March 5, 2025
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Florida is home to a diverse array of medical schools, each offering unique programs and opportunities for aspiring physicians whether you're interested in research, primary care, or specialized fields.
In this guide, we'll give you an overview of the 10 medical schools in Florida, their admission requirements, rankings, MCATS, GPAs and more to help you make an informed decision about your medical education.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Florida is home to a diverse array of medical schools, ranking fourth in the nation in terms of the number of institutions. With a total of ten medical schools, Florida follows behind New York (17), California (16), and Texas (15) in medical school availability.
Some key highlights from medical schools in Florida include:
Medical schools in Florida comprise both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) programs. These institutions are spread across the state, offering diverse environments and opportunities for medical students.
Allopathic Medical Schools (MD):
Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO):
Let’s see what each of them has to offer.
Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida College of Medicine is Florida’s top-ranked medical school, recognized for its strong research programs, early clinical exposure, and supportive learning environment.
The school offers the following degrees:
Considered the best medical school in Florida, students benefit from pass/fail grading, small class sizes, mentoring, and diverse patient care experiences through free clinics and international outreach. UF Health Shands Hospital serves as its primary teaching facility, with additional training opportunities in Jacksonville.
The college is a leader in AI-driven medical advancements, integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare research and education. Nationally, it ranks 37th overall, 16th in research among public universities, and 34th in primary care among public institutions.
Situated in Miami, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is Florida’s top-ranked private medical school, recognized for its integrated curriculum, strong research programs, and diverse clinical opportunities.
The school offers the following degrees:
Miami’s curriculum features small group and team-based learning, a one-year pre-clinical phase, and a personalized pathway in later years, which may include a scholarly project or early transition to residency. Students gain extensive clinical experience through free clinics and the UM-Jackson Memorial Hospital Medical Center, the second-busiest medical center in the U.S. Nationally, it ranks #81 overall.
Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) is a leader in medical education, research, and clinical training in the Tampa Bay region.
The school offers the following degrees:
USF provides two medical education tracks: the CORE program, based in Tampa, which allows students to pursue scholarly concentrations in specialized fields, and the SELECT program, which emphasizes leadership development and requires students to complete their final two years in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Students benefit from early clinical exposure and strong clinical affiliations, primarily at Tampa General Hospital, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center. Other affiliates include the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, and All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.
USF recently expanded its medical education and research facilities with the USF Health Downtown Building, enhancing integration with Tampa General Hospital and providing state-of-the-art labs, research spaces, and experiential learning centers.
Located in Tallahassee, the Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU COM) emphasizes community-based medical education, with students spending their first two years at the Tallahassee campus before completing clinical rotations at one of six regional campuses across Florida.
The school offers the following degrees:
The curriculum includes an early-start summer program with an anatomy component and small-group Learning Communities to foster collaboration and support.
FSU COM provides residency programs in internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, and dermatology, among others. It also offers fellowships in family medicine, global health and micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology.
Nationally recognized for its competitive admissions process, FSU COM is committed to producing well-rounded physicians equipped to serve diverse communities.
Situated in Boca Raton, the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine (CSM) is a community-based medical school dedicated to training physicians who will serve Florida’s diverse populations.
The school offers the following degrees:
FAU’s curriculum is designed around a “high-touch, high-tech” approach, integrating early clinical experiences and small class sizes for personalized learning. Students engage in community-based clinical training in Broward and Palm Beach Counties and collaborate with institutions like Scripps Research Institute Florida and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience for research opportunities.
The Graduate Medical Education (GME) Consortium provides residency programs in internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and neurology.
Although it’s a relatively new medical school it has rapidly gained recognition since its establishment in 2010.
The Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) is located in Miami and focuses on preparing socially accountable physicians to serve diverse communities across South Florida.
The school offers the following degrees:
FIU’s StepUp Curriculum integrates foundational and clinical sciences, emphasizing patient-centered care. Students gain early clinical exposure in their first month of school and work with underserved populations. FIU recently adopted a pass/fail grading system to promote a collaborative learning environment.
Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine is a public medical school known for its research-driven curriculum and strong emphasis on innovation in medical education.
The school offers a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree with a curriculum that blends basic sciences with clinical exposure from the first year. The program includes the Focused Inquiry and Research Experience (FIRE) program, which encourages students to explore research topics related to healthcare and cultural perspectives. The Community of Practice program offers a longitudinal experience in clinical skill development.
UCF boasts a strong research culture, with 100% of students participating in research projects. The school specializes in areas such as cancer research, metabolic and cardiovascular studies, neuroscience, and molecular microbiology.
