How will it feel to study medicine at one of the best medical schools in Texas? Incredible, isn’t it? Texas is home to some of the nation’s best medical schools, including Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. These schools provide world-class medical education that prepares students for successful careers in medicine, with a strong emphasis on research, clinical training, and patient care.
Not only that, but Texas is home to some of the top medical facilities in the country, including the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the world’s biggest medical center. Over the years, there has been a growing demand for physicians and other healthcare workers. As a result, graduates of medicine will always be in demand. Hence, if you’re a potential medical student or just curious about the latest breakthroughs in healthcare, this piece is for you.
In this post, you will be learning about the benefits of studying medicine in Texas, how you can become a medical professional, and the best medical schools in Texas.
Let’s delve in!
Why Study Medicine In Texas?
Studying medicine in Texas can provide you with a high-quality education, a diverse patient population, quality medical facilities, a strong job market, and an affordable cost of living. Below we dive more into reasons why studying medicine in Texas can be a great choice:
#1. High-quality medical education
Texas is home to some of the best medical schools in the country, such as the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas Medical Branch. These institutions provide top-notch medical education that equips students for fulfilling careers in the field.
#2. Diverse patient population
Texas is a sizable and varied state with a wide range of patients from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. As a result, students who study medicine in Texas have the chance to deal directly with patients from many backgrounds, which can aid in the development of their cultural sensitivity and empathy.
#3. State-of-the-art medical facilities
Texas has some of the top medical facilities in the country, including the Texas Medical Center in Houston, which is the world’s largest medical institution. These facilities provide students with access to the most recent research and technological advancements, enabling them to keep current with the field of medicine.
#4. Strong job market
Texas has a robust job market for healthcare workers, with an increasing demand for physicians and other healthcare professionals. Hence, graduates of Texas medical colleges are well-positioned to obtain jobs in the state, particularly in underserved areas where more healthcare practitioners are needed.
#5. Low cost of living
Texas has a cheap cost of living when compared to other states, making it more affordable for students to study and live there. This is especially important for students who are considering incurring large debt to fund their medical education.
How Do I Become A Medical Doctor?
Becoming a medical doctor typically requires completing several years of education and training. So, before we dive into the best medical schools in Texas, let’s look at how you can become a medical doctor:
#1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
Before applying to medical school, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree program. While no major is required for medical school, many students major in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.
#2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is a standardized test that is required for medical school admission. The test evaluates your scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
#3. Attend medical school
Medical school lasts four years and is designed to provide students with the knowledge and abilities required to become doctors. At medical school, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics.
#4. Complete a residency
Following graduating from medical school, you will need to complete a residency program in a particular area of medicine This typically takes between three and seven years, depending on the specialty.
#5. Obtain a medical license
To practice medicine, you must first obtain a medical license in the state where you intend to operate. This usually entails passing a licensing exam and completing other state requirements.
Top 15 Best Medical Schools In Texas
Below are our top picks of the best medical schools in Texas:
#1. The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin, TX)
The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School is the first on the list of best medical schools in Texas. It was established in 2013 and is named after Michael and Susan Dell, who made a $50 million donation to the school. The Dell Medical School has a unique approach to medical education, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Thus, it offers an innovative curriculum that emphasizes active learning, problem-solving, and real-world experience. Students have the opportunity to work with clinicians and researchers at the school’s teaching hospital.
Additionally, Dell Medical School is also committed to improving the health of the community it serves. Its mission is to create a model for the future of medical education and healthcare delivery, with a focus on improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The school has several initiatives aimed at achieving this goal, including the creation of the Department of Population Health, which focuses on addressing health disparities and social determinants of health. In its inaugural year, Dell Medical accepted 50 students out of 5,000 total applicants, giving it a 1% acceptance rate.
#2. University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine (Galveston, TX)
The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine is a public medical school located in Galveston, Texas, United States. It was established in 1891 and is the oldest medical school in Texas. UTMB is an impressive medical school; the greater medical branch currently houses 70 buildings, over 2,500 students, and 1,000 faculty members! With its tremendous impact on the health profession throughout Texas and the US, it is safe to say UTMB is a medical school changing the world.
