Best Medical Schools in Oklahoma

Welcome to Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.

Best Medical Schools in Oklahoma

Top Medical Schools in Oklahoma

National Ranking Best Medical Programs
73 University of Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, OK)
Acceptance rate: 13.7%
MCAT composite score: 9.7
Tuition: Full-time: $19,120 (in-state), Full-time: $44,816 (out-of-state)
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.78
Total medical school enrollment: 656
Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.4:1
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $42.3

 

102 Oklahoma State University (Tulsa, OK)
Acceptance rate: 15.8%
MCAT composite score: 8.3
Tuition: Full-time: $20,953 (in-state), Full-time: $40,989 (out-of-state)
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.65
Total medical school enrollment: 365
Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.3:1
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.0

Oklahoma State University Medical School

All Medical Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers two primary institutions for medical education, both of which provide excellent training opportunities for aspiring physicians. The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) College of Osteopathic Medicine are well-regarded for their focus on patient-centered care, community service, and preparation for serving rural and underserved populations. Both schools offer a variety of degree programs, ranging from traditional MD and DO programs to specialized dual-degree programs.


1. University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (OU College of Medicine)

Overview

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, located in Oklahoma City, is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the state, offering a comprehensive and innovative medical education. The school is part of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which provides students with access to cutting-edge research, clinical training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. OU College of Medicine focuses on preparing students to practice patient-centered care and emphasizes service to the community, with a particular focus on underserved populations in both rural and urban settings.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at OU College of Medicine integrates basic sciences with clinical practice and patient care. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students acquire a solid foundation in medical knowledge while developing the clinical skills needed to provide high-quality care to diverse patient populations.
  • MD/PhD Program: This dual-degree program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in academic medicine and research. The program combines medical education with rigorous research training in biomedical sciences.
  • MD/MPH Program: A combined degree that allows students to earn both an MD and a Master of Public Health (MPH), preparing them for roles in public health leadership and policy-making.
  • Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: OU offers various master’s and PhD programs in fields such as genetics, immunology, and neuroscience for students pursuing research-oriented careers.
  • Residency and Fellowship Programs (GME): OU College of Medicine offers numerous residency and fellowship opportunities across a wide range of specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and family medicine.

Admission Requirements

  • MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 510.
  • GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.7.
  • Prerequisite Courses:
    • General Biology (with lab)
    • General Chemistry (with lab)
    • Organic Chemistry (with lab)
    • Physics (with lab)
    • Biochemistry (strongly recommended)
    • Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
    • English or Writing-intensive courses
  • Clinical Experience: Applicants are expected to have significant clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, working in healthcare settings, or volunteering in clinical roles. This experience demonstrates a commitment to the medical field and patient care.
  • Research Experience: While not mandatory, research experience is highly valued, particularly for students applying to the MD/PhD program.
  • Letters of Recommendation: OU requires at least three letters of recommendation, including one from a science professor and one from a healthcare professional who has observed the applicant in a clinical or research setting.
  • Interview Process: The admissions process includes traditional interviews, which evaluate an applicant’s communication skills, professionalism, and motivation to practice medicine.

Starting Salaries

Graduates from the OU College of Medicine typically enter a variety of medical specialties, with competitive starting salaries:

  • Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $240,000
  • Specialists: $250,000 to $330,000, depending on the specialty
  • Surgeons: $350,000 to $500,000, depending on the surgical specialty

2. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-CHS College of Osteopathic Medicine)

Overview

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Tulsa, focuses on training osteopathic physicians (DOs) who are committed to providing primary care in underserved and rural communities. The college emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine, preventive care, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). With a strong commitment to serving the state’s rural population, OSU-CHS encourages students to practice in areas where healthcare access is limited, particularly in primary care fields.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): The DO program at OSU-CHS emphasizes the integration of osteopathic principles into all aspects of patient care. Students receive training in OMT, patient-centered care, and preventive medicine, preparing them for careers as primary care physicians.
  • DO/PhD Program: This dual-degree program allows students to combine their medical education with research training in biomedical sciences, preparing them for careers as physician-scientists.
  • DO/MPH Program: A combined degree that enables students to earn both a DO and a Master of Public Health (MPH), focusing on the intersection of clinical practice and public health.
  • DO/MBA Program: Offered in collaboration with Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, this dual-degree program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare administration by combining medical training with business management skills.
  • Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MS): This program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research or teaching.
  • Graduate Medical Education (GME): OSU-CHS offers residency and fellowship programs with a focus on primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, and rural medicine.

Admission Requirements

  • MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 504.
  • GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.6.
  • Prerequisite Courses:
    • 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: Applicants are required to have experience in clinical settings, particularly in rural or underserved areas. This experience is essential for demonstrating the applicant’s understanding of the osteopathic philosophy and commitment to serving rural populations.
  • Research Experience: Research experience is encouraged, particularly for students interested in the DO/PhD program or those planning to pursue academic medicine.
  • Letters of Recommendation: OSU-CHS requires three letters of recommendation, including one from an osteopathic physician (DO) and one from a science professor.
  • Interview Process: The admissions process involves traditional interviews, where applicants are assessed on their understanding of osteopathic medicine, communication skills, and commitment to primary care.

Starting Salaries

Graduates from OSU-CHS College of Osteopathic Medicine often pursue careers in primary care, particularly in rural areas. Starting salaries for DO graduates are competitive:

  • Primary Care Physicians: $180,000 to $230,000
  • Specialists: $240,000 to $310,000, depending on the specialty
  • Surgeons: $300,000 to $450,000, depending on the surgical specialty

OHSU and OSU-CHS: Emphasis on Rural and Underserved Communities

Both the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine are deeply committed to addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities. These schools offer specific programs, clinical rotations, and community engagement initiatives that provide students with valuable experience in rural medicine.

Key Programs Focused on Rural Health

  1. Oklahoma Rural Scholars Program (OU College of Medicine):
    • This program is designed to train medical students who are committed to practicing medicine in rural Oklahoma. Students in the program participate in rural clinical rotations and receive mentorship from rural physicians, gaining valuable experience in addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural populations.
  2. Rural Medical Education Program (OSU-CHS):
    • OSU-CHS offers a Rural Medical Education Program that provides students with opportunities to complete clinical rotations in rural healthcare facilities across Oklahoma. This program is intended to increase the number of physicians practicing in underserved rural areas by providing hands-on experience in rural health settings.
  3. Community-Based Clinical Training:
    • Both schools emphasize the importance of community-based clinical training, where students work in community health centers, free clinics, and rural hospitals. These experiences allow students to develop skills in caring for underserved populations and improve their ability to address healthcare disparities.