MBBS in USA for Indian Students: 2024-25

MBBS in USA at a Glance: Essential Details

The USA is perhaps the first name that comes to mind when studying abroad. With one of the world’s best education systems, the USA offers a great deal of potential for scientific research and development. Before deciding to pursue MBBS in the USA, one should be aware of a few things.

Intake	September
Minimum Percentage	Minimum Percentage
NEET Requirement	Yes, and a student must score qualifying marks
IELTS/TOEFL	IELTS (6.5 to 7.0)/ TOEFL (90 to 100)
Total Fees	14 Lakhs INR to 50 Lakhs INR Per Year
Living Costs in the USA	$10,000 to $25,000
Duration	4 Years
Duration of Residency	3 to 7 Years
Duration of Residency	English
Top MBBS Universities in the USA	All Government University
Recognition	WHO, ECFMG, MCC

These are some of the important things you should keep in mind before going for an MBBS degree in the USA. Now, we’ll let you know about some important factors that why you should pursue your MBBS from the USA.

Why Study MBBS in USA?

MBBS in the United States is considered the best choice for medical aspirants due to its quality of education. In America, nearly 30,000 students graduate every year and become the best doctors in the world. We have listed out some factors about why you should be studying MBBS in USA. Thus, you can choose yourself after reading these points.

• Renowned Universities: The USA is one of the best countries to get any type of education. They have the world’s best colleges like MIT and Berkley. There are some great medical colleges as well and they are known around the world. 
• Reasonable Fees Structure: MBBS in USA for Indian students fees is quite reasonable. They might seem a bit higher according to some other countries, but that seems fine when we look at the quality of education that is provided.
• World-Class Facilities: The facilities provided in these colleges are the best in the world. America is the most developed country in the world, their universities have high-tech equipment. The Universities in USA have almost everything that a medical student can ask for.
• International Recognition: When you study at a medical university situated in the US, you get international recognition. The colleges are well-known over the world and that is why the students who pass out from these universities can work anywhere.
• Excellent Hospitals for Internships: The USA has some of the greatest hospitals in the world and the students get the opportunity to do internships in them. Students get to have a different experience when they are serving patients in America.
• Safe and Friendly Environment: America is safe for the people who come to study from other countries. USA is a desirable place to live, and there’s nothing better than studying medicine and learning about the culture.

From the quality of the education to the safety, a student is concerned about everything. When you are moving to a new country, it is important to know about different aspects of it. Thus, it is important to mention these points so that it gets easy for you to select your preferred college based on the given factors. Now let’s discuss some advantages of studying MBBS from USA

Advantages of Studying MBBS in USA?

When it comes to choosing a destination to study MBBS, the United States stands out as a premier choice. Studying MBBS in USA, which is known for its world-class medical institutions and diverse patient populations, has various benefits that can help shape the future of aspiring healthcare professionals. In this section, we will explore some of the benefits of studying MBBS.

• Universities in the United States offer a well-designed syllabus as well as a lot of practical sessions.
• There is a good ratio between teachers and students, and each student receives individual attention.
• High scores in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) exam secure the chance to get a scholarship.
• Medical degrees in the USA are recognized worldwide, making MBBS in the USA more valuable.
• A medical student who earns a degree in the US usually pursues a three-year residency in the US after graduation.
• Students get great exposure to international seminars and workshops.

These are some of the advantages that you can receive by studying MBBS in the United States and can get number of opportunities. So, now let us dive deep into this blog and understand the difference between studying MBBS in the USA Vs MBBS in India.

MBBS In USA Vs MBBS in India  

There are some of the primary differences between MBBS in the US and India, which are mentioned below in the table.

MBBS in USA	MBBS in India
There is no such degree as MBBS in the USA. As a result, it grants MD degrees, which are equivalent to medical degrees.	The first degree in Medicine is the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).
MBBS in USA for Indian Students Fees is on the higher side of the spectrum.	MBBS fees are affordable in India
Along with NEET, TOEFL and IELTS need to be applied for.	Admission in India is granted through NEET
Residency is the pathway to specialization after an MD.	MBBS can be followed by specialization in MD/MS or DM/MCh.
Duration of education is 4 years	Duration of education is 5.5 years
No donation charge can be asked by the University	No donation charge can be asked by the University
Flexible pattern and practical sessions.	Rigid patterns with very uninformed plan

MBBS in the United States is the education journey that is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a medical doctor. In addition, these are some of the important differences between studying MBBS in the US and India. Now let’s move ahead with the blog and understand the types of medical degrees you can study in the US.

Types of Medical Degrees to Study in the US?

A career in Medicine involves several levels of study within higher education. Some students have question in their mind that, what degree is needed to become a doctor as to qualify fully as a doctor takes many years of rigorous input and training. In this section, of the blog we will be discussing about the types of Medical Degrees to study in the US.

