Florida State University College of Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide to Program Requirements
The Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU COM), located in Tallahassee, Florida, is a public medical school distinguished by its community-based educational model. Fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), FSU COM ensures its graduates are eligible for the USMLE and residency programs. This article provides a detailed overview of the program requirements for prospective applicants.
Mission and Values
The mission of the Florida State Medical School is to "educate and develop exemplary physicians who practice patient-centered health care, discover and advance knowledge, and are responsive to community needs, especially through service to elder, rural, minority, and underserved populations.” This mission-driven approach permeates every aspect of the program, from student selection to curriculum design. FSU College of Medicine is committed to compassionate care and emphasizes this vision throughout the program. The values upheld by FSU College of Medicine include:
- Collaboration with Colleagues and Communities
- Respect and Open Communication
- Emphasis on Students and Patients
- Commitment to Innovation and Continuous Improvement
- Teamwork and Motivation
- Excellence in All Endeavors
These values are achieved through teaching, research, clinical care, service, diversity, equity, and inclusion excellence.
Admission Requirements
General Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university by July 15 of the year they intend to begin medical school. The committee assesses applicants based on academic achievements, personal attributes, relevant experiences, and demographic data. With a high level of competition for a limited number of seats, FSU College of Medicine seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to its mission.
Academic Prerequisites
Specific coursework is required for admission, ensuring a solid foundation in the sciences and humanities. These courses include:
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| Required Course | Semester Hours | Lab Required | Must be Designated for Science Majors | FSU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 | X | XX | BSC2085 and 2085L or PET3322 and 3322L |
| Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 | X | XX | BSC2086 and 2086L or PET 3323C |
| Biology | 8 | X | XX | BSC2010 and 2010L, BSC2011 and 2011L |
| Microbiology | 4 | X | X | MCB2004 or MCB 4403 with lab (preferred) |
| General Chemistry | 8 | X | X | CHM1045 and 1045L, CHM1046 and 1046L |
| Organic Chemistry | 4 | X | XX | CHM2210 and CHM2211L |
| Biochemistry | 3 | X | BCH4053 | |
| Genetics | 3 | X | PCB3063 | |
| Statistics | 3 | X | STA2122 or STA2171 | |
| College Algebra (or higher) | 3 | MAC1105 | ||
| English Composition | 6 | ENC1101 and ENC1102 or ENC2135 | ||
| General Psychology | 3 | PSY2012 | ||
| Medical Terminology | 1 | CLT2049 or APK2001 |
- Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits are accepted for Statistics, College Algebra, English Composition, and General Psychology.
- Human Anatomy and Human Physiology can be taken separately with labs for a total of 8 semester hours.
- There is no expiration date for prerequisite coursework. However, more recent completion of courses is considered favorable.
Grade Point Average (GPA) and MCAT Score
While FSU COM employs a holistic approach, it generally seeks applicants with an MCAT score of at least 498 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher. Exceptions may be made for applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds. The MCAT score should be no more than three years prior to the beginning of the application cycle.
Residency
Preference is given to legal residents of Florida. Non-residents must demonstrate significant ties to the state. Permanent residents must possess a green card at the time of application.
Application Process
The application process involves both a primary and a secondary application.
Primary Application (AMCAS)
Applicants must complete and submit the primary application online through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The AMCAS application deadline is November 15 for the following year’s entering class, but the application can be certified and submitted beginning June 1. Early Decision applications are due August 1.
Secondary Application
After submitting the AMCAS application, applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents will receive an invitation to complete a secondary application. The secondary application includes:
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- Secondary Application Form: Completed online as part of the AMCAS application.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable $30 fee, which is waived for applicants participating in the AMCAS Fee Assistance Program.
- Letters of Recommendation: A Committee Letter of Recommendation or a Letter Packet from your undergraduate institution will fulfill the requirement; however, individual letters are preferred. Strong letters come from college instructors (preferably in science or biomedical fields) or medical providers who can speak to the applicant's clinical experiences.
- MCAT Score: The initial MCAT score deadline is August 22nd for Early Decision Applicants and December 10th for Regular Admission Applicants. Scores must be no more than five years old at the time of matriculation.
The deadline to submit all secondary materials is August 22nd for Early Decision Applicants, and December 10th for Regular Admission Applicants.
