Welcome to Washington 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 Washington that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Washington
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 12 | University of Washington (Seattle, WA) Acceptance rate: 5.7% MCAT composite score: 10.3 Tuition: Full-time: $25,320 (in-state), Full-time: $54,300 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.68 Total medical school enrollment: 951 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 2.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $611.4
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All Medical Schools in Washington
Washington State is home to several prestigious medical schools that provide students with a comprehensive education and the opportunity to serve diverse communities, including underserved and rural populations. Each school offers unique degree programs, innovative curricula, and extensive clinical training.
1. University of Washington School of Medicine (UW SoM)
Overview
The University of Washington School of Medicine (UW SoM), located in Seattle, is widely recognized as one of the top medical schools in the country. Known for its leadership in medical research, primary care education, and commitment to rural health, UW SoM serves the five-state WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho). The school’s mission focuses on improving the health of communities through excellence in medical education, research, patient care, and public service.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at UW SoM emphasizes patient-centered care, biomedical research, and rural health. Students begin clinical experiences early in their education.
- MD/PhD Program: A combined degree program for students interested in careers in academic medicine and research.
- MD/MPH: This dual degree allows students to earn both a medical degree and a Master of Public Health, focusing on population health.
- MD/MS in Biomedical Informatics: This program trains students to apply data and technology to healthcare systems and medical research.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): The school offers residency and fellowship programs in a wide range of specialties.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 511.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Mathematics.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants must demonstrate clinical exposure, such as shadowing, volunteering, or healthcare employment.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with at least one from a science professor and one from a healthcare provider.
- Interview Process: UW SoM conducts a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format, assessing communication, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of UW SoM often enter a variety of medical specialties, with competitive starting salaries:
- Primary Care Physicians: $200,000 to $240,000
- Specialists: $260,000 to $330,000, depending on the field
2. Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (WSU College of Medicine)
Overview
The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University is a newer medical school, having welcomed its first class in 2017. Located in Spokane, WSU College of Medicine was established to address the physician shortage in Washington, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The school focuses on community-based medical education, rural health, and primary care, with a mission to improve the health of people in Washington through medical education, research, and patient care.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): WSU’s MD program emphasizes training primary care physicians who are committed to serving rural and underserved populations. The curriculum integrates early clinical experiences, problem-based learning, and a community-centered approach.
- Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences (MS): This program is designed for students interested in speech-language pathology.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): WSU College of Medicine offers residency programs focused on primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 509.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.6.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Social Sciences.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants must have experience in healthcare settings, such as shadowing, volunteering, or working in rural or underserved communities.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with at least one from a healthcare provider.
- Interview Process: WSU College of Medicine uses a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format to evaluate applicants’ interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and motivation to serve rural populations.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from WSU College of Medicine are well-prepared for primary care and other specialties, with typical starting salaries including:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $230,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $280,000, depending on the specialty
3. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM)
Overview
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM), located in Yakima, Washington, is a leading osteopathic medical school in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 2005, PNWU-COM focuses on training physicians to meet the healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved populations, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region. The school emphasizes holistic care, preventive medicine, and a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): The DO program at PNWU-COM focuses on training physicians in osteopathic principles, including the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in primary care and rural medicine.
- Dual Degree Programs: PNWU-COM offers opportunities for students to pursue additional degrees, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), alongside their DO degree.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): The school supports residency programs, particularly in primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 504.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.5.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Behavioral Sciences.
- Healthcare Experience: Applicants should have clinical experience, preferably in rural or underserved areas. Experience with osteopathic medicine, such as shadowing a DO, is encouraged.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one ideally from a DO.
- Interview Process: PNWU-COM uses a traditional interview format, with a focus on applicants’ understanding of osteopathic principles and commitment to serving rural populations.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of PNWU-COM typically enter primary care fields, with starting salaries reflecting the demand for osteopathic physicians in rural areas:
- Primary Care Physicians: $180,000 to $220,000
- Specialists: $220,000 to $270,000, depending on specialty and location
4. Bastyr University – School of Naturopathic Medicine
Overview
Bastyr University, located in Kenmore, Washington, is a leading institution in natural medicine and one of the most respected naturopathic medical schools in the world. The School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr offers a program that emphasizes holistic and preventive healthcare, integrating traditional naturopathic therapies with modern medical science. The school’s mission is to educate future naturopathic physicians who are capable of improving patient health through natural, patient-centered care.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND): The ND program at Bastyr focuses on naturopathic principles such as the healing power of nature, treating the whole person, and disease prevention. Students receive training in botanical medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and other natural therapies, alongside conventional medical sciences.
- Dual Degree Programs: Bastyr offers dual-degree opportunities for students to pursue additional graduate degrees, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), alongside their ND degree.
- Master’s Programs in Integrative Health: Programs in acupuncture, nutrition, and other complementary healthcare fields are also available.
Admission Requirements
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for accepted students is 3.4.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.
- Healthcare Experience: While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to have experience in healthcare settings, particularly in natural or holistic medicine.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two or three letters are required, with at least one from a healthcare professional familiar with the applicant’s abilities.
- Interview Process: Bastyr uses a traditional interview format, focusing on the applicant’s commitment to naturopathic principles and holistic healthcare.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of Bastyr University’s ND program typically enter private practice or integrative healthcare settings, with starting salaries as follows:
- Naturopathic Physicians: $60,000 to $90,000 in the first few years, with potential for growth as practice builds