Welcome to Maine 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 Maine that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Maine
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 107 | University of New England (Biddeford, ME) Acceptance rate: 6.4% MCAT composite score: 9.0 Tuition: Full-time: $46,700 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.54 Total medical school enrollment: 509 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.8
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Medical Schools in Maine
Maine may be a smaller state in terms of population, but it plays an important role in training future healthcare professionals, particularly those interested in rural medicine and primary care. Maine’s medical education landscape emphasizes community health, rural healthcare access, and producing physicians who will serve the local population.
1. University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
Overview
The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) in Biddeford, Maine, is the state’s only medical school. Established in 1978, UNE COM is dedicated to training osteopathic physicians (DOs) who practice holistic, patient-centered care. The school emphasizes primary care, preventive medicine, and serving rural and underserved communities, particularly in New England. UNE COM has been consistently recognized for its commitment to producing graduates who go on to work in primary care fields.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Dual degree programs:
- DO/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- DO/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- DO/PhD in Biomedical Sciences (in collaboration with UNE Graduate Programs)
- Master’s programs in biomedical sciences
- Postgraduate training programs (residency and fellowship opportunities)
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
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- UNE COM strongly encourages clinical experience and a demonstrated interest in osteopathic principles.
- Experience in rural health, community service, and primary care is highly valued.
- Applicants must show a commitment to the osteopathic philosophy of holistic care, as well as empathy and leadership in healthcare settings.
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $55,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates from UNE COM typically earn between $180,000 and $250,000, depending on their specialty. Primary care physicians, who make up a significant portion of UNE COM graduates, generally earn on the lower end of this range, while specialists may earn higher salaries.
Focus on Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic Principles
At UNE COM, the core of the education is centered around osteopathic principles, which emphasize treating the whole patient rather than just the symptoms. Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a hands-on technique that is integrated into the curriculum, providing students with the skills to diagnose and treat patients using the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Rural and Community Health
UNE COM is deeply committed to addressing the physician shortages in rural and underserved areas. Students are encouraged to participate in rural medicine programs, and the school offers clinical rotations in rural clinics and healthcare facilities across New England. Many UNE COM graduates go on to practice in rural settings, addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to medical care in areas that are often underserved.
Clinical Education at UNE COM
UNE COM provides students with extensive clinical training that begins in the first year and continues throughout the program. The college has established partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems across Maine and New England, providing students with a diverse range of clinical experiences. Clinical rotations typically begin in the third year and cover all major medical disciplines, including:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry
Additionally, UNE COM offers elective rotations in various specialties, allowing students to explore fields such as cardiology, oncology, and geriatrics. Students who are interested in rural health can participate in extended rural clinical rotations, gaining firsthand experience in delivering healthcare to underserved populations.
Admissions Process for UNE COM
UNE COM has a holistic admissions process that evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, clinical experience, commitment to osteopathic medicine, and leadership in healthcare. Below is an outline of the application process:
Primary Application
- Applicants must submit their primary application through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
- The primary application includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement highlighting the applicant’s interest in osteopathic medicine.
Secondary Application
- Once invited, applicants complete a secondary application specific to UNE COM. This application includes essays that assess the applicant’s understanding of osteopathic medicine, leadership experiences, and commitment to rural and underserved communities.
Interviews
- UNE COM uses a traditional interview format, where applicants meet with faculty and admissions committee members to discuss their qualifications, motivations, and career goals. The interview process assesses an applicant’s interpersonal skills, ethical decision-making, and passion for holistic healthcare.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
UNE COM offers various financial aid packages to help students manage the cost of medical education. These include need-based grants, merit scholarships, and federal loans. In addition, UNE COM participates in loan repayment programs for students who commit to working in rural or underserved areas after graduation.
- Scholarships: UNE COM offers scholarships based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to osteopathic medicine and community health.
- Loan Repayment Programs: Graduates who choose to practice in underserved areas may qualify for loan repayment assistance through programs such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and state-specific rural health initiatives.
Post-Graduate Training and Residency Programs
After graduating from UNE COM, students pursue residency programs across the United States, with many choosing to stay in New England to complete their training. UNE COM graduates match into a wide range of specialties, with a significant number entering primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Residency Specialties
- Primary Care Residencies: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
- Specialty Residencies: Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, Neurology
Graduates who complete their residencies in Maine and other rural areas may also be eligible for fellowship opportunities, allowing them to further specialize in fields such as cardiology, geriatrics, and palliative care.
Continuing Medical Education at UNE COM
UNE COM provides ongoing education and professional development for its graduates through its Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs. These programs are designed to help physicians stay updated on the latest medical advancements and improve their clinical skills. The CME offerings cover a wide range of topics, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), rural health innovations, and advancements in healthcare technologies.
Career Prospects and Salaries for UNE COM Graduates
Graduates of UNE COM are highly regarded for their training in holistic, patient-centered care, and they are well-prepared to enter a variety of medical fields. The majority of UNE COM graduates go on to practice in primary care, and many choose to work in rural or underserved areas, where there is a high demand for healthcare providers.
Starting Salaries for UNE COM Graduates
- Primary Care Physicians: $180,000–$220,000
- Specialists: $220,000–$280,000
- Osteopathic Physicians: $180,000–$250,000 depending on location and specialty
Many UNE COM graduates benefit from competitive salaries, especially those who practice in rural areas, where financial incentives such as loan repayment programs and higher starting salaries are offered to attract healthcare professionals.
Maine’s Medical Education and Healthcare Landscape
Addressing Physician Shortages
Maine faces a shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas. UNE COM plays a critical role in addressing this shortage by training physicians who are committed to practicing in underserved communities. The school’s focus on primary care and rural medicine aligns with the state’s healthcare needs, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to serve Maine’s population.
Rural Medicine and Community Health
Maine’s rugged geography and dispersed population make rural healthcare delivery a priority. UNE COM emphasizes rural medicine, providing students with the training and resources they need to succeed in these challenging environments. Graduates often go on to practice in small towns and remote areas, where they provide essential healthcare services to populations with limited access to medical care.