Medical Schools in Washington State: MD and DO Programs Explained

Introduction

Considering medical school in Washington State. This guide gives you a clear, current-agnostic overview of programs, how they differ, and what to check before you apply. You will find quick profiles, admissions notes, and official links so you can verify details like deadlines and tuition on each school’s site.

Washington at a glance

• Two allopathic MD programs and one osteopathic DO program
• Strong emphasis on community and rural health across the region
• Mix of research opportunities, primary care training, and distributed clinical sites
  
  

The three medical schools in Washington

I. University of Washington School of Medicine (MD)

Location: Seattle with regional WWAMI sites in Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho
Focus: research, primary care, and regional training
Admissions and program details: Admissions, MD curriculum, Tuition and fees How to apply: AMCAS primary, secondary, assessments as required by UW, interviews. Check UW’s site for current prerequisites, timelines, and residency certification guidance.

II. Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (MD)

Location: Spokane with clinical training across Washington communities
Focus: community engagement and expanding access to care in Washington
Admissions and program details: MD admissions, MD curriculum, Costs
How to apply: AMCAS primary, secondary, letters, interviews. Review WSU’s pages for current deadlines, residency policies, and technical standards.

III. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Location: Yakima with regional clinical partners throughout the Pacific Northwest
Focus: osteopathic training with service to rural and medically underserved communities
Admissions and program details: PNWU COM admissions, COM program, Costs and budgets
How to apply: AACOMAS primary, PNWU secondary, letters, interviews. Confirm current prerequisite lists and submission windows on PNWU’s site.

What to compare as you build your list

1. Mission and community fit, for example WWAMI regional training or community based education
2. Curriculum structure and early clinical exposure
3. Research and scholarly project options
4. Clinical campus locations and patient populations
5. Tuition, fees, and financial aid for residents and nonresidents
6. Secondary essay topics and assessments required
7. In state considerations, for example residency certification and service commitments
   
   

Why Washington can be a great choice

1. Wide range of practice settings from urban academic centers to rural clinics
2. Strong pipelines for primary care and community health
3. Access to mountains, coastline, and national parks for balance outside the classroom
   
   

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Application reminders

• Verify deadlines and fees on each school’s admissions page, not on third party sites
• Submit early where possible, then return secondaries promptly
• Align letters with each program’s requirements
• Keep a simple spreadsheet for prerequisites, dates, and portal links
  
  

FAQs: Medical schools in Washington

#1. How many medical schools are in Washington

Three in total, two MD programs and one DO program.

#2. Do Washington schools favor in state applicants

Policies vary. Review each school’s admissions pages for current guidance on residency status and selection factors.

#3. Which application services do I use

Use AMCAS for the two MD programs and AACOMAS for the DO program. See AMCAS overview and AACOMAS instructions.

#4. Are rankings the best way to choose

Treat rankings as background noise. Focus on mission fit, curriculum, clinical sites, and where you want to train and live.

#5. Can out of state students be competitive in Washington

Yes. Competitiveness depends on fit, preparation, and the strength of your application. Always check each school’s class profile and guidance.

Conclusion

Washington offers three distinct medical education paths that share a commitment to service and community. Use the official links above to confirm the latest requirements and dates, then build a balanced list that fits your goals and the way you want to learn and care for patients.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 17, 2025