Similarly, the UTMB School of Medicine offers a wide range of medical education programs, including a traditional four-year MD program, an MD-PhD program, and several dual-degree programs. In addition to its educational programs, the school is also a leader in research, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases, neuroscience, and aging.
The UTMB School of Medicine also has a diverse student body, with students from all over the world. The school also has a strong commitment to serving the community and providing healthcare to underserved populations. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at hospitals and clinics throughout the state of Texas.
#3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (El Paso, TX)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is another renowned institution among the best medical schools in texas. The school was founded in 1969 and was named after its primary benefactor, Paul L. Foster. It’s also a part of the Texas Tech University System. The medical school offers a variety of programs, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, a Physician Assistant Studies program, and a Graduate Medical Education program. In addition, the school has research programs in a variety of areas, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neuroscience.
The MD program at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is a four-year program that is focused on providing students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences, as well as clinical experience in a variety of settings. The program also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and social responsibility.
Additionally, the Physician Assistant Studies program is a two-year program that prepares students to become licensed physician assistants. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in a variety of settings. The Graduate Medical Education program offers residency and fellowship training in a variety of specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and more.
#4. The University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, TX)
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is a public medical school located in Galveston, Texas, USA. Established in 1891 as the University of Texas Medical Department, UTMB has grown from one building, 23 students, and 13 faculty members to more than 70 buildings, more than 2,500 students, and more than 1,000 faculty. UTMB is a part of the University of Texas System and offers a wide range of educational programs, including graduate and undergraduate degree programs in the health sciences, as well as medical residency and fellowship programs.
UTMB is home to the John Sealy Hospital, which is a Level I trauma center and serves as a major teaching hospital for the medical school. The school is also home to the Galveston National Laboratory, which is one of only two biosafety level 4 laboratories in the United States. The UTMB campus includes four schools: the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions, and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
#5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock, TX)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is a public medical school and healthcare institution located in Lubbock, Texas, USA. It was established in 1969 and is part of the Texas Tech University System. TTUHSC offers a wide range of educational programs in the health sciences, including medical, nursing, and allied health programs. The School of Medicine is the largest school within TTUHSC and offers a variety of programs, including a traditional four-year MD program, a combined MD/Ph.D. program, and residency and fellowship programs.
The institution is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Cancer Center, the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health, and the Southwest Institute for Addictive Diseases. In addition, TTUHSC has a strong commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the West Texas region and beyond making it rank among the best medical schools in Texas.
#6. University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth, TX)
The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is a public academic health science center located in Fort Worth, Texas. It was established in 1970 as the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and has since grown to encompass several colleges and programs in the fields of medicine, public health, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences.
The UNTHSC is composed of six different schools: the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Health Professions, the UNT System College of Pharmacy, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Public Health, and the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine.
The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the largest and best medical schools in Texas. Hence, it offers Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees and has a strong focus on primary care and community medicine. Furthermore, the School of Health Professions offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and medical laboratory sciences.
#7. Long School of Medicine at University of Texas San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
The Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) is another renowned institution among the best medical schools in Texas. The Long School of Medicine is part of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, which is one of the five health science centers within the University of Texas System.
The school is known for its research programs in areas such as cancer, infectious diseases, neuroscience, and aging. Furthermore, the Long School of Medicine offers a variety of educational programs, including an MD program, a dual MD/Ph.D. program, and graduate programs in biomedical sciences, nursing, and other health-related fields.
#8. The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston (Houston, TX)
The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston was established in 1969 as part of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The school enrolled its first class of 19 students in 1970. Today, the school annually enrolls a class size of 240 students, making it the seventh-largest medical school in the United States.
The McGovern Medical School offers a wide range of medical education programs, including a four-year MD program, joint degree programs, and graduate programs in basic sciences, clinical research, and public health. Interestingly, apart from its traditional classroom and clinical training, the school also provides opportunities for students to participate in research and community outreach programs.