Students gain hands-on experience at the UCF Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, home to the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, a teaching hospital that opened in 2021. Nationally, UCF College of Medicine is ranked Tier 3 for Best Medical Schools: Research and Tier 4 for Best Medical Schools: Primary Care by U.S. News & World Report.
Located in Davie, the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD) is one of Florida’s newest medical schools, offering an innovative, patient-centered approach to medical education.
The school offers the following degrees:
NSU MD features a 16-month integrated preclerkship curriculum, emphasizing problem-based learning and early clinical exposure. Students engage in service-learning projects benefiting local communities and gain hands-on experience from the outset. The school maintains small class sizes, admitting approximately 50 students per year, ensuring personalized mentorship and faculty support.
NSU MD encourages student research in population health, cancer therapeutics, neuroscience, and other key fields. A required research project is embedded into the curriculum to foster critical thinking and scientific inquiry. Nationally, NSU MD is still establishing its reputation and is currently ranked Tier 4 for Best Medical Schools: Research by U.S. News & World Report.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Bradenton Campus, located in Lakewood Ranch, is the largest medical college in the United States, specializing in osteopathic medicine and primary care training.
The school offers the following degrees:
LECOM Bradenton exclusively offers a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum, where students engage in case-based study in self-directed small groups. Clinical training begins in the third year, with students rotating at over 90 affiliated hospitals and clinics across the country. However, some students have reported variability in local rotation site availability, occasionally requiring travel for clinical experience.
The campus features modern facilities, including smart-equipped lecture halls, multipurpose labs for osteopathic manipulative medicine, and extensive study spaces. Students also participate in community health initiatives, reinforcing LECOM’s mission of producing compassionate, patient-centered physicians.
Located in Davie, the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) is one of the largest osteopathic medical schools in the U.S., with a focus on primary care and healthcare for underserved populations.
The school offers the following degrees:
NSU-KPCOM integrates early clinical exposure, beginning in the first month, and requires a three-month clinical rotation in a rural or underserved community. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, allowing students to train alongside professionals in various healthcare disciplines. Students can also participate in international medical outreach programs in Cuba, Ecuador, India, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Clinical rotations take place in well-established hospitals across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, providing diverse patient care experiences. While NSU-KPCOM faced past challenges with declining first-time COMLEX pass rates, recent years have shown improvement.
Selecting the ideal medical school in Florida is a pivotal decision that can shape your medical career. To make an informed choice, consider the following factors:
While most Florida medical schools have an average GPA around 3.8, their MCAT requirements vary widely. Schools like LECOM Bradenton accept students with an average MCAT of 503, while USF Morsani College of Medicine expects scores closer to 518. Focus on applying where your stats align to maximize your chances. Nevertheless, remember that good stats aren’t everything to make the cut.
Florida medical schools prioritize different goals—FSU emphasizes primary care in underserved communities, while UF has a strong research focus. Ask yourself what’s your preferred path and tailor your secondary essays and interviews to highlight experiences that match each school’s mission.
Show how your background aligns with a school’s strengths. For instance, there are some research specific programs, like Alzheimer’s research at UF or community-based training at FIU. If there’s anything in your application that could be easily connected to these kinds of programs you should definitely take advantage of it.
Research Opportunities
If research is a priority, consider schools with substantial funding and facilities. The University of Florida College of Medicine is renowned for its research programs and offers extensive opportunities for student involvement.
Choosing among all medical schools in Florida requires careful consideration of various factors, including curriculum, research opportunities, clinical exposure, and personal preferences. Exploring your options is the first step toward medical school, but navigating the admission process can be complex and challenging.
We're here to help you out.
At Premed Catalyst, we offer personalized mentorship programs designed to maximize your chances of acceptance into a leading medical school. Simply complete a brief form, and we'll guide you through the next steps toward your medical career.
Florida is home to several esteemed medical institutions. According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings, The University of Florida is highly regarded, ranking 30th among national universities. Plus, the Florida State University is ranked 54th.
Other notable institutions include the University of Miami and the University of South Florida.
The cost of attending medical school in Florida varies based on multiple factors, including tuition, living expenses, and additional costs such as books, supplies, and transportation. Tuition rates range from $29,680 per year for in-state students at public institutions to $67,513 for both in-state and out-of-state students at private medical schools.
Beyond tuition, living costs depend on factors such as location, housing choices, and transportation needs. Some cities, like Miami, have a higher cost of living.
It's advisable to consult each school's official website for the most current information.
Absolutely. Institutions like the University of Florida College of Medicine and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine are renowned for their research programs. For instance, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine received a record $149.5 million in NIH funding in 2019. Both universities are part of the second-tier medical schools for research in the U.S.