2 Best Medical Schools in Utah

Utah is located in the Western Mountain subregion of the Western United States. This U.S state is home to the best medical schools in Utah.

These medical schools offer prestigious graduate programs in Medicine. This is a great option for anyone who is interested in pursuing a medical career as a doctor or a physician in the U.S.

Keep reading to know the 2 best medical schools in Utah, the quality of these schools, rankings, affiliations, notable alumni, and how to apply.

But first, here’s why you should choose to study medicine in Utah.

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Why study in Utah?

1. Utah is a tourist location with lots of leisure activities

Utah is located in the western U.S. This popular tourist destination offers outdoor and leisure activities. Utah offers an international student the chance to study in one of the most urbanized areas in the country. Utah’s two biggest metropolitan areas will likely host international students. Nearly 80% (or 2.8 million) of Utah’s population live along Utah’s Wasatch Front, which is centered around Salt Lake City. Utah’s population is sixth in the United States, with 68% of it concentrated in this area

2. Unique History & Geological regions

The state of Utah also has a unique history. The Ute tribe (Native American) is the source of Utah’s name. It means “people who live in the mountains”. Studying in Utah gives you a chance to explore many important geological sites and beautiful scenery in Utah that ranges from lush pine forests to vast deserts. It is also home to three distinct geological regions, the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin.

3. Reputable Universities and Majors

Students who decide to study in Utah will likely attend one of the universities located in Salt Lake City or Logan. There are many degree options available at both the University of Utah and Utah State University. The University of Utah is a public coeducational research university located in Salt Lake City, and it is the oldest higher education institution in the state. This university has over 190 majors that can be studied by international students. Over 2,000 international students are part of the University of Utah’s student population of over 30,000Logan is home to Utah State University. An estimated 128,000 people live in the Logan metropolitan area. The Morgan Quitno Press named Logan the “safest American city” in 2005 and 2007. The University of South Carolina offers 176 bachelor’s and 97 master’s degree programs, as well as 38 doctoral degrees. About 29,000 students are currently enrolled at USU, many of whom come from abroad. The International Student Council at USU is a group of international students that aims to promote diversity and international awareness among Utah’s students.

4. Utah has a great climate

Salt Lake City’s semi-arid climate includes four seasons. These are hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. There is also a brief transitional season of fall and spring.

Utah university is open to international students from any part of the world. U of U, for example, has an International Student Council, whose goal is to help international students adapt to their new environment and promote international understanding. They also help students make more friends and meet more people.

How to get accepted into Medical school in Utah

Utah has two accredited medical schools. Each medical program has its own admission criteria, requirements regarding an applicant’s grades, GPA, MCAT scores, essays, and letters of recommendation, as well as the acceptance rate.

Medical degrees in the United States are second degrees. To be eligible to apply for a Bachelor of Medicine degree, you will need to first earn a bachelor’s in a science-related subject such as biology or chemistry. The typical length of a medical degree program is four years.

Any medical school you apply to will require that you write a well-written “why this medical school” secondary essay. In the essay, you’re expected to explain why you are applying to a specific medical school and how you would maximize the unique opportunities at that school. The secondary essay is a chance for you to explain how your academic needs and school features relate to your past experiences and future goals in your medical career

You have a better chance of being accepted to Utah medical schools if you have a 3.75 GPA and a score of 512 on the MCAT.

Clinical Experience

Students who can demonstrate a passion for providing patient-care services or have previous experience in providing medical care to the local community of Utah will be highly considered during the admission process.

Previous work experience and internships in the medical field will increase your chances of being accepted to a medical school here in Utah. Volunteering is a great way to express your love for medicine.

You can earn money while working at top medical schools, which is one of the many benefits of medical work experiences. Lab internships and assistantship vacancies are a great way to collaborate with other researchers. You can also conduct your own research project.

Nurse assistants and nurse’s aides are available at the hospital and in local clinics.

Ask professors, employers, or other people who are able to vouch for your character to send you letters of recommendation.

This letter will allow the admissions committee to determine how committed and determined you are to study medicine. You can send it directly by mail or you can email it along with your other application.

2 Best Medical Schools in Utah

1. University of Utah School of Medicine (Salt Lake City, UT)2. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Ivins, UT)

1. University of Utah School of Medicine (Salt Lake City, UT)

The University of Utah School of Medicine is the only MD-granting medical school in Utah founded in 1905 and located on the upper campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

The University of Utah School of Medicine is the best medical school in Utah for the incoming med students. US News & World Report ranks the school within the top 100 medical schools for primary care and research programs. Students receive a rigorous training program to become competent medical professionals. Over 125 healthcare professionals are trained every year. 

The School of Medicine is divided into the following departments: Anesthesiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Informatics, Dermatology, Family & Preventive Medicine, Human Genetics, Internal Medicine, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oncological Sciences, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Orthopaedics, Pathology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Physiology, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, and Surgery

The University of Utah prides itself on being innovative and top-notch in its research and curriculum. They also have a holistic approach to teaching and learning. Through such initiatives as the Exceptional Learning Experiences (ELE), the University of Utah adheres to the ideals of compassion, professionalism communication, teamwork, and collaboration. A dedicated group of core teachers, who all work with staff, administrators, and other educators, collaborate with medical organizations through ELE. ELE faculty work hard to provide a learning environment that is exceptional for students. Outstanding patient care is possible when students are able to learn collaboratively and become compassionate, competent doctors.

