Welcome to Alabama 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 Alabama that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Alabama
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 33 | University of Alabama, Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) Acceptance rate: 10.5% MCAT composite score: 10.0 Tuition: Full-time: $22,128 (in-state), Full-time: $58,590 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.72 Total medical school enrollment: 755 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.5:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $183.5 |
All Medical Schools in Alabama
Alabama is home to several reputable medical schools that offer rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a pathway to successful medical careers.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine
Overview
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine is one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States. Established in 1859, the school is located in the heart of Birmingham and is known for its world-class research facilities, clinical training, and medical education programs. UAB School of Medicine ranks among the top medical schools in the country for primary care and research, with an emphasis on community-based learning and healthcare service.
Degree Programs
UAB offers several medical degree programs, including:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): A traditional 4-year medical program that focuses on medical sciences and clinical training.
- MD/PhD: A dual-degree program for students interested in combining clinical medicine with biomedical research.
- MD/MPH: This joint program combines medical education with public health training.
- MD/MBA: For students interested in blending medicine with business administration.
- Residency and Fellowship Programs: UAB offers a wide range of postgraduate medical training programs across various specialties.
Admission Requirements
The admissions process at UAB School of Medicine is highly competitive. Below are the general requirements for acceptance:
- GPA: Average accepted GPA ranges from 3.7 to 3.9.
- MCAT Score: Average MCAT score for accepted applicants is around 510-512.
- Other Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Medical experience or shadowing hours.
- Personal statement and secondary essays.
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from UAB School of Medicine generally enter a variety of fields, with their starting salaries varying based on their chosen specialty. On average:
- Primary Care: $180,000 – $200,000 per year.
- Specialty Care: $250,000 – $300,000 per year.
University of South Alabama (USA) College of Medicine
Overview
The University of South Alabama (USA) College of Medicine, located in Mobile, Alabama, was established in 1973. It is known for its focus on training future physicians to meet the healthcare needs of underserved and rural communities in Alabama. The college offers a community-based curriculum and has a strong commitment to patient care, biomedical research, and medical education.
Degree Programs
USA College of Medicine offers the following degree programs:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): A 4-year program that combines preclinical and clinical training.
- MD/PhD: A dual-degree program for students interested in combining medical education with research.
- Residency and Fellowship Programs: USA offers residency programs in various specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the USA College of Medicine is competitive, with a focus on academic achievement and commitment to service. Admission requirements include:
- GPA: The average accepted GPA is approximately 3.7.
- MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for accepted applicants is around 508-510.
- Other Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in sciences.
- Clinical experience or healthcare volunteering.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Secondary application and interviews.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of USA College of Medicine pursue careers in various specialties, with typical starting salaries being:
- Primary Care: $180,000 – $200,000 per year.
- Specialty Care: $250,000 – $300,000 per year.
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM)
Overview
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), located in Dothan, Alabama, was founded in 2010 and is the first osteopathic medical school in Alabama. ACOM is dedicated to producing competent and compassionate osteopathic physicians who can address healthcare challenges in rural and underserved areas. The curriculum integrates osteopathic principles with traditional medical sciences and emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care.
Degree Programs
ACOM offers the following programs:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): A 4-year program that trains students in osteopathic medicine, emphasizing preventive care and the body’s musculoskeletal system.
- Postgraduate Training: ACOM graduates are eligible to enter residency programs in various medical specialties.
Admission Requirements
ACOM seeks applicants who are committed to osteopathic medicine and patient-centered care. Admission requirements include:
- GPA: The average accepted GPA is 3.5.
- MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for accepted students is approximately 500-505.
- Other Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Clinical experience or shadowing of a DO.
- Personal statement and secondary application.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of ACOM often pursue careers in primary care fields, but some choose specialty areas. Typical starting salaries include:
- Primary Care (DO): $180,000 – $220,000 per year.
- Specialty Care: $250,000 – $300,000 per year.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus (VCOM)
Overview
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Auburn Campus, located in Auburn, Alabama, opened in 2015. VCOM focuses on training students to become osteopathic physicians who can serve rural and medically underserved populations, with a strong emphasis on primary care. VCOM Auburn operates in partnership with Auburn University and provides a comprehensive medical education rooted in community service and global health.
Degree Programs
VCOM Auburn offers the following degree program:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): A 4-year program that includes foundational medical sciences and osteopathic clinical training, with a focus on preventive medicine and rural healthcare.
Admission Requirements
VCOM Auburn looks for candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to osteopathic medicine. The admission requirements include:
- GPA: The average accepted GPA is 3.4 to 3.6.
- MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for accepted students is around 500-504.
- Other Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Completion of prerequisite courses in the natural sciences.
- Clinical experience or volunteer work in healthcare settings.
- Letters of recommendation, including one from an osteopathic physician (DO).
- Personal statement outlining commitment to osteopathic medicine.
Starting Salaries
VCOM graduates typically pursue careers in primary care, but some choose other specialties. Estimated starting salaries include:
- Primary Care (DO): $180,000 – $220,000 per year.
- Specialty Care: $250,000 – $300,000 per year.
Other Important Aspects for Consideration
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Each medical school in Alabama offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help students manage the high costs of medical education. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, and loan repayment programs for graduates who work in underserved areas or primary care fields.
Community Service and Rural Medicine Focus
Several medical schools in Alabama, especially USA College of Medicine, ACOM, and VCOM, emphasize rural medicine and community service. These programs are designed to encourage students to practice in underserved areas, with clinical rotations and training experiences set in rural Alabama and other parts of the Southeastern U.S.
Career Placement and Residency Programs
Graduates of medical schools in Alabama often secure residency positions in top medical programs across the country. UAB School of Medicine, in particular, has a strong track record of matching students into competitive residency specialties, while osteopathic schools like ACOM and VCOM typically focus on placing students in primary care fields.
Licensing and Board Certification
Upon graduation, students from both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) programs must pass a series of licensing exams. MD graduates must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), while DO graduates take the COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination). After completing residency training, physicians can seek board certification in their chosen specialties.