Welcome to Puerto Rico best medical schools. Our rankings are based on alumni reviews, research scores received, peer institution assessment and admissions statistics including averaged MCAT scores, undergraduate GPA as well as acceptance rates. Below we list top medical schools in Puerto Rico that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Puerto Rico
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 103 | Ponce School of Medicine (Ponce, PR) Acceptance rate: 11.9% MCAT composite score: 7.0 Tuition: Full-time: $34,254 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.49 Total medical school enrollment: 271 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.5:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.0
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All Medical Schools in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is home to several accredited medical schools that offer high-quality education and training, preparing students to become proficient physicians. These institutions focus on serving both the local population and the broader U.S. healthcare system, with a strong emphasis on bilingual education and culturally competent care.
1. University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (UPR School of Medicine)
Overview
The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (UPR School of Medicine) is the oldest and most prestigious medical school in Puerto Rico, established in 1950. Located in San Juan, the institution offers a rigorous medical education that combines strong research opportunities with an emphasis on serving the local population. As a public institution, UPR School of Medicine is deeply committed to addressing the healthcare needs of Puerto Rico, with a particular focus on providing care to underserved communities.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): UPR’s MD program integrates basic and clinical sciences, with a focus on patient-centered care. The curriculum emphasizes bilingual medical training, equipping students to practice in both Spanish and English-speaking environments.
- MD/PhD Program: This dual-degree program allows students to pursue a combined medical and research career. It’s ideal for those interested in academic medicine or biomedical research.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: UPR offers several master’s and PhD programs in fields such as microbiology, pharmacology, and physiology for students pursuing careers in research and academia.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): UPR School of Medicine provides a variety of residency programs in specialties like internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and more.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 505.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- Clinical Experience: Applicants are required to have hands-on clinical experience, such as shadowing doctors, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in clinical roles.
- Research Experience: While not mandatory, research experience is highly valued, particularly for those applying to the MD/PhD program.
- Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of three letters is required. These should come from professors, healthcare professionals, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s academic and clinical abilities.
- Interview Process: UPR uses a traditional interview process, focusing on the applicant’s communication skills, academic performance, and commitment to serving Puerto Rican communities.
Starting Salaries
UPR School of Medicine graduates are well-positioned to enter both the Puerto Rican and U.S. healthcare markets, with competitive starting salaries in various fields:
- Primary Care Physicians: $170,000 to $220,000
- Specialists: $250,000 to $310,000, depending on specialty
- Surgeons: $300,000 to $450,000, depending on surgical specialty
2. Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine (PHSU School of Medicine)
Overview
Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU), located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, is known for its innovative medical curriculum and dedication to producing competent, culturally sensitive healthcare providers. Established in 1977, PHSU offers a range of healthcare-related degree programs, with a focus on improving healthcare in Puerto Rico and preparing students for practice in the mainland U.S. The school emphasizes research, clinical experience, and bilingual education to prepare its graduates for success.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): PHSU’s MD program provides an integrated curriculum that emphasizes early clinical exposure and hands-on experience. The program focuses on the development of bilingual, culturally aware physicians.
- MD/PhD Program: A combined degree for students interested in a career that combines clinical practice with biomedical research.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): This program focuses on public health practices and policies, particularly in underserved and rural communities. It is ideal for students interested in public health leadership roles.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: PHSU offers master’s and PhD programs in biomedical sciences for students interested in research careers.
- Clinical Psychology (PsyD): PHSU offers a Doctor of Psychology degree focused on preparing clinicians to provide psychological services.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 500.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.5.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (strongly recommended)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- Clinical Experience: Applicants should have significant clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians or working in healthcare settings, to demonstrate their commitment to the medical profession.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, including at least one from a science professor and one from a healthcare provider or clinical supervisor.
- Interview Process: PHSU conducts traditional interviews, where applicants are assessed on their clinical readiness, communication skills, and motivation to practice medicine in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from PHSU School of Medicine are well-prepared to enter various medical fields, with strong earning potential in both Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S.:
- Primary Care Physicians: $160,000 to $210,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $300,000, depending on specialty
- Surgeons: $280,000 to $450,000, depending on surgical specialty
3. San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (SJBSOM)
Overview
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (SJBSOM) is a private medical school located in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Founded in 1978, the school has a mission to train healthcare professionals who are committed to providing high-quality care to underserved populations. SJBSOM places a strong emphasis on community-based education, public health, and primary care. The school’s curriculum is designed to produce culturally competent physicians who can address the unique health challenges of Puerto Rico and beyond.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at SJBSOM offers a competency-based curriculum with a focus on community health, clinical skills, and patient-centered care. Students receive bilingual training, preparing them for practice in both English- and Spanish-speaking environments.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): This program prepares students for leadership roles in public health, with an emphasis on epidemiology, health policy, and preventive care.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): SJBSOM offers residency training in fields like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, equipping graduates to serve in both urban and rural healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 495.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.3.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- Clinical Experience: Applicants are required to have hands-on clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in clinical roles. This experience is essential for demonstrating a commitment to patient care.
- Research Experience: Research is not mandatory but is encouraged, especially for students interested in pursuing careers in academic medicine or public health.
- Letters of Recommendation: SJBSOM requires three letters of recommendation. These should come from professors, healthcare professionals, or supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities and clinical potential.
- Interview Process: The interview process at SJBSOM involves traditional interviews, where applicants are assessed on their interpersonal skills, motivation for a career in medicine, and commitment to serving underserved populations.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from SJBSOM are prepared to work in a variety of medical fields, with competitive starting salaries in both Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S.:
- Primary Care Physicians: $160,000 to $220,000
- Specialists: $230,000 to $290,000, depending on specialty
- Surgeons: $300,000 to $400,000, depending on surgical specialty
4. Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine (UCC School of Medicine)
Overview
Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC) School of Medicine, located in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, was established in 1976 and is known for its focus on producing healthcare professionals who are dedicated to serving underserved communities. UCC emphasizes public health, primary care, and preventive medicine, preparing students to address health disparities and improve healthcare access across Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): UCC’s MD program integrates basic sciences and clinical training with a focus on primary care and public health. The school emphasizes the importance of bilingual education, ensuring that graduates are prepared to work in diverse environments.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): This program provides students with training in public health principles, epidemiology, and healthcare policy, preparing them for careers in public health and preventive medicine.
- Master’s Programs in Biomedical Sciences: UCC offers graduate programs in biomedical sciences for students interested in research careers.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): UCC supports residency training in fields like internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine, helping graduates serve in various healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 500.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.5.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- Clinical Experience: Clinical experience is required, with applicants expected to have spent time shadowing physicians, working in healthcare settings, or volunteering in medical roles.
- Letters of Recommendation: UCC requires three letters of recommendation, which should be written by individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic achievements, clinical experience, and personal qualities.
- Interview Process: UCC conducts traditional interviews to evaluate applicants on their communication skills, motivation for pursuing a career in medicine, and commitment to public health and underserved communities.
Starting Salaries
UCC School of Medicine graduates are well-equipped to enter various medical fields, with competitive starting salaries across specialties:
- Primary Care Physicians: $170,000 to $210,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $300,000, depending on specialty
- Surgeons: $280,000 to $450,000, depending on surgical specialty