Undergraduate Pre-Med Degrees

• In the USA, students can begin their Medicine programme only after first completing a four-year undergraduate (pre-med) degree
• This degree will prepare them for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), and will make them ready for how to become a doctor in USA.
• While there is no specific bachelor’s degree recommended for all medical school applicants, potential majors include pre-medicine, biology and exercise science.

Graduate Degrees in Medicine

• After completing the undergraduate degree, it takes an additional four years for students to complete their graduate medical education. This leads to a Doctor of Medicine Degrees (MD) from allopathic medical schools.
• Once medical students have completed their medical degree, they can then apply for residency programmes. These can last between three to seven years depending on the speciality or subspeciality.
• Completion of 1-3 years of GME (Graduate Medical Education) is required to obtain a license to practice medicine in any state or jurisdiction in the US.

Postgraduate Degrees in Medicine

• The research doctorate in any field, health or otherwise, is considered to be the doctor of philosophy (PhD).
• PhDs are trained primarily to be researchers in a particular field and they are commonly employed as “specialized field experts” in universities and colleges.
• PhDs in Science are also employed in medical schools and professional health preparation programs.

Studying medicine in the USA offers aspiring healthcare professionals a world of possibilities. Thus, we have provided the types of medical degrees to study in the US that embark you on a transformative journey. In the next section, we will be looking at the top courses to become a doctor in the US

Top Undergraduate Courses to Become a Doctor in the US

There are a variety of different bachelor’s degrees that can help students prepare for medical school and a career in health care. In this section, we have provided some undergraduate courses that you can pursue in the US to become a doctor.

By reviewing the types of courses given in the above image, you can make important decisions that which undergraduate programs to pursue. Not let’s discuss about the postgraduate and doctorate courses that you can take up in the US to become a doctor

Top Postgraduate Courses to Become a Doctor in the US

For further studies in the field of medicine, you can opt for a postgraduate (Doctor of Medicine) program based on your preferences. You can look for the courses in the image below.

By analysing the types of courses shown in the figure above, you can make informed selections about which postgraduate programs to pursue. Now let’s talk about the PhD/Doctorate Courses that you can take in the United States to become a doctor.

Top PhD/Doctorate Courses to Become a Doctor in the US

PhD has a very good scope in the USA plus most of the PhDs are fully funded with a decent stipend. Some of the top-ranked and most preferred PhD/Doctorate courses for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are as below.

Unlike the other courses, PhD after an MBBS is a less explored route, especially by international graduates. However, it depends on your area of interest. Now let’s explore some of the top universities where you can pursue your medical degrees.
Also Read: STEM Courses in USA 2024: Top Colleges, Eligibility & More

Top Universities for Medical Degrees

There are a host of outstanding US Universities offering medical programs. Below in the table, we have mentioned the top colleges featured in rankings that focus on how to study medicine in USA and globally. Let’s have a look at them:

University Name and Ranking	Key Elements
Harvard University QS Ranking- 4	Programs Offered: 1Global Health 2 Doctor of Medicine Duration: 5 Years Fees: 69,300 USD
Stanford University QS Ranking- 5	Programs Offered: 1 Epidemiology 2 Genetics Duration: 4 Years Fees: 65,343 USD
University of Pennsylvania QS Ranking- 12	Programs Offered: 1 Geriatrics 2 Cancer Biology Duration: 4 Years Fees: 71,935 USD
Cornell University QS Ranking- 13	Programs Offered: 1 Neuroscience 2 Pharmacology Duration: 6 Years Fees: 61,100 USD
Yale University QS Ranking- 16	Programs Offered: 1 Doctor of Philosophy 2 Health Informatics Duration: 5 Years Fees: 66,160 USD
Columbia University QS Ranking- 23	Programs Offered: 1 Public Health 2 Cellular Biology Duration: 4 Years Fees: 62,850 USD
University of California, Los Angeles QS Ranking- 29	Programs Offered: 1 Optometry 2 Veterinary Medicine Duration: 7 years (MD and PhD) Fees: 24,509 USD
Duke University QS Ranking- 57	Programs Offered: 1 Immunology 2 Cognitive Neuroscience Duration: 4 Years Fees: 62,620 USD
University of California, San Diego QS Ranking- 62	Programs Offered: 1 Clinical Research 2 Clinical Psychology Duration: 5 Years Fees: 32,574 USD

With these top US medical colleges, we have also answered your query about how much does it cost to become a doctor in USA. These colleges are highly selective in student selection, attracting top students from worldwide. Thus, they provide you with a strong foundation in medical science and clinical skills. Now in the next section, we will be discussing about how to become a doctor in the United States.
Also Read: Get All the Information About Pursuing MS in USA Colleges

How to Become a Doctor in USA?

For all the Indian students looking to study MBBS in the USA and want to become a doctor in US, here is a step-by-step guide on how to become doctor in USA after MBBS from India.
Step 1: Complete the 10+2 or Equivalent Qualification

The basic qualification that an Indian student looking to study MBBS in United States should have is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The student should have a good grade, a minimum of 60% in aggregate. Although many medical schools do not consider the subject the student has studied in 10+2 equivalent. They only require the Pre-Medical program to be completed for admissions to the medical school.

