If you’re thinking about going to medical school in California, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. From big cities to beautiful landscapes, the state has lots of different schools, each with its own programs and research opportunities. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the medical schools in California. We’ll talk about where they are, how big their classes are, what they offer, what you’ll learn, and what makes each school special. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a doctor or you’re just curious about medical schools in California, this guide will help you understand your choices.
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15 Colleges in California for Medical
Just a heads up, the schools listed here are ordered by their acceptance rates, starting from the lowest to the highest. The number doesn’t mean that one school is better than another. Each of these schools is top-notch and offers excellent opportunities to kickstart your medical career.
Kaiser Permanente Tyson School of Medicine
Opening its doors to its first class of 50 students in 2020, the Kaiser Permanente Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, California, is making waves with its fresh approach to medical education. What sets it apart is its hands-on curriculum, which blends classroom learning with extensive clinical practice. Situated in sunny Pasadena, the school boasts six clinical training sites where students dive into real-world medical scenarios from day one. With a strong emphasis on patient interaction right from the start, graduates emerge well-equipped to navigate the complexities of medical practice, making it a standout choice in the realm of medical education.
Location: Pasadena Acceptance Rate: 1% Average GPA: 3.76 Average MCAT: 516 Degree: MD
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Established in 1966, the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, California, maintains a small class size, typically admitting around 30 students annually. It offers programs in medicine, nursing, and allied health, with a unique focus on tackling healthcare disparities and promoting diversity within the healthcare sector. Situated in southern Los Angeles, students have the opportunity to engage with the health needs of marginalized communities, including homeless youth and families.
Location: Los Angeles Acceptance Rate: 1.2% Average GPA: 3.42 Average MCAT: N/A Degree: MD
UC Riverside School of Medicine
Nestled in Riverside, California, the UC Riverside School of Medicine offers an intimate learning environment with a focus on primary care and underserved communities. With a modest class size of around 100 students per year, it provides comprehensive MD and MD/PhD programs, with specializations available in areas like Global Health and Biomedical Sciences. The school also offers abundant research opportunities, collaborating with cutting-edge labs and healthcare facilities, making it an attractive choice for those passionate about both clinical practice and innovative research.
Location: Riverside Acceptance Rate: 1.27% Average GPA: 3.68 Average MCAT: 509 Degree: MD
UC Davis School of Medicine
Situated in Sacramento, California, the UC Davis School of Medicine offers a vibrant learning environment with an annual class size of 120 students. Alongside traditional MD programs, students can pursue dual degrees like MD/PhD and MD/MPH. The school places a strong emphasis on addressing healthcare gaps in underserved populations, offering hands-on experience through student-run clinics in inner-city communities prior to clerkship.
Location: Sacramento, California Acceptance Rate: 1.36% Average GPA: 3.58 Average MCAT: 509 Degree: MD
Stanford University School of Medicine
Ranked fifth in the nation, the Stanford University School of Medicine is at the forefront of the biomedical field. With around 90 students admitted each year, the school offers a close-knit environment conducive to groundbreaking research and innovative teaching methods. Alongside traditional MD programs, students can explore dual degrees like MD/PhD and MD/MBA. Positioned in Silicon Valley, the school provides unparalleled research opportunities in biotechnology, genomics, and artificial intelligence, making it a top choice for aspiring medical professionals.
Location: Stanford Acceptance Rate: 1.4% Average GPA: 3.89 Average MCAT: 518 Degree: MD
California Northstate University College of Medicine
Nestled in Elk Grove, California, California Northstate University College of Medicine offers a unique medical education experience. With a relatively small class size, students benefit from close-knit learning communities. The college provides MD and MD/MBA programs with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare. Students can also choose to specialize in concentrations such as Medical Humanities or Research. Additionally, the institution’s Center for Translational Medicine offers extensive research opportunities, allowing students to contribute to cutting-edge projects and advancements in medicine.
Location: Elk Grove Acceptance Rate: 1.85% Average GPA: 3.7 Average MCAT: 513 Degree: MD
UC Irvine School of Medicine
Ranked among the top 50 medical schools for research, UC Irvine School of Medicine is situated in Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego. The school houses 24 departments, covering a spectrum from basic research to clinical specialties, with strong affiliations with nearby teaching hospitals. The MD program curriculum incorporates iTEACH (Technology-Enhanced, Activity-Coordinated, Humanistic) approach, allowing students to engage in coordinated simulation, ultrasound, and clinical skills modules, enhancing clinical correlation with the basic sciences.
