Pre-Med Program
Antigua’s pre-medical program at the AUA College of Arts and Science (AUACAS) is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in various courses related to the medical field. Our primary goal is to not only prepare students for the challenges of medical school but also to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for successful and fulfilling careers across a wide spectrum of health professions.
Program overview
AUACAS’s pre-med program provides a comprehensive pathway for qualified students to complete 60 undergraduate school credits and earn an Associate Degree (AS) in Health Science degree in just two years. This includes fulfilling all prerequisites necessary for medical school admission.
Our faculty, comprised of experienced professionals and experts in their respective fields, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. They are committed to guiding and mentoring students, providing personalized attention to help them navigate the complexities of the pre-medical journey.
Why study pre-med at AUA
Choosing CAS for your pre-med studies means choosing excellence. Through a strategic articulation agreement with AUACAS, the American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) extends a program that allows students to initiate their medical education immediately after high school graduation.
In this program, students benefit from a carefully crafted curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education that encompasses the essential disciplines required in the healthcare field. From fundamental sciences to specialized areas relevant to various health professions, our program strives to instill a deep understanding and proficiency in the key aspects of medicine and healthcare.
Notably, qualified graduates of AUACAS’s two-year Associate’s Degree (AS) in Health Sciences are granted preferential admission status to AUA College of Medicine, ensuring a seamless transition to the next phase of their academic journey. The Associate of Science in Health Sciences Program at AUACAS holds accreditation from the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), a recognized accrediting body in the United States.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Test Scores
Each pre-med student will have to take the MCAT, a standardized test medical schools use to determine admission. The MCAT includes four sections:
-Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
-Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
-Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
-Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Unlike most med schools in Canada and the US, few Caribbean medical schools require Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores for admission. At the American University of Antigua, MCAT scores are not required for admission to pre-med students, however, MCAT scores are required for matriculation. This distinction is in place to comply with U.S. government regulations, while still reassuring applicants that average MCAT scores do not play a role in admissions decisions.
Want to know more about pre-med and prerequisite courses? For the best preparation, read our “What is Pre-Med?” article.

Pre-med Program requirements
To apply, applicants must have earned a high school degree.
Our dedicated health professions advisors can provide assistance throughout the medical school application process, regarding course selection, personal statements, and interviews.
Applicants must submit the following along with their application:
- A completed application form
- A personal statement explaining:
- Why you are considering a career in your chosen field of study
- How you will be an asset to the college
- Your accomplishments, activities, and any other relevant information
- Resume or CV is not required, but encouraged
- Official transcripts from all secondary and postsecondary schools attended
- Two official letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic source
- A nonrefundable U.S. $75 application fee in the form of a U.S. or Canadian-drawn check or money order made payable to the AUA College of Arts and Science (AUACAS)
Career track
A pre-medical background lays the foundation for diverse career paths within the medical field. Graduates of such programs possess a strong academic foundation in the sciences and are equipped with valuable skills that make them well-suited for various roles.
Many pre-med students often pursue roles as Medical Doctors (MDs), specializing in areas such as pediatrics or surgery, where they play a pivotal role in providing essential patient care. Alternatively, some choose to become Physician Assistants (PAs), collaborating with physicians in various aspects of patient care and surgical procedures.
For those drawn to nursing, becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) involves advanced training and opportunities for independent or collaborative healthcare roles. Beyond clinical practice, the pre-med background proves valuable in careers spanning medical research, academia, healthcare administration, and public health.
Graduates may also explore the dynamic realms of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, contributing to research, clinical trials, and the marketing of medical treatments. Moreover, those impassioned by addressing global healthcare disparities can find meaningful roles in international health organizations or participate in impactful medical missions. This diverse career track offers a multitude of paths, allowing individuals to explore their interests and align their career goals with the abundant opportunities available in the field.
FAQ
What can you do with a pre-med degree?
A pre-med degree opens doors to various opportunities in the healthcare field. While it’s a common path for those aspiring to become medical doctors or physicians, the skills and knowledge gained during pre-medical studies can also lead to careers in nursing, healthcare administration, research, pharmaceuticals, or public health.
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Clinical Science
During AUA’s Clinical Sciences curriculum in academic periods 5 through 8 (years 3 and 4), students continue to develop clinical and communication skills in all areas of patient care, under the direction of the medical faculty at teaching hospitals in a patient-centered environment.
Clinical rotations are integrated educational experiences that allow students to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professionalism essential to caring for patients effectively, efficiently, and humanely.
