Study MBBS in USA for Indian and International Students 2024

How much does it cost for MBBS in the USA? The average MBBS fees in the USA is approximately Rs. 2-3 crores for the full course duration excluding the additional cost of living. The MBBS cost USA for Indian students in top medical universities ranges between Rs. 30-50 lakhs per year. However, factors like university rankings, course availability, and the institution’s location may have an impact on the overall cost.

How many years has MBBS been in the USA? The total MBBS duration in the USA is 7-8 years which includes 3-4 years of BSc and 4 years of MD followed by 12 months of mandatory internship. After completing 4 years of theoretical and practical training in medical science students are awarded an MD degree to practise medicine in a clinical setting as doctors

Indian students studying medicine in America are required to qualify for the MCAT exam as a mandatory course requirement. Remember, candidates scoring a good MCAT score are preferred by top US universities for medical courses. Other important eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, a good GPA, a minimum of 17 years of age, and academic excellence.

Is NEET required for MBBS in the USA? As per the NMC guidelines, candidates studying in the USA must qualify for the NEET exam, if they want to practise medicine in India. After completing the MBBS in the USA, medical graduates have to pass the FMGE, screening test to get the licence to practise medicine in India.

Aspirants who are planning to study MBBS abroad can read the complete article to learn about studying MBBS in the USA, including the application requirements, benefits, latest updates, fees, selection criteria, and more.

A word of caution for Indian students planning to study MBBS in the US

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has provided some mandatory guidelines for Indian candidates willing to study MBBS in America. Here are some advisories for Indian students looking to study MBBS in the USA.

• All aspirants must clear the NEET-UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate) exam as a prerequisite to pursue medical education in the USA.
• According to the IMC (Indian Medical Council) Act, students studying MBBS in America must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Exam (FMGE) also known as the MCI Screening Test to practise medicine in India.

NMC Guidelines for Studying MBBS in USA

NMC has not set any specific guidelines for Indian students who wish to study MBBS in the USA. However, according to the NMC’s guidelines, those who want to pursue an MBBS abroad and then practise medicine in India must meet certain requirements as given below:

• According to NMC, the duration of the MBBS programme abroad should be at least 54 months.
• Candidates have to complete a 12-month internship from the same medical college.
• Universities enrolling Indian students must mandatorily cover subjects like General Medicine, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Anaesthesia General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Emergency or Casualty services, lab services, and related sub-specialties.
• The US universities have to meet the guidelines set by NMC.

Duration of MBBS in USA

What is MBBS called in the US? The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) do not exist in the USA. In the US, the MBBS equivalent degree is called a Doctor of Medicine (MD). The duration of MBBS in the US for international students is around 7-8 years which includes 3-4 years BSc + 4 years MD. The original Doctor of Medicine (MD) requires only 4 years of extensive training.

The 7-8 years of theoretical training is followed by a 12-month compulsory internship that assists students in acting in a real-life setting. Completion of 1-year of internship is a mandatory requirement for Indian candidates to apply for FMGE screening test in India. Students must note that they also have to complete a year of practical training after returning to India after completion of MD.

The MBBS course in the USA typically focuses on foundational sciences and preclinical subjects, followed by clinical rotations in various medical domains. The complete MBBS duration in USA can be divided into two major components:

• Preclinical Years: The preclinical studies focus on incorporating theoretical knowledge to understand the fundamental knowledge of medicine in subjects like Human Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Sociology, Ethics, Biology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry.
• Clinical Rotations: In the clinical rotations, institutions offer practical training in Internal medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics, and Gynecology. During this period, universities offer elective rotations in chosen specialties.

Why Study MBBS in the US?

Studying MBBS in America comes with numerous benefits and opportunities for international students. Thousands of applicants annually choose to enrol in MBBS programmes at US universities, making the USA a popular study-abroad destination.

Some of the key advantages of studying in the US are as follows:

• US medical schools rank amongst the best in the world and have been recognised globally by many world-known organisations.
• Most of the US MBBS colleges are accredited by the World Directory of Medical Schools.
• Indian students who study UG and master’s in the USA and have been recognised for enrolment as a medical practitioner in the USA are not required to qualify for the FMGE screening test in India.
• Many US colleges have their medical licensing process, separate from the FMGE. Indian medical aspirants can directly apply for the USMLE examination if they wish to continue their medical practice in the USA after study.
• Medical practitioners who graduated from US medical colleges have the highest rates of placements in India as well as in different foreign countries.
• Candidates can access cutting-edge technology, research opportunities, and modern infrastructure in the USA.
• The availability of a professional visa in the USA after the MBBS course is very easy.
• Candidates can access a vast array of medical specialties for further training.
• Students get the opportunity to immerse themselves in a multicultural environment and broaden their perspectives.
• Candidates who pursue medical courses after 12th in the USA can experience a sophisticated healthcare system, well-developed infrastructure, and a thriving cultural scene.

Eligibility to Study MBBS in USA

International students need to meet the eligibility requirements for MBBS programmes in the USA depending on the particular university and programme they choose. On the university’s official website, prospective students can verify the specific eligibility requirements for the school they wish to attend.

• Students must have a Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognised by the US Department of Education.
• Candidates must have completed class 12th education with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Students must have cleared the MCAT exam.
• Candidates should be 17 years of age as of December 31st of the same year when he/she is applying for MBBS in the US.
• The NEET scorecard is compulsory for MBBS admission in the USA for Indian candidates who want to return to India and practice here after completing their studies.
• Clearing the TOEFL/IELTS exam is compulsory to prove their English language proficiency.

FMGE Requirements for Indian Students to Study MBBS in USA

FMGE’s full form is the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination. It is a licensing exam conducted in India for international medical graduates wishing to practise medicine there. It is a computer-based test and is conducted twice a year in June and December by NBE.

Candidates who wish to appear in the FMGE entrance examination must fulfil the following requirements:

• Students who have completed their medical graduation abroad must register with a State Medical Council (SMC) to practise in India after completion of medical education.
• According to the Indian Medical Council Act, to take the FMGE test, a student must obtain an Eligibility Certificate (EC) from the MCI before taking admission to a medical course in a foreign university.
• Candidates are advised to select and apply to their medical courses themselves and not through travel agents.
• Candidates must ensure to gather authentic information from their university and agents about tuition and other fees, facilities, the curriculum of the course, the language of instruction/, teaching, availability of hostel facilities, monthly living expenses, etc.
• Check whether the university you are applying for fulfils all the requirements of the MCI including clinical competencies, MBBS curriculum followed in India, faculty, infrastructure, etc.
• The medium of instruction at the university must be English.

Note: Candidates seeking a provisional or permanent registration are not required to qualify for the FMGE screening test if they have completed their UG or master’s in medicine and have been recognised for enrolment as a medical practitioner in the USA.