Medical Schools in Louisiana (2025): Stats, Tuition & Match Rates

Why Study Medicine in Louisiana?

Louisiana is not only famous for its vibrant culture and rich history but also for its dynamic medical education landscape. The state's medical schools offer diverse programs, renowned faculty, and strong clinical training, making it an appealing destination for aspiring healthcare professionals. From bustling cities like New Orleans to quieter towns like Shreveport, Louisiana provides varied settings for medical education and clinical practice.

Louisiana Medical Schools Overview (Updated)

Here’s an updated summary of key Louisiana medical schools:

MD vs DO Schools in Louisiana

Louisiana hosts both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) programs:

• MD Schools: Emphasize traditional medical education, rigorous research, and clinical practice.
• DO Schools: Integrate holistic medical practices focusing on preventive healthcare and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

Applicants should consider their personal healthcare philosophies when choosing between MD and DO programs.

Admission Requirements for Louisiana Medical Schools

Admission is highly competitive and typically includes:

• Strong academic record (prerequisite sciences courses)
• Competitive MCAT scores
• Clinical and volunteer experiences
• Interviews (MMIs or traditional formats)
• Letters of recommendation highlighting clinical exposure

To bolster your clinical experience, Go Elective’s medical internships in Kenya and Tanzania offer meaningful global healthcare exposure, making your application stand out.

In-depth Look at Louisiana's Medical Schools

1. Tulane University School of Medicine

Located in vibrant New Orleans, Tulane blends robust clinical training, innovative research opportunities, and comprehensive dual-degree options (MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/PhD).

Key stats (2025):

• Median MCAT: 512
• Median GPA: 3.71
• Tuition: $71,262
• Specialties chosen by graduates: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Psychiatry.

Tulane emphasizes community health, offering extensive opportunities for hands-on experience in New Orleans' diverse medical landscape.

2. LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans

Established in 1931, LSU New Orleans offers excellent clinical training with a strong emphasis on community-oriented healthcare. The urban campus boasts advanced facilities, making it ideal for students pursuing specialties like Family Medicine, Orthopedics, and OBGYN.

Key stats (2025):

• Median MCAT: 511
• Median GPA: 3.85
• Tuition: $32,937 (in-state), $61,114 (out-of-state)

Graduates often continue residency training within Louisiana's extensive hospital network, enhancing local healthcare.

3. LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport

LSU Shreveport focuses on both rural and urban healthcare challenges. It offers a unique curriculum designed to address health disparities and serves communities in need.

Key stats (2025):

• Median MCAT: 507
• Median GPA: 3.81
• Tuition: $29,343 (in-state), $61,166 (out-of-state)

A strong emphasis on rural medicine and primary care positions LSU Shreveport as a key contributor to healthcare in underserved regions.

4. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Louisiana Campus

VCOM-Louisiana offers an osteopathic medical education, uniquely blending holistic patient care with rigorous medical training.

Key stats (2025):

• Median MCAT: 506
• Median GPA: 3.40
• Tuition: $49,800

VCOM focuses significantly on preparing students to serve medically underserved populations, particularly in rural Louisiana.

Clinical Exposure and Research Opportunities

Louisiana medical schools provide extensive clinical experiences, particularly in specialties like Oncology, Neurology, and Cardiology. Institutions collaborate with renowned hospitals and research centers, offering valuable practical experiences.

For students seeking additional clinical exposure to boost medical school applications, Go Elective’s internships and shadowing programs in East Africa offer unparalleled global healthcare experiences, enhancing both clinical skills and cultural competency.

Residency and Career Prospects in Louisiana

Graduating from a Louisiana medical school significantly enhances career opportunities, given the strong alumni networks and extensive residency placements available in local hospitals. Many graduates find rewarding careers in hospitals, private practices, research facilities, or community healthcare initiatives.

Student Life in Louisiana

Studying medicine in Louisiana provides students with a vibrant life beyond academics, featuring cultural events like Mardi Gras and diverse entertainment in cities such as New Orleans. These experiences foster work-life balance and holistic personal growth during rigorous medical training.

Choosing the Best Medical School in Louisiana for You

Selecting the right medical school depends on your individual goals, learning preferences, and specialty interests. Consider factors such as program type (MD vs DO), tuition costs, location, available clinical rotations, and research opportunities.

Enhance Your Application: International Clinical Experience

Stand out in competitive admissions by demonstrating robust clinical exposure. Go Elective’s medical internship programs in Kenya and Tanzania offer pre-medical, medical, nursing, dental, PA, and high school students immersive experiences in global health, providing an excellent way to differentiate your application.

• Gain meaningful patient interaction
• Experience diverse healthcare environments
• Boost your cultural competence and adaptability

Learn more about Go Elective’s healthcare programs or apply today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What GPA and MCAT scores do I need to be competitive for Louisiana medical schools?

Typically, a GPA above 3.7 and an MCAT score above 510 are competitive. However, DO schools may consider slightly lower scores balanced with strong clinical experience and holistic attributes.

2. How can I improve my medical school application? 

Apart from strong academics and test scores, clinical experience, research, volunteer work, and unique global healthcare internships—like those provided by Go Elective in Kenya and Tanzania—strengthen your application significantly.

3. What makes Louisiana medical schools unique? 

Louisiana schools emphasize community healthcare, provide diverse clinical rotations (urban and rural), and maintain strong residency placement rates.

Conclusion

Louisiana's medical schools offer outstanding educational experiences, rich clinical exposure, and strong community ties. Whether you pursue an MD or DO degree, Louisiana provides numerous opportunities to grow academically and professionally.

Take your medical education even further by joining Go Elective’s medical internships abroad, gaining invaluable clinical experience, global perspective, and cultural competence.

Ready to start your journey in global healthcare? Explore our programs: goelective.com/healthcare or apply today: goelective.com/apply

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 14, 2025