Guide to Medical Schools in Alabama: Admissions, Requirements, and Tips

Alabama is home to a mix of allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools, each committed to training physicians who can address the state’s healthcare needs. With 62 out of 67 counties designated as primary care shortage areas, medical schools in Alabama focus heavily on preparing students to serve underserved communities.

This guide provides an overview of each Alabama medical school, including tuition, admissions requirements, acceptance rates, and class profiles.

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Attending Medical School in Alabama

Alabama offers future physicians a unique learning environment. Students train in both urban hospitals and rural health systems, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations. The state’s mix of large medical centers and community-focused clinics gives aspiring doctors broad clinical experience.

For applicants drawn to service, Alabama’s medical schools stand out. Their programs emphasize primary care, public health, and hands-on experience that prepares students to meet the region’s pressing healthcare demands.

List of Medical Schools in Alabama

Alabama has two MD-granting institutions and two DO-granting institutions. Here’s what you should know about each:

University of South Alabama College of Medicine (USA COM)

• Average GPA: 3.5
• Average MCAT: 503
• Tuition: $35,155 (in-state); $69,362 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: Not formally published, but highly selective

Located in Mobile, USA COM has trained physicians since 1973. Students benefit from a close-knit learning environment and a strong emphasis on patient-centered training.

Requirements include: AMCAS application, MCAT scores, transcripts, secondary application, and an interview. Applicants typically submit a committee letter packet or five recommendation letters, with at least three from faculty (including one science professor).

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine

• Acceptance Rate: ~5%
• Average GPA: 3.78
• Average MCAT: 509
• Tuition: $35,199 (in-state); $65,779 (out-of-state)

UAB Heersink operates across four campuses: Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery. Students spend two years in Birmingham before clinical rotations at one of the other campuses. UAB is highly ranked nationally for research and is home to the state’s largest academic medical center.

Requirements include: AMCAS application, GPA and MCAT thresholds, three recommendation letters (or committee letter), transcripts, secondary essays, and an interview. While not required, applicants may submit the AAMC Situational Judgment Test.

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM)

• Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
• Average GPA: 3.38
• Average MCAT: 504
• Tuition: $59,388

Located in Dothan, ACOM was founded in 2013 to address Alabama’s shortage of primary care providers. The curriculum emphasizes rural medicine and osteopathic principles.

Requirements include: AACOMAS application, MCAT scores, transcripts, secondary application (with $50 fee), and an interview. Applicants must submit at least one recommendation from a physician (DO preferred, MD accepted). ACOM requires CASPer scores as part of the selection process.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – Auburn Campus

• Acceptance Rate: 14.9%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average MCAT: 502
• Tuition: $49,800

With campuses across Virginia, the Carolinas, Louisiana, and Auburn, VCOM focuses on training physicians to serve rural and medically underserved regions, including Alabama’s Appalachian and Delta communities.

Requirements include: AACOMAS application, MCAT scores, transcripts, secondary application ($50 fee), and an interview. Students must submit two recommendation letters: one from a physician (preferably a DO) and one from a science faculty member or pre-medical committee.

Tips for Applying to Alabama Medical Schools

To boost your chances of acceptance, keep the following in mind:

1. Align with mission statements:

Alabama schools emphasize service to underserved populations. Demonstrating commitment through volunteering, clinical exposure, or global health programs can make your application stronger.

2. Maintain a competitive GPA: 

Aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher, especially in science coursework. Admissions officers look closely at your science GPA as an indicator of readiness.

3. Strengthen your letters of recommendation: 

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to both your academic strengths and service orientation.

4. Prepare strong essays: 

Use your personal statement and secondaries to highlight experiences that match each school’s mission and values.

5. Get clinical experience early: 

Hands-on shadowing or internships in hospitals and clinics can set you apart. Consider opportunities like Go Elective’s medical electives abroad, where you’ll gain real-world patient care experience in resource-limited settings.

FAQs About Alabama Medical Schools

#1. Do all Alabama medical schools require the MCAT?

Yes, every MD and DO school in Alabama requires MCAT scores.

#2. Which Alabama medical school has the lowest tuition?

For in-state students, USA COM is the most affordable; for out-of-state students, VCOM offers the lowest tuition.

#3. Does every Alabama school require the CASPer?

No. Only ACOM requires CASPer. UAB Heersink considers it optional for certain programs.

#4. Are acceptance rates low in Alabama medical schools?

Yes, each school is selective, with acceptance rates ranging from about 5% to 15%.

#5. Which school is considered the best in Alabama?

UAB Heersink is the highest-ranked research medical school in Alabama, though the “best” school for you depends on your career goals, learning style, and mission alignment.

Final Thoughts

Alabama medical schools share a common goal: training physicians to meet the state’s urgent healthcare needs, especially in underserved regions. Applicants who combine strong academics with demonstrated service and clinical experience will be most competitive.

If you’re preparing for medical school in Alabama, or anywhere in the U.S., building a strong foundation of healthcare exposure is essential. Opportunities like Go Elective’s pre-health internships can give you hands-on experience, mentorship, and a global perspective that helps your application stand out.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 13, 2025