The Caribbean medical schools clinical training landscape offers a powerful alternative for students seeking hands-on, U.S.-modeled clinical exposure. This list showcases the best Caribbean medical schools for clinical rotations, led by the American University of Antigua (AUA) and other top-rated offshore programs known for their accreditation, residency placements, and trusted clinical training pathways.
For prospective medical students, selecting the right institution means finding schools that combine rigorous academics with exceptional clinical opportunities. These Caribbean institutions have established themselves as leaders in preparing graduates for successful medical careers through comprehensive training programs that rival their U.S. counterparts.
What to Look for in the Best Caribbean Medical Schools for Clinical Training
When evaluating Caribbean medical schools clinical training programs, several key factors distinguish the top institutions. Accreditation by recognized bodies like CAAM-HP (Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions) ensures educational standards meet international requirements. Additionally, state approvals from jurisdictions like New York, California, and Florida provide graduates with enhanced opportunities for clinical rotations and eventual licensure.
Strong USMLE pass rates, extensive hospital affiliate networks, and proven residency match success indicate quality clinical preparation. The most trusted programs also offer flexible clinical placement options across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, allowing students to gain diverse healthcare experience in multiple healthcare systems.
Top 6 Caribbean Medical Schools for Clinical Training
American University of Antigua (AUA) – Best Comprehensive Clinical Training Network
AUA delivers a U.S.-modeled MD program with extensive clinical rotations across the U.S., Canada, UK, and beyond, bolstered by CAAM-HP accreditation and U.S. state approvals. The school stands out for its structured approach to clinical education, featuring simulated ward facilities—Osler and Crumpler Suites—that provide early hands-on experience before students enter actual hospital rotations. AUA is approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to allow students to complete more than 12 weeks of clinical clerkships in New York State, making it one of only eight Caribbean medical schools with this distinction. Recent performance data shows AUA’s 2022 USMLE Step 2 pass rate reached 96.12%, significantly outperforming their Step 1 rate of 75.46%, demonstrating strong clinical preparation.
American University of the Caribbean (AUC) – Best Residency Outcomes and USMLE Success
AUC achieved a 95% first-time residency attainment rate for 2024-2025 graduates, making it one of the highest-performing Caribbean schools for residency placement. The school’s five-year cumulative first-time pass rate for the USMLE Step 1 exam is 81% from 2020-2024. AUC features small class sizes and offers clinical rotations at 17 affiliate hospitals across Michigan, Louisiana, New York, Florida, California, Illinois, Maryland, and Connecticut in the United States, plus 7 affiliates in the United Kingdom. The institution’s rolling admissions policy with three annual start dates (January, May, and September) provides flexibility for students beginning their medical education journey.
St. George’s University (SGU) – Best Network Coverage and Largest Provider
SGU has been the largest provider of physicians into first-year U.S. residencies for the last 11 years, with clinical training available at 85+ hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The school maintains a 94% residency placement rate over 5 years and offers both 4-year and 5-year MD tracks. SGU’s global reach extends beyond clinical rotations, with students from the 2025 entering class representing 39 countries, including strong representation from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. This international diversity enriches the clinical learning environment and prepares students for global healthcare challenges. Students can access comprehensive medical education resources to support their academic journey.
Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) – Best Single-Location Clinical Training Option
Ross Med offers unique single-location clinical tracks, allowing students to remain in one location throughout their core clinical education curriculum, reducing stress and moving expenses. The school maintains 28 clinical hospital affiliates across 9 states plus the District of Columbia, with a 96% first-time residency attainment rate for 2025 graduates. Ross has established strong USMLE performance with a 96.21% Step 1 pass rate and 89.23% Step 2 pass rate in 2019. Since opening in 1978, the university reports graduating over 15,000 students who are practicing in the U.S. and Canada, with a large proportion becoming primary care physicians.
Saba University School of Medicine – Best Value for Primary Care Focus
Saba University emphasizes strong clinical training specifically designed for students pursuing primary care residencies in underserved U.S. areas. The school has built its reputation on providing focused, cost-effective clinical preparation that serves the growing need for primary care physicians in rural and urban underserved communities. Their clinical curriculum prioritizes practical skills development and community health exposure, making it an excellent choice for students committed to addressing healthcare disparities.
Innovative Caribbean Medical Consortium – Best Collaborative Learning Resources
This emerging network represents a new model in Caribbean medical education, focusing on shared clinical training modules and collaborative clerkship resources across multiple Caribbean institutions. While not a traditional single school, this consortium offers unique opportunities for students to experience diverse clinical environments and teaching methodologies. The collaborative approach provides access to a broader range of clinical sites and educational resources than any single institution could offer independently.
Making Your Choice: Key Considerations for Clinical Training Excellence
Selecting the right Caribbean medical school for clinical training requires careful evaluation of your career goals and learning preferences. Consider factors such as geographic preferences for clinical rotations, specialty interests, financial considerations, and support systems offered by each institution. The schools highlighted here represent the top tier of Caribbean medical education, each offering distinct advantages in clinical preparation.
Research shows that graduates from these institutions successfully compete for residencies across all medical specialties, from primary care to highly competitive fields. Success ultimately depends on individual commitment, academic performance, and taking advantage of the comprehensive clinical training opportunities these schools provide.
For students serious about pursuing medical careers, these Caribbean institutions offer proven pathways to achieving your goals. Take the next step by exploring medical school application strategies and connecting directly with admissions representatives to discuss your specific needs and career aspirations.
