The state of Mississippi is a hidden gem tucked away in the southeastern US. It has the reputation of being the birthplace of music legend Elvis Presley, besides having some of the best barbecue and sweet tea you’ll ever taste.

Mississippi has a lot to offer to students looking for a unique and exciting place to continue their education. Its warm southern hospitality, rich history, and vibrant culture come together to provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience. 

If you’re an aspiring doctor, Mississippi has some excellent opportunities for you. The state is home to several world-renowned universities, including the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi State University, both of which offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities. 

Here are the best medical schools in Mississippi for MDs and DOs.

Top Medical Schools in Mississippi

1. University of Mississippi School of Medicine (UMSOM)
2. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)

University of Mississippi School of Medicine (UMSOM)

US News Ranking: Unranked in Research and Primary Care, but #2 in most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas
Tuition: $36,273
Average GPA: 3.7
Average MCAT Score: 504
Acceptance Rate: 37% (Estimated. UMSOM does not publish official acceptance rates)

The University of Mississippi School of Medicine (UMSOM) is a public medical school located in Jackson, Mississippi. It was established in 1955 and is the only medical school in the state that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. While UMSOM is unranked for research and primary care by U.S. News, it ranks second highest in having the most graduates practicing in areas with a shortage of healthcare professionals.

UMSOM offers a range of health science specialties, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and public health studies. It aims to provide equitable healthcare for all Mississippi residents, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. 

Medical students at this university have access to a wide range of clinical experience opportunities through the three specialized hospitals present on campus. These hospitals include the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) – the only child hospital in the state, a women’s and infants’ hospital, and a critical care center.  

The university hospital also operates a Level 1 trauma center and a Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, students get to observe organ transplant programs and other referral services that are unavailable anywhere else in the state. 

UMSOM is world-renowned for research studies in heart disease, hypertension, neurocognitive disorders, perinatal diseases, and the simulation of human physiology. It has more than 35 research centers and institutes, including the Center for Neuromuscular Disorders, the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities, and the Cancer Center and Research Institute. These centers allow medical students to participate in cutting-edge research and gain experience in their field of interest.

To be considered for admission to UMSOM, applicants:

• Are encouraged to take at least 32 semester hours of BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics and math) course work
• Must have at least 35 hours of U.S.-based shadowing
• Must choose one of three methods of admission consideration—Method 1: End-Point Courses, Method 2: Course-Competency Maps, or Method 3: Novel Curricular Tracks

William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)

US News Best Medical School Ranking: #118-130 in Best Medical Schools for Research and #58 in Best Medical School for Primary Care
Tuition: $46,000
Average GPA: 3.4
Average MCAT Score: 504
Acceptance Rate: 19.1%

The William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) is a private medical school located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This 2010-established institution offers Master’s programs in anatomy and biomedical sciences, and doctoral programs in osteopathic medicine. 

WCUCOM also has several research initiatives in collaboration with the University of Southern Mississippi. Students across all on-campus institutes like the WCU School of Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and the National Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute at the WCU collaborate and work together on interdisciplinary research. 

Overall, WCUCOM offers a comprehensive medical education focused on osteopathic medicine and interdisciplinary research. 

To be considered for admission, WCUCOM, requires three very specific letters of recommendation:

• A DO physician who is a member of the American Osteopathic Association
• Two letters from science (biology, chemistry, or physics) faculty members who have taught you
• Or if you can’t provide two letters from science faculty, you can submit one letter from a pre-professional advisory committee instead

Additionally, you’ll also need to get a passing grade in the following required courses:

• English Composition and Literature (6 Semester Hours)
• General Chemistry (8 Semester Hours)
• Organic Chemistry (8 Semester Hours)
• Physics (8 Semester Hours)
• Biological Sciences (12 Semester Hours)

Luckily, all of these required courses will come in handy when you’re prepping for the MCAT!

How to get into a medical school in Mississippi

If you wish to secure a spot at a medical school in Mississippi, you need a competitive score on your MCAT test. Luckily, you’re not alone! 

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