Welcome to South Dakota 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 South Dakota that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in South Dakota
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 89 | University of South Dakota (Sanford) (Sioux Falls, SD) Acceptance rate: 16.9% MCAT composite score: 10.1 Tuition: Full-time: $20,700 (in-state), Full-time: $48,445 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.68 Total medical school enrollment: 213 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.7:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $12.6
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All Medical Schools in South Dakota
South Dakota is home to a single medical school that plays a critical role in training healthcare professionals for the state and the surrounding region. The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine focuses on providing high-quality medical education, emphasizing rural healthcare, primary care, and service to underserved populations.
1. University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Overview
The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (USD SSOM), located in Vermillion, South Dakota, is the only medical school in the state. Established in 1907, the school is dedicated to educating future physicians with a strong emphasis on primary care, rural medicine, and serving underserved populations. USD SSOM is known for its innovative curriculum, which incorporates active learning and early clinical exposure, preparing students to meet the healthcare needs of South Dakota and the surrounding region.
One of the key strengths of USD SSOM is its focus on rural health. The school’s programs are designed to encourage students to practice medicine in rural areas, addressing the shortage of healthcare providers in these communities. In addition, USD SSOM provides extensive clinical training opportunities in both rural and urban settings across the state.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The primary degree program at USD SSOM is the Doctor of Medicine (MD). The curriculum focuses on integrating clinical experiences early in the program, with an emphasis on rural and primary care medicine. The school also places a strong emphasis on community service and patient-centered care.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): The school offers a joint degree program, allowing students to pursue both an MD and a Master of Public Health (MPH). This program is ideal for students interested in population health, health policy, and public health leadership.
- PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences: USD SSOM offers a PhD program in biomedical sciences for students interested in research careers. This program covers a range of disciplines, including immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, and pharmacology.
- Physician Assistant Studies (PA): USD SSOM offers a Master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies, designed to prepare students for clinical practice as primary care providers. This program emphasizes patient-centered care and rural health.
Admission Requirements
MCAT:
- The average MCAT score for accepted students is 507.
- A competitive MCAT score is essential for demonstrating proficiency in the core scientific areas needed for medical school.
GPA:
- The average undergraduate GPA for accepted students is 3.7.
- A strong academic record, particularly in science and math courses, is critical for admission.
Prerequisite Courses:
USD SSOM requires students to complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- Chemistry (General and Organic Chemistry with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry is strongly recommended, though not required.
Clinical Experience:
- Applicants are expected to have meaningful clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in a clinical role. This demonstrates a commitment to patient care and provides insight into the medical profession.
Research Experience:
- While not a strict requirement, research experience is valued, particularly for students interested in the PhD program or those who want to pursue academic medicine.
Letters of Recommendation:
- Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should come from a science professor, and one should be from a healthcare professional who has observed the applicant in a clinical setting.
Interview Process:
- USD SSOM conducts a traditional interview process. The interviews focus on evaluating the applicant’s communication skills, ethical decision-making, and motivation to practice medicine, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The interview process also assesses the applicant’s personal attributes, such as empathy, teamwork, and resilience.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from USD SSOM typically pursue careers in a variety of medical fields, with many entering primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics. Given the school’s strong focus on rural and primary care, graduates are highly sought after, especially in rural communities where healthcare providers are in high demand.
Typical starting salaries for USD SSOM graduates are as follows:
- Primary Care Physicians (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics): $180,000 to $230,000
- Specialists (Cardiology, Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, etc.): $240,000 to $310,000, depending on the specialty
- Surgeons (General, Orthopedic, Cardiothoracic): $350,000 to $500,000, depending on the surgical specialty
Curriculum and Training at USD Sanford School of Medicine
USD SSOM provides a curriculum designed to prepare students for all aspects of clinical practice, with a particular focus on rural healthcare and community-based medicine. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, active learning, and a strong integration of clinical skills and basic science education.
Key Features of the Curriculum
- Early Clinical Exposure:
- From the first year, students at USD SSOM engage in clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience in patient care. This early exposure helps students develop critical clinical skills and build confidence in interacting with patients.
- Rural Healthcare Focus:
- USD SSOM has a strong emphasis on rural medicine. Students have opportunities to participate in clinical rotations in rural areas, where they learn to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by these communities, such as limited access to specialists and healthcare resources.
- Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs):
- During their third year, students participate in LICs, where they work with a cohort of patients over time in multiple specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. This model provides students with continuity of care experiences and a deeper understanding of patient management.
- Active Learning:
- The school has adopted an active learning approach, replacing traditional lectures with small-group discussions, case-based learning, and problem-solving sessions. This approach encourages collaboration and critical thinking, helping students retain information more effectively.
- Interdisciplinary Training:
- USD SSOM emphasizes teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. Medical students work alongside students from other healthcare professions, such as nursing and pharmacy, to learn how to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.
Research Opportunities at USD Sanford School of Medicine
USD Sanford School of Medicine offers robust research opportunities for students, whether they are pursuing an MD, PhD, or combined MD/PhD degree. The school’s research programs focus on advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes, with a particular emphasis on research that addresses the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations.
Major Research Areas
- Rural Health Research:
- USD SSOM is a leader in rural health research. The school is involved in studies that seek to improve access to healthcare in rural areas, reduce health disparities, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers.
- Cancer Research:
- USD SSOM conducts research in cancer biology, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of cancer progression and developing new therapies. The school is also involved in clinical trials that aim to improve cancer treatment outcomes for patients in rural areas.
- Neuroscience and Brain Health:
- The school’s neuroscience research focuses on understanding the brain’s structure and function, with an emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Students interested in brain health can participate in research that explores the prevention and treatment of these conditions.
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases:
- Research in immunology and infectious diseases at USD SSOM aims to advance the understanding of the immune system and develop new treatments for infectious diseases. Students in this area of research work on projects that explore immune responses to pathogens and the development of vaccines.
Research Opportunities for Students
- Summer Research Program:
- Medical students have the opportunity to participate in the Summer Research Fellowship Program, which allows them to work on a mentored research project during the summer between their first and second years. This program provides students with valuable research experience and the opportunity to explore areas of interest in depth.
- MD/PhD Research:
- Students in the MD/PhD program engage in extensive research throughout their education, working alongside faculty members in cutting-edge laboratories. This program is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in academic medicine and biomedical research.
Commitment to Rural and Underserved Populations
USD SSOM is deeply committed to addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations. Given the rural nature of much of South Dakota, the school places a strong emphasis on training physicians who are prepared to serve in these communities.
Programs and Initiatives Focused on Rural Health
- Rural Experiences for Health Professions Students (REHPS) Program:
- This program provides medical students with the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in rural South Dakota communities. Students gain hands-on experience in rural healthcare settings, working with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver care to patients with limited access to healthcare services.
- Frontier and Rural Medicine (FARM) Program:
- The FARM Program is designed to provide third- and fourth-year medical students with a year-long clinical training experience in rural South Dakota. Students are placed in rural healthcare facilities, where they work closely with community physicians and gain a deep understanding of rural healthcare delivery.
- Community Service and Outreach:
- USD SSOM encourages students to participate in community service and outreach programs that address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. Students have opportunities to volunteer at free clinics, participate in health fairs, and engage in public health initiatives that promote wellness and disease prevention.