Step 2: Complete the 4 Year Pre-Medical Program

Unlike in India and many countries where medical students can start with the MBBS program right after their 12th ends. Thus, studying medicine in the US requires a 4 year Bachelor degree. Hence, a vast majority of the students who want admissions in medical schools of US have to complete the 4-year Pre-Medical bachelor’s degree program that helps them realize their dreams of becoming a doctor in the US.

Step 3: Get Admission Into a Good Medical School in the US

Most of the Indian students do not have a clear picture of how to get admission into a medical school in the US. To get admission into a medical college, one needs to undergo the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It is a computer-based standardized test. This consists of four sections such as Physical sciences, Biological sciences, Verbal Reasoning, and Writing sample.

Step 4: Complete the Medical Degree Program

The medical schools in the US offer the Undergraduate M.D. (Medical Doctor) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. After getting admission into a medical college in US, it will take the student about 4 years to complete the medical degree program. The first two years focus on theoretical lessons, and the next two years comprise of clinical internships at hospitals.

Step 5: Complete the Residency Program

After completing the undergraduate medical program students stuck with one question in mind that is there are how many years to become a doctor in USA? Thus, graduates will need to complete a residency program. Depending on the specialization chosen, the residency can last between 3-7 years. Residents are taught different skills practically like developing issue lists, compiling notes and arranging medical history.

Step 6: Obtain a License to Practice

All the states in the US require medical graduates to obtain a license in order to practice medicine. While completing the residency program, the medical graduates also need to clear all three parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Once this exam is cleared, medical graduates will be given the license to practice medicine.

Becoming a doctor is a challenging yet fulfilling journey that demands dedication, and a genuine desire to serve others. Thus, the above-given steps tell you how to become a doctor in USA and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Now let’s discuss some important requirements for MBBS in United States.

Important Requirements for MBBS in the United States

Many individual dream of becoming a doctor, especially when considering studying MBBS abroad, and the United States tops the list of preferred destinations. Let’s make your dream true of pursuing MBBS in the United States by checking the eligibility criteria and requirements of needful documents. 

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in USA

Students who wish to get admission to top medical universities in the US must fit in the following criteria:

• He/She must obtain a minimum of 50% marks in class 12th or equivalent from any recognized state board. They also must have physics, chemistry, and biology as compulsory subjects.
• If somehow the percentage of the student is found to be less than 50%, they have to appear in an entrance test.
• If the student lacks physics, chemistry or biology as their compulsory subject, it is required for them to go through a pre-medical year and then take admission in MBBS.
• As proof of English proficiency, a good score in IELTS or TOEFL is needed.
• The students have to clear the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) exam to get in the medical colleges that are available for admission. 

These are the basic requirements to become a doctor or to get admission into one of the medical universities in America. Now, once you think you are well prepared, and are sure about clearing all the eligibility criteria you need to start collecting all the documents. Thus, in this section, we will be looking at mandatory documents that are required for MBBS in the United States.

 MBBS in USA: Mandatory Documents Required 

There are some set of documents that will not just help you with the admission process, but will also get you the student visa. Let’s have a look at the documents that are needed.

These are some of the important documents that you will need during your admission to the medical universities of the US. Now let’s have a look at the syllabus of the MBBS Course in the USA.

Also Read: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Secure Your US Student Visa

Syllabus for MBBS in USA

Most universities in the USA follow the curriculum approved by the USMLE. You need to know that any college that follows the syllabus proposed by USMLE is better than the ones that don’t. So, let’s look at the curriculum for MBBS in United States.

Year	Subjects Covered
USMLE step 1 Curriculum	Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems Skin and Related Connective Tissue Musculoskeletal System, Respiratory System Renal/Urinary System Reproductive System  And Endocrine System
USMLE step 2 Curriculum	Abdominal Disorders Gynecologic Disorders Nutritional Anatomy I Medical Physiology I Biochemistry I Histology DPR & Medical Ethics Anatomy II Microbiology I Microbiology II Pathology II Introduction to Clinical Medicine Medical Pharmacology I Mental Disorder
USMLE step 3 Curriculum	Residency Program - a candidate post passing the Licensure Exam becomes eligible to practice medicine in the USA or India

This is the three-step curriculum that is followed in most of the medical universities in the USA and the world. It is the international standard and hence the students who have studied at the universities where this curriculum is followed always make better doctors.

Conclusion

Finally, pursuing MBBS in the USA is a significant step that can open up a world of opportunities. In this blog, we have covered each and every aspect such as the requirements, eligibility, colleges, and above all how much does it cost to become a doctor in the USA. It’s essential to consider your goals, research, and prepare well carefully. And if you are facing difficulty in preparing yourself for MBBS in United States then we are here for you to make it all worthwhile. However, it’s important to consider all the factors involved, before deciding. Thus, if you aspire to pursue MBBS in USA then connect with our experts at Gradding.com and fly to the US.