first two semesters. Housing is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Transfer students are not required to enter university sponsored housing. The enclosed Housing and Transportation Request form and your housing deposit must be received in our New York office within 45 days of your acceptance notification. If you are accepted less than 30 days before class registration, your deposit and forms are due within 10 days from acceptance.

AUA offers a variety of housing options. These range from single rooms in a hotel setting, to two and three-bedroom furnished villas with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms. The housing options are divided into three groups, depending on amenities provided. AUA defines single rooms as bedrooms occupied by one person. Double rooms are bedrooms occupied by two persons. Below, you can view an informative slide show with images of each facility.

All AUA-sponsored housing includes complimentary weekly housekeeping services. Students need to bring their own linens with the exception of pillows - most bedding is queen size. Please double check when you receive your housing assignment.

AUA students may move to non-sponsored housing after their second semester. We encourage our students to use their time during their first year on the island to become familiar with the non-sponsored housing options so they can make an educated decision about future living arrangements.

Admissions Requirements

The AUA Admissions Committee evaluates applicants holistically. All the pieces of the application package matter. The Admissions Committee will determine if you have the academic ability and motivation to pursue a rigorous medical school education. In making the final decision on an application, the Committee looks beyond GPAs and test scores in order to see if the candidate will ultimately succeed at our University and as a physician.

 

4-YEAR MD DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

AUA requires at least 90 credits of college courses, but strongly recommends that applicants earn a degree from an accredited undergraduate institution. The following prerequisite courses are required:

• One Year (8 hours) of Inorganic or General Chemistry (with labs)
• One Year (8 hours) of Organic Chemistry (with labs)
• One Year (8 hours) of General Biology or Zoology (with labs)
• One Semester (4 hours) of Physics (with labs)
• One Semester (3 hours) of English
• One Semester (3 hours) of Calculus or Statistics

It is strongly advised that applicants complete advanced science courses in Biochemistry, Anatomy/Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, etc. in order to be adequately prepared for the curriculum at our University.

Currently, AUA does not accept IB/AP credits for students unless those credits are part of a student’s BS/BA transcript, and were certified by the degree-granting institution. Contact the Admissions department if you have any questions about your application or need a preliminary evaluation of your credentials.

 

6-YEAR AS/BHHS-TO-MD DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

High School & Non-Traditional Students: Successful candidates must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a combined score of 1100 on the SAT (Verbal and Math) or a 24 on the ACT. Applicants must have completed at least 3 years of Science, English and Mathematics courses.

CARICOM Country Students: Successful candidates must have a high school diploma, 5th Form diploma, or its equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0.General or Technical CXC scores of 1 or 2 in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology will enhance your application. SAT or ACT scores from CARICOM and other foreign graduates are not required but recommended.

 

EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

International Applicants who have completed less than sixty credits at an English language college or university must provide the official score reports from ONE of the following exams:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test.

OR

International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum acceptable score is 5.5.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): The MCAT is not required. Applicants who have taken the MCAT examination are highly encouraged to submit their scores to us. While it will not detract from your application if you do not submit your scores to us, it may help qualify you for acceptance.

 

FOREIGN DOCUMENTS

Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies in countries having an educational system different from that of the United States will be evaluated on their merits and will be expected to have completed a pre-medical curriculum comparable to that described above. All required documents, if originally in a foreign language, must be accompanied by a notarized English translation. All transcripts documenting post-secondary course work completed in institutions outside the United States must also be evaluated by an approved international credential evaluation service such as World Education Services or National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES).

Tuition & Fees

 

Tuition as of September 2010

MD Degree program: Basic Sciences - 4 Semesters: $11,165.00 U.S./semester

Family Practice I / Internal Medicine I (Miami, Staten Island, Pontiac, Atlanta, Brooklyn) - 1 Semester: $12,700.00 U.S./semester

Clinical Sciences - 5 Semesters: $12,700.00 U.S./semester

6-Year AS/BHHS-to-MD Degree program: AICASA - 4 Semesters: $6,910.00 U.S./semester

Fees Academic Support Fee – AICASA & Basic Sciences: $250.00 U.S./Semester

NBME/Shelf Testing & Admin Fee: $165.00 U.S./semester

Administrative Fee – All Semesters: $250.00 U.S./semester

Student Service Fee: $75.00 U.S./semester

Basic Life Support Certification Fee - AICASA & Basic Sciences: $40.00 U.S./one time fee

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification Fee - Basic Sciences (1 Semester): $210.00 U.S./one time fee

 

Textbooks

Textbooks must be purchased. Basic Science curriculum texts can be purchased through the University bookstore.

