FAQs

American University of Antigua believes there is no correlation between MCAT scores and becoming a licensed, successful and caring physician. However, in order to comply with governmental regulations, starting in February 2013, MCAT scores will be required from accepted students.

In accordance, with our holistic, overall approach to evaluating students, AUA will NOT use MCAT scores as a condition for acceptance into the University, but scores are required to matriculate.

Only accepted students who are U.S. citizens, nationals or eligible permanent residents will be required to submit copies of their scores—listing all attempts. Canadian students and International students do NOT have to fulfill this requirement.

Students may choose to submit these documents after they are notified of their acceptance from AUA.

Yes. AUA meets the following specific criteria, all of which are mandatory for graduates to be eligibile to practice in the United States:

• Curriculum based on a United States medical school model.
• Listing by the International Medical Education Directory (IMED).
• Eligibility for graduates to become ECFMG Certified.
• Listing by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Eligibility of graduates to practice in the country (not just the jurisdiction) where the school is located.
• Eligibility of graduates to participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP).
• Eligibility to participate in residency licensure and clinical training in New York State.
• Eligibility to participate in residency licensure and clinical training in California State*.

*Students must complete their Basic Sciences studies at the AUA Campus in Antigua or if transferring from another institution to AUA, that university must be recognized by the Medical Board of California in order to be eligible for clinical rotations, residency placements and medical licensure in the State of California.

Through the American International College of Arts and Sciences—Antigua (AICASA), qualified students are able to fulfill premedical requirements and/or earn an Associate Degree in Health Sciences. Upon successful completion of the premed program, students will be eligible to apply to AUA College of Medicine’s MD program

AUA is now accepting transfer students into the Clinical semesters. 

The Basic Sciences (pre-clinical) component , taught on Antigua, encompasses the first two academic years of medical studies.

The AUA 4-Year MD Program begins with Basic Sciences, the pre-clinical portion of the curriculum. This component generally requires two academic years to complete, with courses being held on the main campus in Antigua. It is followed by Fifth Semester (18 weeks), which acts as a bridge to segue students into the Clinical Sciences component and helps prepare them to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1. Students then participate in 75 weeks of Clinical Sciences rotations, conducted at teaching hospitals in the United States. Near the conclusion of Clinical Sciences, students must sit for both parts of the USMLE Step 2. Upon passing both exams, students are eligible to secure a residency position. Students then complete their final clinical rotations, and become eligible for graduation.

AUA’s curriculum is integrated and flexible, going beyond examinations and preparing the students to face the challenges that await them in clinical training and practice. AUA is one of only two international medical schools to utilize a U.S. modeled two-semester program based on emerging paradigms in medical education, featuring a clinically integrated course of study in which students accompany attending doctors and interact with patients beginning in students’ first semester. The courses employ a variety of teaching methods other than large group didactics, such as small group sessions, clinical case discussions, simulations and hands-on laboratory experience. This curriculum promotes the skill and art of medicine, critical thinking and lifetime learning.

Yes. AUA’s Student Financial Services (SFS) office will assist students in identifying and obtaining financing solutions. Qualified students can take advantage of a private student loan program, as well as a number of scholarship programs. Other grant sources may be available to cover the cost of attendance for students who meet certain academic, educational and credit score criteria. The SFS staff will provide assistance with the loan application process, help students budget and offer guidance to manage overall debt and credit report concerns prior to submitting an application.

AUA is located on the Caribbean island of Antigua, the larger island in the nation of Antigua and Barbuda . Antigua sits approximately 325 miles east of Puerto Rico, at the northern end of the Leeward Island chain. The island is one of the safest and most modern in the area, and is accessible by direct flights from major airports in the United States and Canada.