#9. Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine (Bryan, TX)
The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine is a public medical school located in Bryan, Texas, with additional campuses in College Station, Houston, Dallas, and Temple. It was founded in 1977 and is affiliated with Texas A&M University. The College of Medicine offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, as well as joint degree programs such as MD/Ph.D. and MD/MBA.
Additionally, the school offers a Physician Assistant program and a Master of Science in Public Health degree. The curriculum at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine emphasizes a patient-centered approach to medicine, with an emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and community engagement. All these places it among the best medical schools in Texas.
#10. Baylor University College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is a medical school and research center in Houston, Texas. BCM is composed of four academic parts: the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; the School of Health Professions, and the National School of Tropical Medicine.
Similarly, the college offers programs in various fields of study, including medicine, biomedical sciences, physician assistant studies, genetic counseling, and nurse anesthesia. Also, BCM is affiliated with several teaching hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical center in the world.
#11. the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX)
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) is a public academic health science center in Dallas, Texas. It has about 23,000 employees, more than 2,800 full-time faculty, and nearly 4 million outpatient visits annually. UTSW is consistently ranked as one of the best medical schools in Texas and also the top medical schools and research institutions in the United States.
The university is known for its cutting-edge research, particularly in the areas of genetics, cancer, neuroscience, and cardiovascular disease. It has a comprehensive medical education program that includes medical, graduate, and allied health education and is home to six Nobel Laureates. The medical center includes three degree-granting schools: the Southwestern Medical School, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Health Professions.
#12. Texas Christian University of Health Science Center School of Medicine (Fort Worth, TX)
The University of North Texas Health Science Center is a public academic health science center in Fort Worth, Texas. It was founded in 1966 as the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, with its first cohort admitted in 1970. Today, UNT Health Science Center serves as home to several NIH-funded research programs and currently leads all Texas medical and health science centers in research growth.
The Health Science Center also houses laboratories for TECH Fort Worth, a non-profit biochemistry incubator, as well as the Atrium Gallery, a non-profit public art exhibition space that holds 8-10 arts, shows each year.
Additionally, the curriculum at UNT Health Science Center of medicine is designed to integrate basic science and clinical training, with an emphasis on team-based learning and patient-centered care. In addition, the school has a focus on community service and encourages students to give back through volunteer work and outreach programs.
#13. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (Edinburg, TX)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) is another renowned university among the best medical schools in Texas. The school was established in 2015 and is part of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The school offers a four-year medical degree program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Its curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in medicine by providing a strong foundation in basic sciences, clinical skills, and medical ethics. The school also offers a variety of clinical and research opportunities for students to gain practical experience and explore their interests in various medical fields.
#14. Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Huntsville, TX)
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) is the last on the list of best medical schools in Texas. Founded in 2020, the SHSU-COM is aimed at training outstanding osteopathic physicians who are committed to the primary care of underserved populations in Texas. As a result, its curriculum emphasizes primary care and community-based medicine, with an emphasis on preparing graduates to practice in rural and medically underserved areas.
Likewise, the medical school offers a four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree program. The first two years of the program are focused on basic sciences and clinical skills, and the last two years are spent in clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics. The faculty at SHSU-COM includes experienced physicians and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students.
FAQs About the Best Medical Schools In Texas
Is Texas a good state for medical school?
Yes, Texas is home to some of the country’s top medical schools, including Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. These schools offer cutting-edge education in research, clinical training, and patient care, preparing students for successful medical careers.
How Much Do Medical Doctors Earn?
A medical doctor’s salary varies depending on various criteria, including their specialty, experience, location, and the sort of organization they work for. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 as of May 2021.
How long does it take to become a medical doctor?
Becoming a medical doctor typically takes between 11 to 15 years of education and training, depending on your specialty and the length of your residency program.
Conclusion
Since people are concerned about living a healthy life, there will always be a demand for medical professionals. Therefore, if you are desiring to start a career in the medical field you are on the right track. Additionally, Texas houses some of the best medical schools in the country, and studying in Texas is relatively cheap. Hence, you can kickstart your career journey by enrolling in any of the best medical schools in Texas that we have featured in this piece.
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