Studying Medicine in Alaska: What Pre-Med Students Should Know

If you want to attend medical school in Alaska, there is one main pathway to know: the WWAMI School of Medical Education.

Alaska does not have a standalone MD or DO medical school. Instead, the University of Alaska Anchorage partners with the University of Washington School of Medicine through WWAMI, a regional medical education program serving Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. Students who complete the program earn an MD from the University of Washington.

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Medical School Option in Alaska

For the entering class of 2025, the University of Washington School of Medicine designated 30 seats for Alaska students.

How the Alaska WWAMI Program Works

Alaska medical students begin the Foundations Phase of medical school at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).

This portion combines foundational sciences with early clinical experiences. Students later complete required clerkships and advanced clinical training across the five-state WWAMI region.

An Alaska-specific clinical track allows students to complete nearly all of their clinical education within Alaska, although UAA states that students must spend at least 12 weeks in Seattle.

This model is particularly relevant for students interested in medicine in rural, remote, and underserved communities.

How Competitive Is WWAMI for Alaska Applicants?

Admission is competitive, but Alaska residents compete primarily for seats allocated to their state.

For the 2025 entering class, Alaska applicants had the following results:

• 68 applicants

• 61 completed secondary applications

• 55 interviewed

• 39 received offers

• 30 ultimately entered the program

These figures are specific to the Alaska cohort and should not be interpreted as the overall University of Washington School of Medicine acceptance rate.

Around 95% of the University of Washington School of Medicine's entering class typically comes from the five WWAMI states, reflecting the school's mission to train physicians for the region.

What GPA and MCAT Do You Need?

The University of Washington does not rely on one simple published GPA and MCAT cutoff for admission.

Instead, its admissions data show how applicants with different combinations of undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores have performed in previous cycles. Applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs who were admitted often demonstrated stronger performance through additional postgraduate coursework. You can review the school's current MCAT and GPA information.

Competitive academics matter, but the school also evaluates an applicant's experiences, background, preparation for medicine, and fit with its regional mission.

Who Can Apply for the Alaska WWAMI Cohort?

The Alaska WWAMI program is designed for Alaska residents who meet the state's eligibility requirements.

Applicants apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Applications are then processed by the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The University of Washington determines WWAMI eligibility primarily using the applicant's legal state of residence listed on AMCAS. Alaska residents are considered for the Alaska cohort rather than competing directly for another WWAMI state's designated seats.

International and Canadian applicants are currently not accepted by the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Is There a DO Medical School in Alaska?

No. Alaska currently does not have an osteopathic medical school offering the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Students specifically seeking DO programs will therefore need to consider schools outside Alaska.

Why Study Medicine Through WWAMI in Alaska?

One of the biggest advantages of the WWAMI model is that students can receive medical training while remaining connected to the communities the program is designed to serve.

The Alaska pathway provides opportunities for clinical education across the state while still giving students access to the broader University of Washington medical education system.

It may be particularly attractive to students interested in:

• Rural medicine
• Primary care
• Community health
• Healthcare access
• Working with geographically isolated populations
• Understanding healthcare delivery across large rural regions

Preparing for Medical School in Alaska

Before applying, focus on building a strong foundation in academics and meaningful experiences.

That can include:

• Clinical experience
• Physician shadowing
• Community service
• Research
• Leadership
• Experience working with different patient populations

UAA also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical Studies designed to help students complete coursework relevant to medical school and MCAT preparation.

Students who want additional clinical exposure before applying can also explore Go-Elective's Pre-Health and Pre-Med Internships, which provide supervised opportunities to experience healthcare environments and learn more about patient care before medical school.

Final Thoughts

If you want to study medicine in Alaska, the key program to understand is WWAMI.

There is no independent medical school in the state. Instead, Alaska partners with the University of Washington School of Medicine, allowing a designated cohort of Alaska students to begin medical training at UAA and complete much of their clinical education within the state.

For Alaska residents interested in serving communities across the state and the wider Northwest, WWAMI offers a distinctive route to earning an MD.

FAQs About Medical School in Alaska

1. How many medical schools are in Alaska?

Alaska has one medical education pathway leading to an MD: the Alaska WWAMI program, a partnership between UAA and the University of Washington School of Medicine. It is not a standalone Alaska medical school.

2. Does the University of Alaska have a medical school?

UAA participates in the WWAMI School of Medical Education, but the MD degree is awarded by the University of Washington School of Medicine.

3. How many WWAMI seats are available for Alaska students?

The University of Washington currently designates 30 seats for Alaska within its entering medical school class.

4. Is there a DO medical school in Alaska?

No. There is currently no osteopathic medical school located in Alaska.

5. Can you complete medical school entirely in Alaska?

Not entirely. Alaska WWAMI students can complete much of their training in Alaska, but UAA states that at least 12 weeks must be completed in Seattle.

Article Details

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

Author: Tatina Himes

Date Published: Sep 2, 2026