The School of Medicine boasts impressive research facilities and internationally acclaimed centers and institutes. These have all expanded over recent years. The Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospital is a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer research facility. Its state-of-the-art facilities, as well as 206 dedicated researchers, ensure that it continues to be at the forefront of research in all areas of cancer. This has a significant impact on both the community and the surrounding region.

Mario Capecchi was a prominent professor of biology and genetics at the school. He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 2008. His award-winning research was focused on genetic and embryonic stem cell use. Dr. Capecchi was able to create the “knockout mouse” using genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization, and a process that disabled a particular gene.

The University of Utah is an outstanding university. This is not because of the Nobel Prize-winning, lab-genius faculty. The school excels in the training of future doctors, and the numerous opportunities it offers students to improve their skills and gain practical experience. The school offers many different residency programs in all major areas.

These residencies are designed to prepare students for the future. The SOM curriculum focuses on a strong instructional education and exceptional clinical education. Students take courses in the various systems of the human body, as well as Clinical Experience courses during the first two years. Clinical Experience courses are where students work in teams with clinical faculty members to learn essential skills that will allow them to be successful in clinical settings.

Fellowships are also offered by the School of Medicine in a wide range of clinical specialties. These include many in family planning, pediatrics, genetics, genomics, and many other areas. Fellows are trained in hospitals, clinics, or centers across the state. The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship allows fellows to serve patients in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming as well as parts of Nevada. They also perform complex pediatric surgeries at Primary Children’s Hospital. Primary Children’s Hospital is consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals across the country. The hospital has been a training and teaching facility for students and faculty in pediatrics since 1977.

The School of Medicine is committed to addressing the urgent shortage of rural and remote doctors in the region as well as across the country. A Graduate Certificate in Tribal and Rural Underserved Medicine (TRUE) is available to students who are interested in this field of work and passionate about providing high-quality healthcare for underserved communities. This program encourages students interested in this field of work to pursue residencies or careers that are geared toward the health care needs of rural and tribal communities. It also prepares them for a competitive environment. It should not surprise that the University of Utah School of Medicine has a high-ranking medical school.

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2. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Ivins, UT)

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) is a private, for-profit medical school of Rocky Vista University (RVU) founded in 2006 with campus locations in  Ivins, Parker, and Colorado. The school was the only for-profit medical school in the United States before other for-profit schools opened. 

RVU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine confers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. In August 2008, its inaugural class of medical school students was admitted to the Parker Campus. The RVUCOM’s campus in Utah overlooks Red Mountain. It is also just 10 minutes away from St. George (one of the fastest-growing and most populous cities in the United States). 

The Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine is the best choice for anyone who wants to be a healthcare professional in Utah. RVUCOM offers high-quality education and training for students thanks to its dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art resources. The entire staff and faculty at RVUCOM are committed to the advancement of osteopathic medicine. 

RVUCOM has a Doctorate program in osteopathic medicine that is distinct from the offerings of many medical schools. It is similar to the M.D. However, it is not the same as the M.D.The philosophy and practice of a D.O. are focused on healing the “whole person” and not just ailments and symptoms. Osteopaths can be described as fully licensed physicians who are more concerned than simply treating pain and disease. Many osteopathic physicians practice in primary care specialties, including family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

It is important to evaluate the curriculum and the quality of the medical school’s clinical education program when you are choosing an osteopathic or medical school. RVUCOM excels at this aspect.

It has long-standing connections with hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare systems throughout the area. This gives students ample and ongoing opportunities to improve their clinical education. In their first year, students begin clinical training. Students are offered more opportunities to work with patients in both clinical and hospital settings throughout their education. RVUCOM assigns 2nd-year students to an externship site by lotto. Students can choose their externship sites, or opt for research projects or global medicine experiences by the fourth year.

RVUCOM provides educational tracks in several subspecialties, including military medicine and global medicine. The Military Medicine Program is a unique opportunity for military-bound students to experience immersion-based learning. To realize the program’s goals, the school staff works in close collaboration with officers and military leaders across the nation. Students and faculty from this program collaborate closely with Southern Utah Veterans Home to provide osteopathic healthcare to veterans, Gold Star parents, spouses, and military personnel.

The exemplary Military Medicine Program has earned RVUCOM a top 10% spot on the list of Military Friendly Schools. An annual Military Recognition Ceremony is held by the school to honor staff and students who have served or are serving in the military.

Students can take advantage of the numerous cultural and recreational opportunities that the school offers, as well as the proximity to a bustling metro area. While prospective students can expect to work hard as physicians-in-training, it is not all toil and no fun. Utah is a paradise for outdoor adventurers who are looking for a break from the arduous work of improving the health and lives of others. The sky is open and there’s plenty of fresh air!

Admission into RVUCOM is highly competitive. The school received 5,445 applications in 2020. The Class of 2024 enrolled only 135 students. The average MCAT score for the Class of 2024 was 506. The class’ overall GPA was 3.61. The RVUCOM students have been outstanding to the end. Their COMLEX pass rates are remarkably high, exceeding 90%.

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Conclusion

Utah has two reputable medical schools in the U.S, and the quality of the schools is what we’ve covered in this article. 

From the degree and programs offered, rankings, affiliations, curriculum, and clinical educational program, you’ll find everything you need to make the right decision on a choice of institution to enroll in.

FAQs on Best Schools in Utah