Location: Los Angeles Acceptance Rate: 1.95% Average GPA: 3.79 Average MCAT: 517 Degree: MD
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Based in Los Angeles, USC’s Keck School of Medicine offers a diverse and collaborative learning environment with an average class size of 186 students. It provides a range of programs including MD, MD/PhD, and master’s degrees. Renowned for its extensive research opportunities, the school conducts groundbreaking studies in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and genomic research. Keck’s mission focuses on advancing healthcare through education, research, clinical care, and community engagement, emphasizing innovation and patient-centered care.
Location: Los Angeles Acceptance Rate: 1.95% Average GPA: 3.79 Average MCAT: 517 Degree: MD
California University of Science and Medicine
Established in 2015, California University of Science and Medicine, located in Colton, California, is dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare education. With a commitment to small class sizes, around 60 students per cohort, personalized learning is prioritized. The university offers MD and MD/MBA programs, with an emphasis on community-based healthcare. Specializations such as Clinical and Translational Research allow students to align their education with the evolving demands of the medical field and the mission to serve underserved communities.
Location: Colton Acceptance Rate: 2.1% Average GPA: 3.61 Average MCAT: 513 Degree: MD
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Situated in West Los Angeles, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA admits approximately 175 students annually. Known for its diverse range of programs including traditional MD degrees, dual master’s programs, and partnerships with other institutions, it offers students unique educational opportunities. The Global Health Program provides students with diverse experiential learning opportunities, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and competency around health equity.
Location: Los Angeles Acceptance Rate: 2.2% Average GPA: 3.81 Average MCAT: 516 Degree: MD
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Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Nestled in Loma Linda, California, Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers an exceptional medical education. With a relatively small class size of 176, it fosters close faculty-student interactions. The school provides MD and MD/PhD programs, emphasizing holistic patient care. It is closely affiliated with the Social Action Community Health System, dedicated to serving underserved populations. Students can also participate in global healthcare through organizations like Students for International Mission Service, enhancing their understanding of healthcare on a global scale.
Location: Loma Linda Acceptance Rate: 2.56% Average GPA: 3.83 Average MCAT: 509 Degree: MD
UCSF School of Medicine
Located on the Parnassus Heights campus in San Francisco, California, UCSF School of Medicine is renowned for its cutting-edge medical education and research opportunities. With an annual class size of approximately 150 students, it offers various degrees, including MD and PhD programs. Situated within the vibrant hub of biomedical innovation, UCSF provides unparalleled research prospects in areas such as genomics, neuroscience, and precision medicine, making it a prime destination for aspiring healthcare leaders and scholars.
Location: San Francisco Acceptance Rate: 2.6% Average GPA: 3.87 Average MCAT: 517 Degree: MD
UC San Diego School of Medicine
Located in the picturesque La Jolla, California, UC San Diego School of Medicine offers a diverse and dynamic learning environment with an annual class size of approximately 140 students. The “Integrated Scientific Curriculum” is research-intensive, emphasizing hands-on learning and clinical experience. Students are required to complete an independent study project under the direction of a faculty member, fostering research skills and critical thinking.
Location: La Jolla Acceptance Rate: 3% Average GPA: 3.77 Average MCAT: 515 Degree: MD
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Situated in Clovis, California, CHSU-COM prioritizes intimate class sizes for a personalized education. Dedicated to diversity and addressing healthcare disparities, the institution offers a comprehensive Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program that emphasizes holistic care and community engagement. Students benefit from active learning strategies, preparing them for well-rounded healthcare practice.
Location: Clovis Acceptance Rate: 3.93% Average GPA: 3.48 Average MCAT: 507 Degree: DO
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Vallejo, California, boasts a moderate class size of 135, fostering close faculty-student interactions. The college offers a dual DO/MPH program and unique certificates in global health and diabetes. Emphasizing holistic patient care, the curriculum includes classes in osteopathic manipulative treatment. Notably, the school boasts a 100% residency match rate since 2017, reflecting its commitment to student success.
Location: Vallejo Acceptance Rate: 5% Average GPA: 3.56 Average MCAT: 509 Degree: DO
Colleges in California for Medical- Conclusion
California offers a diverse range of medical schools, each with its unique programs and opportunities. From Loma Linda University School of Medicine’s emphasis on holistic patient care to UCSF School of Medicine’s cutting-edge research opportunities, aspiring healthcare professionals have a variety of options to consider. Whether you’re interested in traditional MD programs or osteopathic medicine, these institutions provide the foundation for a successful medical career. Take the time to explore their offerings, visit their campuses, and find the program that aligns with your goals and aspirations. With dedication and passion, you can embark on a fulfilling journey in the field of medicine, contributing to the health and well-being of communities locally and globally.