If you’re on your way to getting your bachelor’s degree or already have it, and looking for options in the medical field, then New Orleans has got some schools for you. However, admissions can be competitive, so choosing a school that meets your needs can be stressful.
Below is a breakdown of two medical schools in New Orleans and what they exactly need in their admission process. Think of it as a medical cheat sheet, if you will!
The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
The Health Sciences Center educates medical students in a nurturing environment that tickles your medical curiosity and in a way that reflects the diversity of the community.
The school has relevant research, local healthcare systems, and partners with other LSUHSC schools to give the students a supportive environment to learn within the medical field.
You are prepared for the ever-changing healthcare systems, being a team player in the community, and involvement in medical research and learning.
LSUHSC offers the following programs:
- MD degree
- Joint degree, MD/Ph.D. program, and a combined OMS/M.D. program
- School of nursing, dentistry, and public health
The medical degree takes four years to complete and consists of different phases. The first two years are coursework in anatomy and science. Before proceeding to the third year, students must complete the USMLE Step 1 exam.
The third year is necessary clerkships, and the fourth year is elective and necessary clerkships. Then, before graduating, students must take the USMLE Step 2 to get their degrees. The school also integrates conferences, lectures, investigations, seminars, and diagnostic clinics with clerkships.
The admission requirements are as follows:
- Coursework in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, English, and statistics
- Medical college admission test (MCAT) scores
- Submit a primary application through the American medical college application service (AMCAS)
- Secondary application from the LSU
- Letters of recommendation
You can look at a detailed list of their admission requirements on the website.
The school does not need a minimum standard of GPA and MCAT score, however, the average MCAT score is 506, and the GPA score in science is 3.7. Best to aim for higher than the average!
Tulane University School of Medicine
The Tulane University of Medicine is a research, public service, and education center. This school is a well-known medical education center and is the second-oldest school in the South. This makes it very prestigious.
The school gives the students a unique learning experience inside and outside the lecture rooms. They prepare you for the challenges of the real medical world.
Programs offered:
- MD degree
- Dual degree programs, MD and MPH (master’s in Public Health), MD and Ph.D. program, and MD and MBA (masters in business administration)
The medical curriculum is broken up into phases and set to arm future doctors with the proper knowledge, behaviors, and skills required for any specialty field.
Phase 1 is based on normal function and structure, while phase 2 is based on applying your knowledge to pathogenesis, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of disease within your chosen field. You will learn clinical skills in your first year, and specialty-based training is in years 2 to 3.
Related: Is Tulane A Good Medical School? (Major Pros & Cons)
The final phase/year is to help students prepare for residency and learn valuable skills in radiology, emergency medicine, and cultural capability.
This curriculum is also flexible, as it provides opportunities in community service and service learning which dedicates time to those who want to do dual degrees. The school provides a rural medical program and has opportunities to study in other parts of the world.
Admission requirements are as follows:
- Coursework is done in biology, chemistry, mathematics, laboratory or field experiences, behavioral and social sciences, statistics, expository writing, psychology, physics, sociology, genetics, and biochemistry
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Apply through AMCAS
- Submit MCAT scores
- Recommendation letters
- Relevant experiences
Take a look at the full admission requirements on the Tulane website.
The school advises that applicants take the CASPer test, which gives them an idea of their personal and professional skills. Tulane’s acceptance rate of 11.1% makes its admissions very competitive.
Let’s Answer Your Most Asked Questions About Medical School!
Applying to medical schools can be tricky, even when you have all the requirements. Applicants always have these questions at the back of their minds, so let’s put them at ease!
Do I need an undergraduate degree when applying to medical school?
It is not essential to have an undergraduate degree to apply to med school. Most medical schools need a minimum of 90 hours of college credit and fulfillment of the coursework that the school asks for. Usually, coursework can be done without having a bachelor’s degree.
However, having this degree can help you prepare for the hard work and structure that comes with medical school.
What average GPA would I need for med school?
All medical schools have different standards, so you must research the schools you apply to. For example, LSU does not need a minimum GPA, while Tulane does. So it depends on the med school.
Most of the time, average GPA requirements are around 3.5 to 3.7.
When should I do the MCAT?
The MCAT is a difficult exam to take, so you should do it when you’re ready. Usually, med schools want MCAT scores no earlier than 2 years or so.
Should I take the CASPer test?
CASPer is a computer-based test that judges your intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, ethics, professionalism, empathy, and bedside manner. It measures what kind of person you are beyond your skills and grades.
Medical knowledge and cognitive abilities are important; however, the test should show that you are able to communicate these abilities with patients.
Should I have a specific bachelor’s degree?
Not at all!
You can apply with any kind of major if you have completed the coursework needed for medical school. The admission team usually looks at your test scores and GPA, as well as your experience and letters of recommendation.
Can I apply to the same med school more than once?
If you are not accepted into your first choice of med school, you can apply again as long as that school allows more than one application. Some med schools only allow up to two applications from the same student, while others would only allow one.
If your school allows for a second submission, make sure to improve your MCAT scores, grades, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. In general, you should apply to various medical schools.
Verosha has been involved in creating content in the healthcare niche for 3 years. She has produced various articles dealing with healthcare, from medications to health careers and education. She devotes her time into producing quality articles that will help people improve their health choices. Verosha lives in the sunny city of Durban, South Africa.