Ross University School of Medicine
-
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Abroad
General Information
Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is one of the most well-established and high-volume private "offshore" medical schools in the Caribbean. Founded in 1978 and originally based in Dominica, the university relocated its primary Medical Sciences campus to Bridgetown, Barbados in 2019. RUSM is designed primarily for students from the United States and Canada, utilizing a curriculum modeled after U.S. medical schools to prepare graduates for the USMLE and residency in the North American healthcare system. The campus is located at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), featuring ultra-modern clinical simulation and anatomical imaging facilities.
General Info
- Established: 1361 (University of Pavia heritage) / RUSM established in 1978.
- Primary Location: > Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados.
- Academic Tracks:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program: A 4-year (10-semester) program divided into two phases.
- Medical Sciences (Basic Sciences): The first 20 months (5 semesters) are completed on the Barbados campus.
- Clinical Sciences: The final 90 weeks (approx. 2 years) are completed at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States or the United Kingdom.
- Admission Process:
- MCAT: Mandatory for all U.S. applicants (average score ~493). It is highly recommended but not strictly required for Canadian/International applicants.
- GPA: Holistic review process; the average prerequisite GPA is typically around 3.2.
- Intakes: Unlike traditional schools, RUSM has three starts per year: January, May, and September.
- Instruction: English.
- Research Focus: Focuses on Clinical Medicine, Public Health, and Educational Innovation in medical training.
Campus Facilities
The Barbados campus is a modern, tech-forward facility integrated into a major conference and business hub.
- Medical and Anatomical Imaging Lab: Uses high-tech digital imaging and "wet lab" resources for anatomy training.
- Clinical Simulation Center: A massive facility with high-fidelity manikins and standardized patient rooms to mimic real hospital environments.
- Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC): The primary academic building, featuring tiered lecture halls and small-group learning spaces.
- Coverley Medical Centre: A nearby clinical facility where students receive early hands-on patient exposure.
- Biomedical Library: Offers quiet study zones and comprehensive access to U.S.-standard digital medical databases.
- Student Wellness & Counseling Center: Dedicated support for the mental and physical health of international students.
- Villages of Coverley: A dedicated "university village" housing students, featuring shops, a gym, and sports courts.
- Interactive Learning Classrooms: Designed for the "flipped classroom" model used in modern U.S. medical education.
- Safety & Security Office: Provides 24/7 security services for students on campus and at the university housing sites.
- Campus Shuttle System: A free shuttle service connecting the main campus to student housing and key island amenities.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
RUSM does not have a single dedicated teaching hospital in Barbados; instead, it has a vast network of U.S. affiliations:
- U.S. Teaching Hospitals: Over 20+ affiliated sites in states like New York, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, and California (e.g., St. John's Episcopal in NY, Mt. Sinai in Chicago).
- Clinical Return Home Offer: A program allowing students to complete core rotations in their home regions in the U.S.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH): Occasional localized electives or community health projects within Barbados.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
RUSM follows a U.S.-style private tuition model. Costs are significantly higher than regional public universities.
Scholarships
- Summit Award: Merit-based scholarship valued up to $150,000 for high-achieving applicants.
- Horizon Award: Value up to $100,000 for students demonstrating persistence and dedication.
- Service First Award: Specifically for students with strong backgrounds in community service or military backgrounds.
- International Grant: Specific awards (e.g., $30,000) for students starting in the May term.
- Barbados Government Scholarship: A full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a few select citizens of Barbados.
City Details
- The Vibe: Bridgetown is the vibrant capital of Barbados. Students enjoy a "paradise" backdrop with beautiful beaches (like Carlisle Bay) while maintaining a rigorous study schedule.
- Connectivity:
- Free Shuttle: The university provides transport between the campus and student housing.
- Air: BGI Airport connects directly to major hubs (JFK, Miami, Toronto, London).
- Safety: Barbados is safe, but the university maintains a high security presence for student residential areas.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Most students live in The Villages of Coverley, a self-contained community with villas, a supermarket, and restaurants.
- Dining: Several eateries are available in Coverley; students typically cook at home or eat at the campus café.
- Vibe: High-pressure and professional. The school is tailored for students who are focused on passing the USMLE and matching into a U.S. residency.
Miscellaneous
- Accreditation: CAAM-HP (Caribbean) and recognition by the U.S. Department of Education (NCFMEA), allowing U.S. students to use Federal Loans (FAFSA).
- Success Rate: Boasts a 96% residency attainment rate (2024-2025) for its graduates.
- Degree Status: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.
The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.
The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.
Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.
While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.
Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.
Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.
We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.
Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.
Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.
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