Barbados, West Indies

Ross University
School of Medicine

A U.S.-modeled MD curriculum with early clinical exposure, three flexible start dates, and a residency-focused mission — built for students who are ready to commit to the process.

Contact LQES
96%
First-Time Residency Attainment Rate (2025–2026 Graduates)
453
RUSM Graduates Attained Residencies in 2025
82%
Five-Year Cumulative USMLE Step 1 First-Time Pass Rate
90%
Five-Year Cumulative USMLE Step 2 CK First-Time Pass Rate
Start Dates
January · May · September
Basic Sciences
20 Months on Barbados
Clinical Training
80+ Weeks in the U.S.
Clinical Network
100+ Elective & 18 Core Sites

A Campus Built for the First Two Years

Studying on Barbados

Ross Med's Basic Sciences campus is located in Barbados, West Indies. Students spend approximately 20 months (75 weeks) on the island, completing five semesters of integrated medical science coursework with built-in study breaks designed to manage knowledge acquisition effectively.

The campus is equipped with modern simulation facilities, a Center for Anatomical Sciences and Medical Imaging, and dedicated learning spaces. Clinical exposure begins early — students interact with patients and physicians in the community during their first semester, preparing them for the transition to U.S. clinical rotations.

Barbados itself offers a safe, English-speaking environment with a rich culture, beautiful beaches, and a pace of life that supports focused study. The island is well-connected by air to major U.S. cities, making travel to and from campus convenient.

Caribbean island coastline with clear water

The Ross Med Journey

Phase 1 · Semesters 1–5

Medical Sciences — Barbados

A rigorous, U.S.-modeled curriculum covering the foundational sciences. Early community clinical experiences and simulation-based learning are integrated from the first semester, ensuring students begin developing clinical skills before they leave the island.

20 months · 75 weeks
Phase 2 · Years 3 & 4

Clinical Education — United States

Clinical training takes place at teaching hospitals across the U.S. The curriculum comprises 80 weeks: 48 weeks of core clerkships and 32 weeks of electives. At least 10 elective weeks are completed within ACGME-accredited residency programs before graduation.

80 weeks · 100+ sites

Admissions at a Glance

🎓

Degree & Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree or higher is required. Prerequisite coursework includes biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, all completed within the last ten years.

📊

MCAT & GPA Policy

MCAT is required for U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. There is no hard GPA cutoff — review is holistic. Average direct-admit pre-req GPA: 3.18.

📄

Supporting Materials

Two letters of recommendation (one academic), a personal statement, CV/resume, and official transcripts. No application fee. Rolling admissions with three start dates.

Life on Barbados

Tropical Caribbean beach with turquoise water

Barbados offers a unique setting for the first phase of medical school. The island is safe, English-speaking, and culturally rich, with a welcoming local community and a pace of life that supports intensive study.

Students can explore beautiful beaches, sample local cuisine, and take advantage of the island's natural beauty between study sessions. The campus is designed to be a self-contained academic environment, with housing and resources available to support student success.

For Canadian applicants, Ross Med offers eligibility for residency training and practice in both Canada and the United States. The Clinical Return Home Offer provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete Year 3 core clerkships at affiliate hospitals in major U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Pontiac.

Considering Ross Med for Your MD?

LQES can help you review your qualifications, understand the admissions process, and determine whether Ross University School of Medicine aligns with your academic profile and residency goals.

Contact LQES