 

Clinical Attire & Medical Kits

Clinical Attire, consisting of lab jackets and scrubs, and patient examination kits will be required during your Basic Sciences semesters. You should budget a total of $800.00 for these items which can be purchased in the University bookstore.

 

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is mandatory while students are enrolled at AUA. Students can either enroll in the Insurance Plan provided by AUA or provide proof of private coverage (copy of insurance card) to the Bursar 30 days before commencement of semester. PLEASE NOTE: Private insurance must include coverage for emergency evacuation expenses. A letter on insurance company letterhead confirming emergency coverage is required.

 

Housing

$1,400 to $3,400 U.S./semester. (Your nonrefundable housing reservation fee in the amount of $750 is due 45 days prior to class registration. If your acceptance is within that 45 day window, your housing deposit is due within 10 days of the receipt of your acceptance letter.)

 

Transportation

Students can elect to use AUA transportation, which will cost a flat rate of $300.00 U.S./semester, non-refundable.

 

Living Expenses

Food and entertainment, approximately $1,200.00 U.S./semester

 

Refund Policy

All refunds will be made within thirty (30) days of the withdrawal date. Before any refund can be initiated, a withdrawal form must be completed and submitted to the Associate Registrar in Antigua for Pre-Med, Nursing, Basic Science, and Vet students. For Clinical Science students in semesters six through ten, the withdrawal form must be completed and submitted to the Dean of Student Services and Registrar in the New York office.

Tuition will be refunded according to the following schedule**:

• Prior to the first day of class, 100% of tuition and all applicable fees will be refunded.
• If any student withdraws during the first 60% of the semester, the refund will be prorated based on the withdrawal date. Only base tuition will be prorated; all other applicable fees are non-refundable.
• If any student withdraws after 60% of the semester, there are no refunds.

Any student withdrawing from a clinical rotation, subsequent to assignment and acceptance, will not receive a refund on tuition.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee
**The semester seat deposit of $500.00 is excluded from this refund.

Student Financial Services

As an AUA student, you are eligible to apply for private educational loans. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and Canadian citizens are eligible to apply without a co-signer, as long as they are credit worthy, or with a co-signer. It is highly recommended to apply with a co-signer.

Incoming Students

It is highly recommended that students review their credit and credit score from all three credit bureaus to understand and know their credit rating before making an application for a loan. This can be done inexpensively at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Upon acceptance, information about our loan process, as well as our cost of attendance will be sent via email.

---

Scholarships

American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) and Kasturba Medical College International Center (KMCIC) recognize the academic excellence, community, and volunteer service(s) of our applicants. To that end, AUA and KMCIC have established an endowment of a small number of full and partial scholarships to qualified students for each entering semester. Scholarship criteria are competitive and funding is limited; eligible students are encouraged to apply in a timely manner for review. Applicants and accepted students are invited to apply for available scholarships posted on our University website.

PLEASE NOTE: Scholarship applications are only available to first-year, incoming students.

Physician's Diversification Initiative Grant - Limited half-tuition scholarships are awarded to students, who have demonstrated strong personal qualities of citizenship, dedication to the community or public service, and academic excellence, and are classified as an under-represented minority in the field of medicine. The grant covers half of the tuition for the duration of the MD degree program. Applicants, ideally, will possess a minimum of an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher, and a pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 or higher, and otherwise accepted to AUA or KMCIC by the Admissions Committee.

Click here for the Initiative Grant Scholarship Application.

Before June 26, 2003, the AAMC (America Association of Medical Colleges) used the term “underrepresented minority (URM),’ which consisted of Blacks, Mexican–Americans, Native Americans (that is, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), and mainland Puerto Ricans. The AAMC remains committed to ensuring access to medical education and medicine-related careers for individuals from these four historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.

For continued eligibility, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), a minimum final GPA of 2.0 along with successful promotion to the next semester.

 

Admissions Committee Scholarship for Academic Achievement - Limited scholarships are awarded to students, who have demonstrated academic excellence, and are applicants to the MD Program or Pre-med Program. An application for this scholarship is not required, as qualified, deserving students are nominated by the admissions committee.

Details are as follows:

• MD Program: A grant of $2,500 per Basic Science semester and the Medicine 01 Semester/5th semester will be awarded to those students possessing an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.8 or higher, and a pre-requisite GPA of 3.5 or higher, and otherwise accepted to AUA or KMCIC by the Admissions Committee.
• Pre-med Studies at AUA and KMCIC: A grant of $1,000 per pre-med semester will be awarded to those students possessing a Final High School GPA of 3.5 on the 4.0 scale and SAT score of 1300 to include a combined verbal and math score, or a composite ACT score of 27 or higher, and otherwise accepted to AUA or KMCIC by the Admissions Committee.

