Welcome to Kentucky 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 Kentucky that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Kentucky
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 67 | University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY) Acceptance rate: 9.4% MCAT composite score: 10.2 Tuition: Full-time: $30,726 (in-state), Full-time: $57,372 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.71 Total medical school enrollment: 465 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.8:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $70.1
|
| 75 | University of Louisville (Louisville, KY) Acceptance rate: 9.9% MCAT composite score: 9.7 Tuition: Full-time: $29,450 (in-state), Full-time: $45,390 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.64 Total medical school enrollment: 643 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.2:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $39.5
|
| 110 | University of Pikeville (Pikeville, KY) Acceptance rate: 5.2% MCAT composite score: 8.0 Tuition: Full-time: $36,350 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.52 Total medical school enrollment: 309 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.0
|
Medical Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky offers a range of medical education opportunities, with its medical schools committed to improving healthcare access across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These schools emphasize both clinical practice and research, offering students a variety of career paths in healthcare.
1. University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Overview
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine, located in Lexington, is one of the state’s premier medical schools. It is renowned for its research facilities and clinical training programs. The school is part of UK HealthCare, which is one of the top healthcare providers in the region. The college emphasizes primary care and rural medicine, training physicians who are committed to serving Kentucky’s underserved areas. The College of Medicine also offers satellite campuses in Bowling Green, Morehead, and Northern Kentucky to expand its reach across the state.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
- Residency and fellowship programs in various specialties
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 511
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of general chemistry with lab
- One year of organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- One year of physics with lab
- Mathematics (calculus or statistics)
- Strong emphasis on clinical experience, community service, and research
- Applicants are encouraged to have shadowing or volunteering experience in rural or underserved communities
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Salaries typically range between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on the specialty, with family medicine and internal medicine on the lower end and surgical specialties on the higher end.
2. University of Louisville School of Medicine
Overview
The University of Louisville School of Medicine, located in Louisville, is one of the oldest medical schools in the country. The school is known for its strong focus on research, community health, and innovative medical education. Louisville has partnerships with numerous hospitals and healthcare providers, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings. The school has a strong commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to care for underserved populations.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Master’s and PhD programs in biomedical sciences
- Graduate programs in clinical research
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 510
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of chemistry with lab (both general and organic)
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- English and social sciences courses
- Emphasis on community service, leadership, and clinical experience, particularly in healthcare settings that serve vulnerable populations
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $58,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on their specialty, with general practitioners and family medicine physicians earning toward the lower end and specialists on the higher end.
3. University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM)
Overview
The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) is located in Pikeville and is one of the leading osteopathic medical schools in the region. KYCOM focuses on training physicians who will serve in rural and underserved areas, particularly in Appalachia. The school emphasizes osteopathic principles, which focus on holistic care and preventive medicine. KYCOM aims to address physician shortages in Kentucky and surrounding states by encouraging graduates to pursue careers in primary care.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Dual degrees in DO/MPH and DO/MBA
- Master’s programs in biomedical sciences
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 504
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of general chemistry with lab
- One year of organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- KYCOM emphasizes a strong commitment to osteopathic medicine, holistic health, and serving rural communities
- Applicants should have clinical experience in rural healthcare settings or a demonstrated interest in primary care
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $55,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Osteopathic graduates typically earn between $180,000 and $250,000 depending on their specialty, with primary care physicians on the lower end and specialists on the higher end.
Osteopathic Medicine in Kentucky
Focus on Rural Health
Both the University of Pikeville KYCOM and the osteopathic programs in Kentucky emphasize serving rural populations, particularly in the Appalachian region. Students are trained to provide holistic, patient-centered care, and many graduates go on to practice in underserved areas where there is a high demand for primary care physicians.
Osteopathic Principles
KYCOM’s curriculum is built around osteopathic principles, which stress the interrelationship between structure and function and the body’s ability to heal itself. Students are trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. This training prepares graduates to work in both primary care and specialized fields.
Admissions Process and Application Tips for Medical Schools in Kentucky
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
- Application Process:
- Submit a primary application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
- Complete a secondary application that includes essays focused on the applicant’s commitment to rural medicine, leadership, and healthcare access.
- Interviews are conducted using the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which assesses an applicant’s communication skills, ethical decision-making, and cultural competency.
- Key Qualities:
- High academic achievement, with competitive MCAT scores and GPA
- Significant clinical and community service experience
- Leadership experience, particularly in healthcare-related organizations or initiatives
- A strong commitment to serving rural or underserved communities
University of Louisville School of Medicine
- Application Process:
- Submit a primary application through AMCAS.
- Complete a secondary application specific to the University of Louisville, including essays that assess the applicant’s interest in research, community health, and healthcare disparities.
- Interviews are conducted in a traditional format with a focus on an applicant’s interpersonal skills and passion for community service.
- Key Qualities:
- Competitive MCAT scores and GPA
- Strong clinical experience, particularly in community health or underserved settings
- Research experience and a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities
- Leadership roles in healthcare-related activities or community service projects
University of Pikeville KYCOM
- Application Process:
- Submit a primary application through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
- Complete a secondary application focused on the applicant’s understanding of osteopathic principles, clinical experience, and interest in rural healthcare.
- Interviews are conducted in a traditional format with an emphasis on interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to osteopathic medicine.
- Key Qualities:
- Strong academic performance with competitive MCAT scores and GPA
- Understanding of osteopathic principles and holistic healthcare
- Experience in rural healthcare or primary care settings
- Demonstrated commitment to community service and preventive medicine