Explore this accelerated pre-med program for career changers.
The Pre-Medical 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 offered by Medical University of the Americas (our fellow GUS Medical & Veterinary Schools institution) and achieving academic and professional benchmarks, students will be eligible for admission to the Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) MD program.
Students are also awarded a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Science from Medical University of the Americas (MUA).
Master’s in Biomedical Science Benefits
Academic Success
The Pre-Medical Master’s Program prepares students with upper-level undergraduate science coursework to develop essential knowledge in medical concepts and theories, which is vital for those who wish to enter our Doctor of Medicine program. The condensed curriculum is designed to help students prepare for the early rigors of medical school by increasing their understanding of biological science and developing key medical study abilities. Courses are led by committed instructors with detailed knowledge of their respective disciplines and experience teaching in the MUA MD program.
Flexible Learning Schedule
This program was designed to be accessible to people across the globe. It is offered on-campus at Medical University of the Americas (on the island of Nevis) or online, with classes starting in January, May or September. Full-time, part-time and asynchronous attendance options are available. However, it is recommended that students closely consider the full-time, in-person attendance option at MUA (if possible), as this approach will help them immerse themselves in academic preparation and study early on, which will enhance their results and long-term outcomes.
Personalized Support
The dedicated program instructors and knowledgeable staff are committed to helping participants achieve their goal of entering a comprehensive MD program. They work directly with students to help ensure they are comfortable with the material, acclimating successfully to medical studies and progressing towards meeting their academic goals. Faculty office hours and extensive Student Support Services, such as The Learning Center, ensure that students are supported throughout the program and beyond, both academically and personally.
Pre-Med Master’s Program Timeline
Pre-Med Master’s Degree Curriculum
This 2-semester program is comprised of eight courses, encompassing 31 total credits. The courses are designed to provide aspiring physicians with the pre-medical and science-based knowledge they need to succeed once they enter a comprehensive MD program.
Explore this program’s pre-med requirements before applying:
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 SUSOM, 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.
Accreditation & Recognition
The SUSOM Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). The standards set by NVAO have been acknowledged as comparable to those utilized in accrediting medical schools in the United States by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).
Our MD graduates are eligible to practice in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and internationally.
The Master’s program, which is conducted through Medical University of the Americas, is accredited by the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education.
Student Experience on Saba
Students who have successfully completed the Pre-Med Master’s Program, and been accepted into the SUSOM MD program, spend five semesters in Basic Sciences on the island of Saba. This is followed by five semesters of Clinical Medicine rotations in the U.S. (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).
While on Saba, our future doctors experience the unique benefits of a Caribbean lifestyle, including fun tropical excursions like hiking and snorkelling, a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, and enriching community activities designed to foster new connections and support the island ecosystem.
You’ll not only be developing your future career as a practicing physician, but you’ll be creating lifelong memories in a place that most can only dream of visiting!
Saba Campus Experience
Our Saba campus is designed with student wellness and success in mind. Facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, medical libraries, conference rooms, administrative offices and faculty offices. There is also a computer testing lab that helps prepare students for the USMLE Step 1 exam.
Classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with advanced teaching aids like LCD projectors, flat-screen displays, multimedia capability and video microscope cameras. You will find high-speed wireless internet through campus spaces. A cafeteria and recreational facilities also support the student experience.
The Hillside Dorms are conveniently located within easy walking distance of the main campus. First-semester students are encouraged to live in these dorms while adapting to island life; upper-year students generally live off-campus in locally-owned rental units.
SUSOM is committed to supporting prospective students throughout the application process. Please see the following links for detailed information about each topic:
If you have begun considering a career as a practicing medical doctor, but your undergraduate degree did not include the required MD program prerequisite courses, then the Pre-Med Master’s program could be well worth it. This program will provide you with the academic knowledge and study skills you need to transition successfully in the MD program and get you on the path to career success in medicine.
Yes, this Master’s program covers pre-medical topics and academic areas of focus, and is designed to prepare participants for entrance into a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. Once you have successfully completed the Pre-Med Master’s Program, you will be awarded a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Science from Medical University of the Americas (MUA).
There is no minimum GPA required in order to apply for the Pre-Med Master’s Program. Entry qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution and at least one undergrad term of General Chemistry. 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.
Future physicians are welcome to apply for the Pre-Med Master’s Program with any undergraduate level Bachelor’s degree. However, please note that at least one undergrad term of General Chemistry is a pre-med requirement, and additional science coursework, such as General Biology, is strongly suggested.
