At MUA, we teach an integrated, systems-based curriculum similar to what you’ll find at leading U.S. medical schools. What truly differentiates MUA is how we teach it.
Medical University of the Americas was founded over 20 years ago on a philosophy of education that believes students are best taught medicine in small classes, with one-on-one instruction, and with a commitment to providing an education on par with U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
Today MUA continues to adhere to those founding principles, and has earned a reputation for academic excellence—and graduate success—that has made it a leader among international medical schools.
Here are just a few reasons so many doctors now get their start at MUA:
"They want you to be successful, and that’s what I love the most about it. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for MUA."
—Andy Truong, MD
Residency: Anesthesiology
Medical College of Georgia
Medical College of Georgia
Key U.S. Approvals: MUA is one of only a handful of international medical schools with approvals from the key states of New York, California, and Florida. This means that MUA students have access to high-quality clinical rotations in their 3rd and 4th years of medical school that would otherwise be unavailable to them, as well as access to sought-after residencies and licensure in the case of New York and California, respectively. Collectively, these approvals also make MUA graduates who complete the requisite licensing exams eligible to practice in all 50 U.S. states and Canada.
Residency Placements: MUA students obtain residencies in competitive programs across the full range of medical specialties in the U.S. and Canada. Many of MUA’s graduates excel in their residencies, becoming Chief Residents, and many pursue Fellowship opportunities following residency. Since 2001, 88% of MUA graduates seeking residency have secured positions in programs in the U.S. and Canada.
Access to U.S. Federal Financial Aid: MUA is one of a select group of international medical schools approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the U.S. Federal Financial Aid programs.
Integrated, Systems-Based Curriculum: MUA’s academic program is based on the integrated, systems-based approach in use at top U.S. medical schools. Diverse learning opportunities include interactive lectures, small-group work sessions, individual and group presentations, team-based learning, and simulations with standardized patients. In addition, our program offers learning experiences you won’t find at big international schools. For example, MUA’s first-semester anatomy class includes dissection of cadavers, as at many U.S. medical schools, giving you early hands-on training you won’t get at the bigger schools. Also, MUA offers a special research module that teaches you critical analytical skills you’ll need throughout your medical career to evaluate and assimilate scientific evidence and continually expand your knowledge.
USMLE Success: MUA students have a 99% first-time pass rate on the critically important USMLE Step 1 exam, on a tier with top U.S. medical schools.
Clinical Rotations: MUA has an extensive clinical program at ACGME-approved teaching hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, providing the core knowledge and broad-based experience that is essential to obtaining a top residency.
Our Faculty: All MUA faculty members have an advanced medical or doctoral degree (MD, MBBS, PhD) in their academic field, with postgraduate training in their specialty, as well as demonstrated experience in teaching and research.
Class Size: At the core of MUA’s educational philosophy is the belief that small class sizes, with significant student-teacher interaction, are fundamental to the student experience. This means that MUA students get the one-to-one attention in the basic sciences and the ongoing support during their clinical rotations they need. This is a critical benefit that larger medical schools simply cannot offer.
Canadian Students: Canadians make up a large proportion of each incoming class at MUA. MUA has a very strong track record of placing graduates in residencies in Canada and the U.S.
Campus: Located on the beautiful island of Nevis, MUA’s 10-acre campus boasts modern classrooms (including a dedicated on-campus test center), fully equipped laboratories, an extensive library, and an island hospital where students can get clinical experience early in their basic sciences study. Outside the classroom, students enjoy well-appointed dorms and gym facilities, plus all the amenities of Nevis island life, including a weekly fresh produce market and the stunning beaches Nevis is famous for.
Experienced, Supportive Faculty
We begin, of course, with a highly experienced and accomplished faculty. All MUA faculty members are seasoned educators and hold an advanced medical degree (MD, MBBS) or doctoral degree in the field they teach.
But we also look for something special when we hire faculty: a demonstrated willingness to welcome and encourage student interaction. In fact, one of the main reasons faculty members tell us they chose MUA over other schools is the opportunity we give them to work closely with their students.
One-on-One Instruction
It’s a core belief at MUA that students learn best in small classes, where they have the opportunity to work one-on-one with their professors. You won’t find the anonymous, big lecture hall experience at MUA that’s increasingly becoming the norm at other schools.
Small classes allow for individualized attention throughout the semester, from the important early days when critical concepts are being established, to exam time, when getting just a few more minutes of insight and explanation from an experienced teacher can make all the difference.
Always an Open Door
You’ll feel that faculty support not only in the classroom, but outside of it. MUA faculty members maintain a flexible open-door policy, and make themselves available to students whenever they’re needed.
Let’s face it: Medical school is challenging enough. Struggling to get sufficient time with your teachers is an extra challenge you don’t need.
"I really enjoyed MUA because of the small number of students. You don't feel like you're lost. And I found the teachers to be very, very good."
—Tameca Bakker, MD
Residency: Family Medicine
PinnacleHealth, Harrisburg, PA
PinnacleHealth, Harrisburg, PA
What’s more, MUA’s faculty support doesn’t end you when you move on to your clinical rotations in the U.S. and Canada. MUA provides significantly more oversight and guidance during clinicals than other schools. (You can learn more about that on our Clinical Difference page.)
The MUA Magic
Finally, MUA’s insistence on small classes and supportive faculty has benefits that extend beyond the classroom. It creates a true feeling of community at MUA,
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