Welcome to North Dakota 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 North Dakota that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in North Dakota
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 108 | University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) Acceptance rate: 27.6% MCAT composite score: 9.5 Tuition: Full-time: $24,722 (in-state), Full-time: $45,760 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.67 Total medical school enrollment: 252 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $7.2
|
Medical Schools in North Dakota
North Dakota is home to one primary medical school that plays a critical role in addressing healthcare needs in the state and the broader region. The University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UND SMHS) is dedicated to educating future physicians with a strong focus on rural health and primary care.
1. University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UND SMHS)
Overview
The University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UND SMHS), located in Grand Forks, is the only medical school in North Dakota. Founded in 1905, the school has a strong commitment to rural health, primary care, and improving access to healthcare in underserved areas. UND SMHS plays a key role in training physicians and healthcare professionals who will serve in rural and underserved communities, both in North Dakota and beyond. The school emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, community-based learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at UND SMHS is designed to prepare students to become well-rounded physicians with a focus on rural and primary care medicine. The curriculum integrates the basic sciences, clinical training, and early exposure to patient care. Students have opportunities to gain experience in both rural and urban healthcare settings.
- MD/MPH Program: UND SMHS offers a dual-degree program that combines the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with a Master of Public Health (MPH). This program is ideal for students interested in public health leadership, preventive medicine, and population health management.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): In addition to the MD/MPH dual degree, the school offers a standalone MPH program, which trains students in public health principles, epidemiology, health policy, and community health.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): UND SMHS offers a variety of residency and fellowship programs, particularly in primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and rural health.
- Master’s and PhD Programs in Biomedical Sciences: UND SMHS offers advanced degrees in biomedical sciences, including master’s and PhD programs in areas like microbiology, pharmacology, and neuroscience for students interested in research or academic careers.
Admission Requirements
MCAT:
- The average MCAT score for accepted students at UND SMHS is 505.
GPA:
- The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.7.
Prerequisite Courses:
Applicants are required to complete a set of prerequisite courses to ensure they have a strong foundation in the sciences. These include:
- General Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- English or Writing-intensive courses
Clinical Experience:
- UND SMHS places a strong emphasis on clinical experience. Applicants are required to demonstrate exposure to healthcare settings, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in hospitals or clinics, or working in a healthcare environment. The school values experience in rural or underserved areas.
Research Experience:
- Research experience, while not mandatory, is encouraged for applicants interested in academic medicine or research careers. Students are encouraged to highlight any involvement in scientific research, especially if it relates to healthcare or medical sciences.
Letters of Recommendation:
- UND SMHS requires three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a science professor and one from a healthcare professional who has supervised the applicant in a clinical setting.
Interview Process:
- The admissions process at UND SMHS includes traditional interviews. These interviews assess the applicant’s communication skills, ethical decision-making, and motivation for pursuing a career in medicine, with a particular focus on rural and primary care medicine.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences often enter careers in primary care, rural health, and specialized fields. The following are approximate starting salaries for UND SMHS graduates based on their chosen specialties:
- Primary Care Physicians (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics): $190,000 to $240,000
- Specialists (e.g., Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology): $260,000 to $350,000, depending on the specialty
- Surgeons (General, Orthopedic, Cardiothoracic): $350,000 to $500,000, depending on the surgical specialty
UND SMHS MD Program Curriculum
The curriculum at UND SMHS is designed to provide students with a comprehensive medical education that combines foundational knowledge in medical science with hands-on clinical experience. The program is structured to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to become competent, compassionate physicians, particularly in rural and primary care settings.
Key Features of the Curriculum
- Early Clinical Exposure:
- UND SMHS emphasizes early clinical exposure, allowing students to work with patients from their first year in medical school. This early exposure helps students apply their classroom learning in real-world settings and develop essential clinical skills.
- Integrated Curriculum:
- The MD program integrates basic sciences with clinical practice, ensuring that students can connect theoretical knowledge with patient care. The curriculum is organized around organ systems, with courses that integrate anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine.
- Rural Health Focus:
- A major focus of the UND SMHS curriculum is rural health. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations in rural and underserved areas of North Dakota, where they learn to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by these communities. The school’s Rural Opportunities in Medical Education (ROME) program allows students to spend several months working in rural healthcare settings.
- Interdisciplinary Training:
- The curriculum at UND SMHS encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, with medical students working alongside students from other healthcare disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health. This team-based approach to healthcare helps students develop skills in communication and collaboration.
- Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs):
- In their third year, students participate in longitudinal integrated clerkships, where they follow a group of patients over an extended period. This model allows students to gain a deeper understanding of patient care continuity and develop stronger relationships with their patients.
- Electives and Specialization:
- In the final year, students have the opportunity to explore electives in various medical specialties, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. This is also the time when students can focus on preparing for residency and licensure exams.
Research Opportunities at UND SMHS
Research is a key component of the educational experience at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The school provides a range of research opportunities for students, from basic science research to clinical and community health projects. Students are encouraged to engage in research throughout their medical education, particularly in areas that address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations.
Major Research Areas
- Rural Health Research:
- UND SMHS is a national leader in rural health research, focusing on improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for rural populations. Research projects often address issues such as healthcare delivery models, telemedicine, and chronic disease management in rural areas.
- Public Health and Epidemiology:
- The school conducts research in public health and epidemiology, particularly in areas such as infectious disease prevention, health policy, and community health. Students in the MD/MPH program often participate in public health research aimed at improving population health outcomes.
- Biomedical Research:
- UND SMHS offers research opportunities in basic biomedical sciences, including studies in molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Students interested in academic medicine or biomedical research can collaborate with faculty on projects that advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and treatment.
- Native American Health Research:
- North Dakota has a significant Native American population, and UND SMHS is committed to improving health outcomes for Native American communities. Research in this area focuses on health disparities, access to care, and culturally sensitive healthcare delivery.
Research Opportunities for Students
- Summer Research Program:
- Medical students at UND SMHS have the opportunity to participate in the Summer Research Program, where they work on research projects under the mentorship of faculty members. This program allows students to gain valuable experience in scientific inquiry and data analysis.
- Scholarly Projects:
- All medical students are required to complete a scholarly project during their education. These projects can be research-based, focusing on clinical or public health issues, or they can involve community service and outreach.