A minimum final GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to continue receiving benefits of the awarded scholarship.

 

US Military Veterans Recognition Award – A grant of $2,500 per Basic Science semester and Medicine 01 Semester/5th semester will be awarded to a limited number of U.S. military veterans, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty, either currently or with an Honorable Discharge, which are verified by DD214.

All awardees must prove eligibility from official records and candidates must otherwise meet all Admissions’ standards of AUA or KMCIC.

To maintain continued eligibility for the AUA and KMCIC Scholarship Program, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Click here for the US Military Scholarship Application.

 

The EMT/Par-A-Medic Recognition Award - A grant of $1,500 per Basic Science semester and the THINC-Medicine 01 Semester (formerly known as the 5th semester) will be awarded to Certified EMT’s or Paramedics in attendance at AUA or KMCIC.

Proof of current certification must be provided to the Scholarship Committee.

Candidates must otherwise meet all Admissions’ standards of AUA or KMCIC.

To maintain continued eligibility for the AUA and KMCIC Scholarship Program, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Click here for the EMT/Par-A-Medic Application.

 

Antiguan Scholarship - Please Note: The Antiguan Scholarship is only available to students enrolled at the Antiguan Campus.

The American University of Antigua College of Medicine Scholarship provides tuition for four years of medical education to the recipients and if awarded, will also provide tuition for the 2-year Pre-med program. AUA shall pay 50% of the cost of required books for all Basic Science courses. The Scholarships does not include room, board, transportation or educational supplies.

In order to maintain continued eligibility for the AUA Scholarship Program, a student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). It is expected that residents of Antigua, who are recipients of this scholarship, intend to return to the nation of Antigua/Barbuda to practice medicine.

Some or all clinical rotations may be scheduled the Caricom nations.

AUA cannot guarantee clinical placement in the United States because immigration to the United States cannot be secured by the University, as this is at the discretion of the US Immigration Authorities.

 

AAPI/AUA/KMCIC Scholarship for Students of Indian Descent - The American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) and Kasturba Medical College International Center (KMCIC) Scholarship is designated to provide tuition for up to eight semesters of pre-med and medical education at the American International College of Arts & Sciences – Antigua (AICASA) and AUA or KMCIC to the recipient. The scholarship provides tuition for 4 semesters of the pre-medical program at AICASA and 4 semesters of the MD program at the AUA or KMCIC. The scholarship does not include room, board, transportation or educational supplies and will not provide tuition for the clinical segment of the MD program.

This scholarship is awarded to incoming students two times per calendar year for semesters commencing in January or August. Applicants, ideally, will possess a minimum of an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.50 or higher, and a pre-requisite GPA of 3.25 or higher, and otherwise acceptable to AUA or KMCIC by the Admissions Committee.

Pre-med applicants must possess a Final High School GPA of 3.5 on the 4.0 scale and otherwise accepted to AUA or KMCIC by the Admission Committee.

In order to continue eligibility for the AUA and KMCIC Scholarship Program, the student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

It is expected that the recipient of the scholarship be of Indian descent.

Click here for the AAPI/AUA Scholarship Application.

 

Procedures and guidelines

All applicants must submit an application with for each scholarship, outlining their academic successes and challenges, community service, and/or professional achievements and recognitions. The Medical School Physician Diversification Initiative Grant requires an essay of no more than 500 words and must be accompanied by supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, certificates, awards and proof of eligibility, if necessary.

The Scholarship Committee must receive all applications and supporting documentation at least four weeks prior to the start of the semester. Scholarship recipients will be notified in writing and by phone within two weeks of the Committee’s decision. The committee meets every three weeks to evaluate all applicants.

Please note that there is no guarantee of a scholarship and the number of scholarships awarded per semester may vary. All Scholarship Committee decisions are final and are not open to appeal. All questions regarding the scholarship application process must be directed to the Admissions Department. Please address all scholarship applications to Admissions, Attention Ashley Mercado, 10th floor.

All awards will be in the form of a credit towards tuition and fees. Scholarships are not automatically renewed and recipients must resubmit all scholarship applications (original supporting documentation need not be re-submitted) on a semester basis.
The American University of Antigua College of Medicine and Kasturba Medical College International Center encourages students to search for outside funding and scholarships as well. These sites offer links to a wide variety of searchable scholarship databases and other financial resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

We will be providing Frequently Asked Questions as a service to prospective students. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Your identity will be kept confidential.

 

Email American University of Antigua now