Additional Transcripts
Applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, especially after receiving an offer of acceptance. All documents must be submitted through AMCAS before acceptance.
Technical Standards
FSU COM adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. However, candidates must meet certain minimum technical standards for admission and graduation.
Evaluation Criteria
The FSU College of Medicine employs a holistic approach during the admissions process, evaluating the following:
- Undergraduate rigor and course load
- Post-baccalaureate coursework
- Service and volunteer record
- Shadowing and knowledge of the medical field
- Research activities
- Likelihood of practicing within Florida
- Undergraduate GPA
- MCAT score
- Degree of "fit" with the FSU COM mission
Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) BS Degree Program
The Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) BS Degree Program at Florida State Medical School is designed to train students aspiring to pursue careers in the medical field. The program includes challenging science courses, individualized counseling, hands-on learning, and seminar and capstone course sequencing.
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IMS Experiential Service-Learning Seminar Sequence
All majors in the IMS Program require completion of the IMS Experiential Service-Learning Seminar sequence from freshman through senior year and the Senior Capstone course, which includes a senior project. All seminars are letter graded.
- The seminar informs students on careers and career pathways in health professions and the academic, professional, and personal preparation needed to pursue a career in health.
- This seminar course informs students on careers and career pathways in health professions and the academic, professional, and personal preparation needed to pursue a career in health with a focus on the patient or recipients of health care services.
- Students transferring to FSU with an AA must complete the appropriate Experiential Service Learning Seminar Sequence and Senior Capstone course. This seminar is an accelerated version of the Freshman and Sophomore seminars for transfer students and new majors coming into the degree program as Upper-Division students.
- In this course, students build upon experiential learning opportunities and further their understanding of key issues facing health care, patients, providers, institutions, and communities by examining and reading scholarly works.
- In this course, students research and draft an initial prospectus for their senior capstone project to include stakeholders, literature review, descriptions and goals of the project, and a research question.
- In this course, student develop research and analytical skills in relation to a selected topic based upon health care experiences an interactions in their experiential venues. This aims to enhance further career advancement and employability.
Major Options
Students can choose from three major options:
- Clinical Professions Major
- Community Patient Care Major
- Health Management, Policy, and Information Major
Medical Programs at Florida State Medical School
FSU College of Medicine offers several programs, including:
- Medical Doctor (MD): A four-year program with a curriculum focused on a biopsychosocial model and lifelong learning.
- Physician Assistant (PA) Program: A 27-month program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice degree.
- Biomedical Sciences PhD Program: A program training students to research solutions to medical challenges.
- Masters MS Bridge Program: A 12-month program designed for students from medically underserved and rural areas of Florida.
Facilities and Affiliations
FSU COM has multiple regional campuses throughout Florida, including:
- Daytona Beach
- Fort Pierce
- Orlando
- Pensacola
- Sarasota
- Tallahassee
- Marianna Rural Program
- Immokalee Health Education Site
- Thomasville Program
The college is affiliated with various hospitals, including:
- Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
- Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
- Winter Haven Hospital
Student Organizations
FSU COM offers a wide range of student organizations, including:
- American Medical Association / FL Medical Association
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
- Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG)
- Biomedical Science Graduate Student Association
- Business and Medicine (BAM)
- Cardiology Interest Group (CIG)
- Christian Medical Association (CMA)
- Dermatology Interest Group (DIG)
- Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
- Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
- Family Medicine Scholars
- Florida Rural Health Association (FRHA) - Medical Student Chapter
- FSU Cares
- Geriatrics Interest Group (GIG)
- Humanities and Medicine (HAM)
- Interprofessional Allies (IPA)
- Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)
- Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
- Medicine Interest Group (MIG)
- Medical Respect for Life Organization (MERLO)
- Medical Student Council (MSC)
- Military and Veteran Medicine Interest Group (MVMIG)
- Multicultural Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS)
- Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness Organization (NEW)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group (Ob…
Diversity and Inclusion
FSU Medical School is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, with the Council on Diversity and Inclusion ensuring these aspects are core to the school's identity. Initiatives include mentoring, Grand Rounds events, orientation sessions, resource selection, training opportunities, and partnerships for reporting concerns.
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