Welcome to West Virginia 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 West Virginia that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in West Virginia
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 90 | West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) Acceptance rate: 7.0% MCAT composite score: 9.5 Tuition: Full-time: $23,118 (in-state), Full-time: $49,728 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.71 Total medical school enrollment: 430 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $18.8
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| 112 | West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Lewisburg, WV) Acceptance rate: 12.4% MCAT composite score: 8.0 Tuition: Full-time: $19,950 (in-state), Full-time: $49,950 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.45 Total medical school enrollment: 813 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.0
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All Medical Schools in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to several medical schools that offer high-quality education and training to future physicians. These institutions emphasize serving rural and underserved communities, a critical aspect of healthcare in the state.
1. West Virginia University School of Medicine (WVU SoM)
Overview
West Virginia University School of Medicine (WVU SoM), located in Morgantown, is the state’s flagship medical institution. WVU SoM is dedicated to training physicians with a strong emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations. The school is known for its comprehensive research programs and a curriculum that integrates clinical training from the beginning of the medical education process.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at WVU SoM offers a patient-centered curriculum with an emphasis on rural healthcare.
- MD/PhD Program: This dual degree is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in medical research and academia.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): Prepares students for careers in public health with a focus on community health issues.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): A program designed for individuals who wish to become physical therapists.
- Master’s Programs in Biomedical Sciences: Research-focused master’s degrees in various biomedical disciplines.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 509.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses: Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Mathematics.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants are expected to have significant exposure to healthcare settings, such as shadowing or volunteering in medical environments.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are typically required, with at least one from a physician or healthcare professional.
- Interview Process: The interview process includes both traditional interviews and multiple mini-interviews (MMI), assessing problem-solving and communication skills.
Starting Salaries
WVU SoM graduates pursue various medical specialties, often serving in rural areas. Typical starting salaries are as follows:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $230,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $300,000, depending on the chosen specialty
2. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Overview
Located in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is known for its strong focus on community-based medicine and commitment to training physicians who will serve the Appalachian region. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and provides a supportive environment that encourages close relationships between faculty and students.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program offers a problem-based learning curriculum with early clinical exposure.
- MD/PhD Program: For students interested in combining clinical training with medical research.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): Focused on public health issues specific to underserved populations.
- Master’s Programs in Biomedical Research: Offers research opportunities in fields such as neuroscience, cancer biology, and cardiovascular disease.
- Rural Health Track: A specialized track within the MD program focused on preparing students to practice medicine in rural areas.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for admitted students is 508.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.6.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (Organic and General), Physics, and English.
- Healthcare Experience: Applicants must demonstrate clinical exposure through shadowing, volunteering, or healthcare employment.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters of recommendation are required, with one preferably from a practicing physician.
- Interview Process: The admissions committee conducts traditional interviews focusing on academic readiness, interpersonal skills, and motivation to serve in rural areas.
Starting Salaries
Marshall University graduates often enter primary care fields, with starting salaries generally as follows:
- Primary Care Physicians: $185,000 to $225,000
- Specialists: $230,000 to $280,000, depending on specialty
3. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)
Overview
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is located in Lewisburg and is one of the premier osteopathic medical schools in the country. WVSOM places a strong emphasis on holistic medicine and primary care, especially in underserved and rural areas. The school’s mission is to prepare students to become community-focused physicians who understand the importance of a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): The DO program at WVSOM focuses on osteopathic principles, including a holistic approach to medicine, patient care, and the promotion of wellness.
- Dual Degree Programs: WVSOM offers combined degree programs, such as DO/MPH and DO/MBA, for students interested in leadership roles in public health or healthcare administration.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): WVSOM supports residency training in several medical specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
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 English.
- Healthcare Experience: Applicants are encouraged to have experience in healthcare settings, particularly in underserved or rural communities. Osteopathic experience (such as shadowing a DO) is highly recommended.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two or three letters are required, with one preferably from an osteopathic physician (DO).
- Interview Process: WVSOM employs a traditional interview format, focusing on the applicant’s understanding of osteopathic principles, commitment to primary care, and desire to serve rural populations.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of WVSOM tend to work in primary care settings, especially in rural areas. Typical starting salaries include:
- Primary Care Physicians: $170,000 to $210,000
- Specialists: $220,000 to $270,000, depending on the specialty and location
4. Proposed Marshall University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Overview
Marshall University has proposed the establishment of a College of Osteopathic Medicine to further meet the healthcare needs of West Virginia’s rural and underserved communities. Once established, the new osteopathic medical school will offer programs that align with Marshall’s mission of training healthcare professionals with a community focus, particularly in the Appalachian region.
Degree Programs
The proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to offer the following programs:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): The main program will emphasize osteopathic principles, primary care, and rural medicine.
- DO/MPH Program: A dual degree combining medical training with public health education.
- DO/MBA Program: Designed for students interested in healthcare administration.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: Expected average MCAT scores for the proposed program are likely to be around 505.
- GPA: The average GPA requirement is anticipated to be 3.4-3.6.
- Prerequisite Courses: Likely to include courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Social Sciences.
- Healthcare Experience: Experience in healthcare settings, particularly in rural and underserved areas, will likely be required.
- Letters of Recommendation: Expected to include recommendations from professors, healthcare professionals, and, ideally, an osteopathic physician.
- Interview Process: The admissions process will likely include traditional interviews focusing on the applicant’s commitment to osteopathic principles and rural healthcare.
Starting Salaries
While salary data is speculative due to the program’s proposed nature, graduates are likely to follow salary trends similar to other osteopathic medical schools:
- Primary Care Physicians: $175,000 to $215,000
- Specialists: $225,000 to $275,000
Admission Process Overview for West Virginia Medical Schools
Common Requirements
Although each medical school in West Virginia has its own specific admissions criteria, they share several common elements:
- MCAT Scores: All medical schools in West Virginia require applicants to take the MCAT. Average scores typically range from 504 to 509, depending on the school.
- GPA: Competitive applicants usually have GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 3.7.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Required courses generally include Biology, Chemistry (Organic and General), Physics, and English or Humanities.
- Clinical and Volunteer Experience: Applicants are expected to have healthcare-related experience, such as shadowing, volunteering, or working in medical settings.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically, applicants need three letters, with at least one from a healthcare provider or academic reference.
- Interview Process: Schools use various interview formats, including traditional interviews and Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), to assess applicants’ academic preparedness, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills.