ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢

It is a dream of many Nigerian students to study medicine in America. But gaining admission into medical schools in the US comes with huge costs. However, it doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of becoming a doctor. Studying MD in USA for Nigerian students has become a viable and popular alternative! Moreover, you don’t even need to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a doctor in the US.
There are various world-class institutes, like ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢, that offer globally recognized degrees that make you eligible to practice medicine in countries like the US. 

What is ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢ (LAU)?

Before we discuss how ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢ is an ideal medical pathway USA for Nigerians, let’s understand what this prestigious institute is all about. 

Overview

Have a look at the overview of this institute: 

• LAU is located in Georgetown, Guyana, an English-speaking country in South America.
• The university offers an MD (equivalent to MBBS), taught in English.
• The program duration is 5 years (including basic sciences + clinical rotations). Please note that if you have completed your BSc, you only need to spend 4 years in this MD program. The 5-year duration applies to applicants who have passed Class 12. 
• LAU is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and is accredited by the National Accreditation Council, Guyana (NAC, Guyana).
• LAU has a certification by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG, USA). This allows graduates to appear for the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), which is essential for practicing in the US. 
   

How LAU Makes Your American Dream Possible?

Those looking to study medicine in America will find ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢ ideal for the following reasons: 

• The curriculum is modelled on US medical education standards rather than typical Caribbean or European models.
• Students receive instruction in English, and the degree aims to prepare them for international licensing exams (USMLE for the US, PLAB for the UK, etc.)

Who Can Apply: Eligibility & Admission Requirements

Here are the eligibility criteria to apply to LAU:

• Completion of high school with science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) is required.
• You must share your mark sheet of WAEC, WASSEC, NECO, or JAMB to prove your qualifications in these exams. 
• Achieving a minimum of 50% aggregate in PCB is required.
• You need to meet the minimum age requirement, which is 17 years.

➨ Also Read: Become a Doctor, Not a Dreamer: Smart Habits of Top Medical Students

Cost, Curriculum, and What You Get at LAU

Moving forward in this comprehensive guide to study medicine in America, let’s understand the educational cost and curriculum at ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢. 

Tuition & Fees
Let’s look at the tuition cost you must be prepared to bear at LAU. As you can notice, the MD program here is way cheaper than the usual cost to study medicine in USA.

Curriculum & Training

Now, let’s understand the curriculum, training, and USMLE preparation at LAU:

• The MD starts with basic/preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, etc.) in the first years.
• From around year 3 onwards, students engage in clinical sciences and clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals.
• The medium of instruction is English. This helps international students comfortably follow lectures and practical sessions.
• The university offers support for international licensing exams (like USMLE), which is essential if you plan to practice in the US or other countries accepting such credentials. 
   

What Does It Mean for a Nigerian Student?

Before you apply for medical school in USA, make sure you have considered the option of applying to LAU, and here’s why: 

• Global Recognition: As LAU is WDOMS-listed and ECFMG-certified, you are eligible to take the USMLE, which is a gateway to practicing in the United States. This gives Nigerians a global mobility advantage.
• English-Medium Education: There is no language barrier. This is essential for students whose secondary education was in English.
• Affordable Compared to Some Private Options: The total costs (tuition + living) appear comparatively reasonable relative to many private medical colleges abroad or expensive private institutions domestically.
• International Environment: You’d study among a diverse cohort of students from different countries. So, you get exposure to multicultural experiences and possibly diverse medical perspectives.

Is LAU a Good Option for Nigerians?

If you are a Nigerian student dreaming of becoming a doctor with eyes on a global medical career, then ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢ can be a good option. A typical MD in USA for Nigerian students can be very costly and not affordable for most at all. However, LAU offers you a chance to become a doctor in the US without bearing the cost of studying in America!
Moreover, it offers an English-medium, globally oriented medical curriculum. It gives a pathway to international licensing exams like USMLE, which can open doors across countries.

Final Thoughts

The journey to becoming a doctor demands sacrifices in effort and finances. For many Nigerian students, traditional paths may feel restrictive or uncertain. However, institutions like LAU present a compelling alternative. We hope this study medicine in America guide provided the value you were looking for. 

Feel free to reach out to ÃÛÌÒÅ®º¢ if you want to begin your bright medical future here.

FAQs

Q.1 Can a Nigerian doctor work in the USA?
Answer: If you are an international doctor planning to practice medicine in the United States, you must clear the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Q.2 Why are Nigerian doctors leaving?
Answer: Nigerian health authorities are worried about the growing migration of medical professionals abroad. Improved salaries and better healthcare infrastructure overseas are the key factors driving doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to leave the country.

Q.3 How many Nigerian doctors are there in the USA?
Answer: More than 20,000 Nigerian doctors are currently practicing in the United States, with many others working in nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany.

Q.4 Do doctors get a green card faster in the USA?
Answer: Yes, doctors can often obtain a green card faster in the USA compared to many other professions due to specific pathways that waive certain lengthy requirements.

Q.5 Is a 3.7 GPA too low for med school?
Answer: A 3.7 GPA is not considered low for medical school. In fact, it’s quite strong. Most admitted MD students typically have GPAs between 3.5 and 3.9, placing a 3.7 well within the competitive range.