Florida Medical Schools 2025: Programs, Admissions Basics, and Application Tips

Why Florida is a strong choice for medical school

Florida hosts a diverse mix of MD and DO programs with strengths in research, primary care, community health, and innovation. Large academic health systems, safety-net hospitals, and community clinics offer rich clinical exposure that can match a wide range of interests.

Looking for a premed internship or medical elective abroad? Inquire here. 

Quick list of MD and DO programs in Florida

• Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
• Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
• Florida State University College of Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Campus (DO)
• Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• University of Central Florida College of Medicine
• University of Florida College of Medicine
• University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
  
  

Admissions basics you should know

Florida schools use holistic review. Strong academics matter, but so do meaningful clinical exposure, service to underserved communities, research where relevant, consistent volunteering, leadership, and clear alignment with each school’s mission. Exact GPA, MCAT, and prerequisite expectations vary by program and change over time. Always confirm the latest requirements on each school’s website or trusted resources like AAMC MSAR.

School snapshots

Use these brief guides to focus your school research. For current prerequisites and benchmarks, check each program’s admissions page.

I. Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

Community-focused education with small-group learning and longitudinal clerkships in South Florida. Applicants typically show strong academics plus sustained service and clinical engagement.

II. Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Known for community partnerships and mobile health initiatives serving underserved populations. Competitive candidates pair solid metrics with hands-on community health and primary care interests.

III. Florida State University College of Medicine

Emphasis on patient-centered primary care, especially in rural and underserved settings, with regional campuses across Florida. Applicants benefit from community service, longitudinal patient contact, and strong letters.

IV. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton (DO)

Problem-based learning options and an osteopathic approach grounded in whole-person care. Prerequisites align with typical DO programs. Evidence of fit with osteopathic philosophy is important.

V. Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

A newer MD program with an innovation-oriented curriculum and strong research and community collaborations in Broward County. Competitive academics plus teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving are key.

VI. Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Large clinical network with opportunities across Florida. Applicants should highlight patient-centered communication, primary care interest, and sustained clinical exposure.

VII. University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Research-active environment in Orlando with strong ties to regional hospitals and the growing Lake Nona Medical City. Applicants should show research or scholarly activity plus clinical and service depth.

VIII. University of Florida College of Medicine

Comprehensive academic medical center in Gainesville with high research output and strong specialty breadth. Successful candidates usually combine strong metrics with lab or clinical research and service.

IX. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Large academic health system in Miami with robust research, specialty depth, and safety-net experiences. Competitive applicants demonstrate academic excellence, service in diverse communities, and clear professional focus.

X. University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Research and primary care strengths with clinical sites in Tampa Bay. Applicants should emphasize scholarly productivity where relevant, community engagement, and sustained clinical work.

How to strengthen your Florida med school application

1. Study plan with accountability

Create a semester-by-semester plan for prerequisites and upper-division sciences. Use office hours, tutoring, and practice exams to keep GPA strong.

2. Purposeful MCAT prep

Target content gaps early. Build a 10 to 16 week plan with full-length exams and performance reviews.

3. Mission match for each school

Read mission statements and recent initiatives. If the program leans primary care and community health, highlight longitudinal service and patient contact. For research-heavy programs, foreground lab or clinical research with concrete outcomes.

4. Clinical depth and reflection

Pair hospital shadowing with hands-on experience, such as scribing, EMT, hospice, or global health internships. Reflect in your personal statement and secondaries on what you learned about teamwork, ethics, and patient advocacy.

5. Interview practice

Rehearse traditional and MMI formats. Prepare specific stories that show resilience, leadership, cultural humility, and problem-solving.

Build clinical experience that stands out

If you want impactful clinical exposure that also demonstrates cultural competence, consider a short-term global health internship with Go Elective in Kenya or Tanzania. Our programs feature small cohorts, tailored mentorship, structured safety protocols, and real-world learning in high-volume teaching hospitals.

• Explore programs: Medical Electives, Pre-Health and Pre-Med Internships, Physician Assistant Internships, Pre-PA Internships
  
• Ready to move forward: Apply or Inquire
  
  

FAQs

#1. How many medical schools are in Florida?

There are ten MD and DO programs across the state.

#2. Which Florida schools are strongest for research or primary care?

Several institutions are nationally recognized in research output, primary care education, or both. Check current rankings and, more importantly, outcomes that matter to you, such as match lists and clerkship quality.

#3. What GPA and MCAT should I aim for?

Targets vary by school and year. Aim for the most competitive profile you can achieve, then verify current class profiles on each program’s site or AAMC MSAR.

#4. What experiences help me stand out?

Sustained clinical exposure, service to underserved communities, research where appropriate, strong letters, and reflective writing that ties your experiences to each school’s mission.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 13, 2025