Welcome to Utah 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 Utah that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Utah
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 52 | University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) Acceptance rate: 7.9% MCAT composite score: 9.7 Tuition: Full-time: $28,735 (in-state), Full-time: $54,400 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.66 Total medical school enrollment: 340 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 4.0:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $135.7
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All Medical Schools in Utah
Utah is home to the University of Utah School of Medicine, a prominent institution dedicated to medical education, research, and clinical care. Known for its strong focus on training physicians to serve rural and underserved populations, the University of Utah provides a variety of degree programs, advanced research opportunities, and high-quality clinical experiences.
1. University of Utah School of Medicine
Overview
The University of Utah School of Medicine, located in Salt Lake City, is the only medical school in Utah and serves as a hub for medical education and research in the Mountain West region. Founded in 1905, it has a long history of producing highly skilled physicians and researchers. The school emphasizes training students to meet the healthcare needs of the region, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The University of Utah School of Medicine is known for its innovative curriculum, strong research programs, and commitment to public service.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at the University of Utah provides a balanced education with an emphasis on patient-centered care, early clinical exposure, and integration of basic and clinical sciences. Students participate in team-based learning and engage in clinical experiences throughout the state, including in rural and underserved communities.
- MD/PhD Program: This dual-degree program is designed for students who are interested in becoming physician-scientists. It combines medical education with extensive research training, preparing graduates for careers in academic medicine and biomedical research.
- MD/MPH Program: A dual-degree program that combines medical training with a Master of Public Health (MPH). This program is ideal for students interested in public health leadership and addressing population health challenges.
- Master’s and PhD Programs in Biomedical Sciences: These programs offer advanced research training in fields such as genetics, immunology, and neuroscience. Graduate students work alongside faculty researchers to explore the frontiers of biomedical science.
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS): A program designed to train physician assistants with a focus on clinical competence, professional skills, and compassionate patient care.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 511.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses: Applicants are required to complete courses in the following subjects:
- General Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry
- Behavioral and Social Sciences (such as Psychology or Sociology)
- Clinical Experience: Applicants must have significant experience in a clinical setting, including shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare facilities, or working in a healthcare environment.
- Research Experience: Research experience is highly valued, particularly for those applying to the MD/PhD program. Applicants with strong research backgrounds are encouraged to highlight their work in their applications.
- Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit at least three letters of recommendation. These should include at least one letter from a professor in a science field and one from a healthcare professional who has supervised the applicant in a clinical setting.
- Interview Process: The University of Utah School of Medicine uses a traditional interview process, as well as the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format. This approach allows the admissions committee to assess applicants’ communication skills, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the University of Utah School of Medicine go on to work in a variety of medical specialties, with competitive starting salaries in the following ranges:
- 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
The Curriculum at the University of Utah School of Medicine
The curriculum at the University of Utah School of Medicine is designed to provide students with a comprehensive medical education that combines basic science knowledge with clinical skills. The program is structured to help students develop the competencies needed to become successful physicians, including medical knowledge, clinical skills, communication, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Key Features of the Curriculum
- Integrated Clinical Experience:
- From the first year, students are immersed in clinical experiences through the Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE). This allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world patient care and develop early clinical skills.
- Team-Based Learning:
- The curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning through team-based learning (TBL). This method encourages students to work together to solve clinical problems, fostering critical thinking and teamwork, which are essential skills for physicians.
- Rural and Underserved Medicine:
- Given the rural nature of much of Utah and the surrounding Mountain West region, the University of Utah School of Medicine places a strong emphasis on rural health. Students have opportunities to rotate through rural healthcare facilities and gain experience in addressing the unique healthcare challenges of these communities.
- Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs):
- During the third year, students can participate in LICs, where they follow a cohort of patients over time across multiple specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. This experience allows students to develop stronger patient-physician relationships and understand the continuum of care.
- Active Learning:
- Active learning techniques are integrated throughout the curriculum, replacing traditional lectures with interactive learning sessions. This approach improves student engagement and knowledge retention.
- Research Opportunities:
- All students are required to complete a scholarly project during their medical education. This provides students with the opportunity to engage in research or community-based projects that align with their interests.
Research Opportunities at the University of Utah School of Medicine
As a leading academic medical center, the University of Utah School of Medicine offers extensive research opportunities for medical students, graduate students, and physician-scientists. The school is home to several nationally recognized research centers, and students have the opportunity to work alongside faculty researchers in areas such as genetics, cardiovascular health, cancer, and neurosciences.
Major Research Areas
- Genetics and Genomics:
- The University of Utah is known for its groundbreaking research in genetics and genomics. Students can participate in research focused on understanding the genetic basis of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and rare genetic disorders.
- Cancer Research:
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a world-renowned cancer research center that offers students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cancer research, including clinical trials, cancer genetics, and cancer prevention research.
- Cardiovascular Research:
- The Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI) at the University of Utah focuses on discovering new treatments for heart disease. Medical students interested in cardiology can participate in basic science or clinical research projects.
- Neuroscience Research:
- The Neuroscience Initiative at the University of Utah brings together faculty from various disciplines to study the brain and nervous system. Research areas include neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, and cognitive neuroscience.
- Public Health and Global Health Research:
- The University of Utah has a strong focus on global health research, with opportunities for students to participate in public health projects both locally and internationally. Research in this area focuses on improving health outcomes in underserved populations and addressing global health challenges.
Research Opportunities for Students
- Summer Research Program:
- Medical students have the opportunity to participate in the Summer Research Fellowship Program, which provides funding for students to work on research projects during the summer. This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing research alongside their medical education.
- MD/PhD Research:
- Students in the MD/PhD program engage in extensive research throughout their education, working in cutting-edge laboratories on projects that align with their career goals. This program prepares students for careers in academic medicine and research.