Doctor of Medicine - Ponce Ponce Health Sciences University
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD | On-Campus | Full-time | 4 years | July | $47030 per year | $73392 per year |
Course overview
Ponce Health Sciences University's MD program is a 4-year program with emphasis in culturally competent medical education. The first two years build a foundation of basic sciences integrated with early clinical experiences. Years 3 and 4 consist of core clinical clerkships followed by advanced specialty rotations including pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, psychiatry, and surgery.
Entry requirements
Applications are submitted through American Medical College Applications Service (AMCAS), followed by a secondary application specific to the chosen PHSU campus. Each applicant is subject to a holistic review process that emphasizes academic achievement, clinical exposure, and relevant experience in healthcare or community service.
Selected candidates are invited for an interview, conducted virtually in a Multiple Mini Interview format to evaluate skills and qualities aligned with PHSU's mission. Interviews for the Ponce campus will be in both Spanish and English; the St. Louis campus conducts interviews in English only.
Once accepted, all students must confirm their seat with a deposit and provide proof of required immunizations before classes start.
Bachelor's Degree
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Undergraduate GPA & MCAT Score
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA and a Science GPA of 2.7 is required. A minimum MCAT score of 494, within first three (3) MCAT attempts taken within the last five years, is required.
Official Transcripts
All official transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions you attended to PHSU. Transcripts forwarded by the applicant will not be accepted and will be considered unofficial.
Letters of Recommendation
Have three letters of recommendation ready—two from previous professors and one from a professional who can speak to your capabilities and character relevant to medical training.
Personal Statement/ Essay
Craft a personal statement that highlights your goals in healthcare or a related field. Be sure to emphasize relevant academic and professional experiences that support your application.
Resume or CV
Submit a detailed resume or curriculum vitae outlining your skills, achievements, and any exposure to the healthcare field.
Language Requirements
All applicants to the Main Campus (Ponce) must be bilingual in English and Spanish to be eligible for admission to the MD Program, given that PHSU's partner hospitals and clinics in Ponce serve a predominantly Spanish speaking population. A Language Assessment Evaluation may be required.
Interviews
Interviews are conducted virtually in the Multiple Mini Interview format to support a holistic admissions process and evaluate premedical competencies that align with PHSU-SOM's mission to train ethical professionals who provide compassionate, culturally competent health care and generate high impact research to reduce health disparities in the populations we serve in Puerto Rico and the US. Interviews will be conducted in Spanish and English for applicants applying to the Main Campus in Ponce.
Why study at Ponce Health Sciences University
- Affordable Career focused education
- Small class sizes 1:8 student to faculty ratio
- 45-year track record of graduating healthcare leaders
- Diverse student body – 90% of graduates identify as underrepresented minorities