Pre-Medical Master’s Program in Biomedical Science
An accelerated pre-med education program for career changers.
The Pre-Med Master’s Program is an accelerated medical education program for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework.
After successfully completing this 2-semester, 8-month program, delivered through Medical University of the Americas (MUA), a fellow GUS Medical & Veterinary Schools institution, and achieving academic and professional benchmarks, students will be eligible for St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine’s 4-year MD program. Master’s program graduates are awarded a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Science degree from MUA.
Learn more about attending our medical school in the Caribbean in this testimonial video:
Benefits at a Glance
Academic Preparation
The Master’s program prepares students with upper-level undergraduate science coursework to develop a strong medical education foundation, which is essential for success in an MD program. The accelerated curriculum will help students acclimate themselves to the rigors of medical school, offering them a unique opportunity to enhance their academic skills, expand their medical knowledge, and develop key study and time management strategies. Courses are led by dedicated professors with extensive knowledge in their respective fields and experience as MUA MD program instructors.
Flexible Study Schedules
The curriculum was designed to be accessible to students from around the world. It is offered on-campus at MUA (on the Caribbean island of Nevis) or online, with new classes starting in January, May or September. Full-time, part-time and asynchronous attendance are also options. However, we recommend that students seriously consider the full-time, in-person approach, as that will allow them to best focus on their medical education opportunities and achieve success in the program and beyond.
Supportive Environment
Program instructors and staff are committed to helping all students achieve their academic and career goals. They work closely with students to help them enhance their medical knowledge, prepare for future studies and achieve meaningful results in the Master’s program. Individualized academic and personal support is available, through office hours with faculty and strong Student Support Services. This impactful support network is designed to help aspiring physicians make the most of the Pre-Medical Master’s Program and and go on to Doctor of Medicine success.
Accreditation and Recognition
The St. Matthew’s University MD program accreditor, the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) and its standards have been deemed comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).
The Pre-Med Master’s Program, conducted by Medical University of the Americas (our fellow Caribbean medical school), is accredited by the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education (MUA is located on the island of Nevis).
Pre-Med Master’s Program Admissions Requirements
- Entry Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
- Completed Coursework: General Chemistry (½ Year or 1 Term) is required. It is strongly suggested that applicants complete General Biology and additional science coursework as well.
- English Proficiency: Since English is the language of instruction at SMUSOM, it is important that applicants be prepared academically to pursue the curriculum and be able to communicate effectively. Applicants whose principal language is not English may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or another comparable test.
Pre-Med Master’s Degree Curriculum
The Master’s curriculum is designed to provide career-changers with the pre-medical and science-based knowledge they need to successfully engage with a rigorous MD program. They receive instruction from experienced and supportive faculty members, who understand what students need to know as aspiring Doctors of Medicine. Students also develop their study skills and learning habits in preparation for medical school requirements.
FAQs About the Pre-Med Master’s Program
The best pre-med degree program depends on your personal goals and current level of education. Aspiring medical doctors who wish to complete an undergraduate program should pursue a science-based or pre-medical major. However, if you’ve already finished your undergraduate studies but need to enhance your knowledge and skills before medical school, our Pre-Med Master’s Program may be right for you.
Before choosing a Master’s program, you should first ensure that it can help you achieve your ultimate goals. Excitingly, the St. Matthew’s University (SMU) Master’s program is specifically designed to prepare students for a comprehensive medical school education and successful graduates are eligible for direct entry into the SMU MD program.
Successful graduates of the Pre-Medical Master’s Program earn a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Science degree over the course of eight months of full-time study. This program can also be completed by part-time participants over a longer timeline.
At St. Matthew’s University, we evaluate applications holistically and do not require a minimum GPA in order to apply for our programs. Understandably, the better your GPA, the greater chance you have of being accepted into your desired program.