The clinical education consists of 84 weeks of core and elective rotations. AUA holds affiliations with multiple clinical sites.
After the eight-week Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine rotation (FM1/IM1), students continue with 44 weeks of clinical core rotations (internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and psychiatry). Exposure to in-hospital patient care might be combined with outpatient experience, where permitted by state law, creating a learning environment in which clinical competence can be achieved.
During the 32 weeks of clinical elective rotations in subspecialties of the core subjects, other medical specialties, and research, students have the opportunity to enhance their medical knowledge and strengthen their clinical skills.
Curriculum overview
AUA’s MD curriculum seamlessly blends pre-clinical and clinical sciences, offering students an immersive and well-rounded educational experience. The clinical medicine MD curriculum, in particular, helps students transition into clerkship rotations, a pivotal component. These rotations provide invaluable hands-on experience across diverse medical specialties, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in authentic clinical settings.
Thus, students of the clinical sciences curriculum emerge not only with a profound understanding of medical principles but also with practical skills, research understanding, and a global perspective that positions them as adept and compassionate leaders in the ever-evolving field of medicine.
Curriculum benefits
Some key benefits of the Clinical Sciences curriculum at AUA include:
- An integrated curriculum that connects theoretical knowledge gained in pre-clinical sciences with real-world clinical applications, fostering a comprehensive understanding of medicine;
- Eighty-four weeks of hands-on training through participation in clinical rotations, crucial for the development of clinical skills and competencies;
- A patient-centered environment that ensures students acquire the skills, attitudes, and professionalism essential for effective and compassionate patient care;
- AUA’s affiliations with multiple clinical sites provide students with a diverse range of experiences in different healthcare settings;
- The option for clinical rotations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and India, providing valuable international exposure and diverse clinical experiences, albeit in shorter durations than core rotations;
- Individualized feedback and guidance from experienced faculty that contribute to students’ personal and professional growth;
- A strong emphasis on professionalism, communication, and empathy in patient care, preparing students not just as skilled clinicians but also as compassionate healthcare providers;
- Preparation for residency through a combination of core and elective rotations, as well as exposure to diverse clinical scenarios;
FM1/IM1 Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine
This 8-week clinical rotation focuses on enhancing the skills required to perform physical examinations and to interact with patients, family, and health care providers in a U.S. medical environment and prepares students for their clinical core and elective rotations
Core Rotations
Core rotations are the foundation of clinical education and allow students to apply the knowledge obtained in Preclinical Sciences in a clinical setting. The acquisition of clinical knowledge and skills during clerkships is achieved through direct interaction with clinical faculty, patients, standardized patients, and simulation. Faculty provide individual feedback to guide each student’s growth. These rotations take place in affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States. Students also have the option to participate in clinical rotations in the United Kingdom and India.
Elective Rotations
Students enhance their medical knowledge and strengthen their clinical skills during 32 weeks of elective rotations in subspecialties of core subjects, other medical specialties, and research.
This is a list of some of the elective rotations available to AUA students at affiliated US teaching hospitals. Students also have the option to complete rotations at clinical sites in Canada, the UK, and India.
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Elective Rotations
Elective rotations allow students to gain experience in different specialties, ultimately allowing them to confirm the field they are most passionate about and make an informed decision when applying for residencies.
Students choose elective rotations from a variety of specialties related to core rotations. This is a list of some of the elective rotations available to AUA students, most of which are available in the United States, while some are available in Canada, the UK, and India. Students complete 32 weeks worth of elective rotations. Clinical electives, in general, last four weeks each.
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Career track
The career track in the clinical sciences curriculum at AUA is designed to guide students toward successful medical careers. The exposure gained during core and elective rotations—covering essential medical specialties—serves as a crucial stepping stone towards specialization. This comprehensive approach allows students to explore different facets of medicine, confirming their interests and passions. Additionally, the curriculum’s emphasis on professionalism, communication, and a patient-centered approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared in medical expertise and equipped with the interpersonal skills necessary for thriving in diverse healthcare environments.
The career track extends beyond the academic realm, actively preparing students for the transition into residency and their subsequent professional journeys. With faculty guidance, exposure to global healthcare settings, and hands-on experience in various specialties, AUA’s clinical sciences curriculum cultivates a strong base for graduates to excel in their chosen medical fields. This career-focused approach aligns with AUA’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and globally aware physicians poised to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.