Navigating Your Future: A Guide to HBCU Medical Schools
Choosing the right medical school is a pivotal decision, one that necessitates careful deliberation. For Black students, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offer a unique and supportive environment to pursue their medical aspirations. This article provides essential information about HBCU medical schools, their significance, and factors to consider when making your choice.
The Historical Significance of HBCU Medical Schools
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) trace their roots back to the nineteenth century, a time when racial segregation was the norm in the United States. These institutions arose out of a need to provide educational opportunities, including medical education, for Black students who were often denied access to predominantly white institutions. In 1868, just three years after the Civil War concluded, the first HBCU medical school was established as a direct response to the pervasive racial disparities in healthcare.
Since their inception, HBCU medical schools have played a vital role in training thousands of Black healthcare professionals, who in turn have served their communities and addressed the healthcare needs of underserved populations. These institutions have been instrumental in increasing representation in the medical field.
The Critical Need for Diversity in Healthcare
Despite progress, disparities persist. According to the Association of Medical Colleges, in 2022, only 5.7% of medical professionals in the United States identified as Black or African-American. Yet, a remarkable 70% of Black doctors practicing in the US are graduates of HBCU medical schools. This statistic underscores the critical role HBCUs play in addressing the diversity gap in medicine and ensuring that healthcare providers reflect the communities they serve. The lack of representation in healthcare contributes to health disparities between Black and white patients, making the mission of HBCU medical schools all the more important.
Overview of HBCU Medical Schools
Currently, there are only four HBCUs that operate medical schools:
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- Howard University College of Medicine
- Meharry Medical College
- Morehouse School of Medicine
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
These institutions have a long and distinguished history of producing dedicated and skilled health professionals, many of whom commit to primary care in underserved areas. Each of these schools offers a unique environment and set of opportunities for aspiring physicians.
Howard University College of Medicine
Founded in 1868, Howard University College of Medicine holds the distinction of being the oldest HBCU medical school. Located in Washington, D.C., it has awarded medical degrees to over 4,000 living graduates. A significant portion of the student body, around 70%, comes from underrepresented minorities.
The core values of the Howard University College of Medicine are deeply rooted in its mission to train physicians committed to providing healthcare to underserved communities, with a strong focus on eliminating healthcare disparities.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Estimated annual cost of attendance: \$90,000+
- Minimum MCAT score: 494
Howard University offers curriculum that can lead to four different medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Master of Science (MS) and Master of Public Health (MPH). For the MS or Ph.D. degrees, students must choose from one of six concentrations for their training programs: anatomy, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and physiology. They have a wide range of clinical sciences for their students to specialize in, including anesthesiology, dermatology, and emergency medicine, among others.
Meharry Medical College
Established in 1876, Meharry Medical College is the South's first medical school for African Americans. Located in Nashville, TN, it has also earned national recognition for being a leading producer of African-American Ph.D. graduates in biomedical sciences. It was founded as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College. Meharry is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is one of the top five producers of primary care physicians.
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Meharry Medical College is dedicated to the advancement of health equity. The medical college actively seeks to drive progress and address health disparities through pioneering research, transformative educational programs, delivering compassionate health services, and influential thought leadership in policy. In 2018, Meharry launched a new curriculum presenting lessons based on the most common clinical problems physicians encounter.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Estimated annual cost of attendance: \$96,000+
- Minimum MCAT score: 500+
Degrees offered by Meharry include: Doctor of Medicine Doctor of Dental Surgery Master of Science in Public Health Master of Health Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Notable alumni include Dr.
Morehouse School of Medicine
The Morehouse School of Medicine, founded in 1981, has awarded medical degrees to over 1,400 graduates. Located in Atlanta, GA, it’s home to several world-renowned research centers and institutes, including The Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Center of Excellence on Health Disparities, and The National Center for Primary Care. Morehouse College is a private men's liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 1867. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of people, individuals, and communities.
The medical school’s core mission is to train healthcare professionals committed to addressing health disparities and improving the overall health and well-being of underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world. Research is at the core of Morehouse School of Medicine's mission, with a dedicated emphasis on translating discoveries into health equity.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Estimated annual cost of attendance: \$98,000+
- Minimum MCAT score: 506
Academic programs at MSM include Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS), Master of Science in Biomedical Research (MSBR), Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.). The 18th Surgeon General of the United States was Regina Benjamin who is an alumni and member of the board of Trustees at Morehouse.
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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Established in 1966, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has gained recognition for its significant contributions to health disparities research. Located in South Los Angeles, it opened a year after the Watts Uprising. The institution places a particular emphasis on education, training, and treatment in areas such as cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic conditions, and HIV/AIDS. The majority of CDU students (over 80 percent) and faculty (over 71 percent) come from communities of color. Charles R. Drew University offers a range of degree programs designed to address critical health care needs and promote diversity in the medical field. Additionally, Charles R. Drew University offers residency programs in key medical specialties, which are essential for training health care professionals.
The university is committed to providing a unique and specialized education that nurtures the growth of future leaders in the medical and healthcare professions.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Willowbrook, California
- Year Established: 1966
The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is broken down into three schools: College of Medicine College of Science and Health and Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing.
Future HBCU Medical School Programs
Two new HBCU medical school programs are on the horizon, aiming to contribute to the rich legacy of healthcare education in underserved communities.
Xavier University of Louisiana
In 2025, Xavier University of Louisiana plans to establish a Graduate School of Health Sciences and Medical School. This news comes with excitement, given that Xavier is one of the top three undergraduate universities for Black and African-American students who go on to apply to MD-granting medical schools in the United States. Founded in 1925 in New Orleans, Xavier is the nation's only historically black and Catholic university. The new medical school will help address a shortage of physicians who are members of underrepresented minority groups. In 1927, the College of Pharmacy was founded on the campus of Xavier University and has become a producer of African-American students in the sciences and is consistently the national leader in placing African American students into medical school as well as first in awarding African-Americans baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences and biological sciences. The university will form the College of Medicine in partnership with Ochsner Health, Louisiana's largest nonprofit health care system with hospitals throughout the state.
Morgan State University
In 2024, Morgan State University plans to open a College of Osteopathic Medicine in partnership with Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. The university plans to enroll around 700 students in the medical school. A new medical college will open in 2024 at Morgan State, the first medical school opening at an HBCU in over 50 years. Although located at Morgan State, the new medical school will be a privately owned entity affiliated with the university. Morgan State University, founded in 1867 in Baltimore, is Maryland's preeminent public urban research university.
Osteopathic medicine is the fastest-growing health care specialty. DOs have similar training as MDs, but they focus on prevention and receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Attending an HBCU Medical School
When deciding whether to attend an HBCU medical school, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the right choice for you will align with your career goals, personal values, and priorities.
The Pros
- Sense of belonging and confidence: Research suggests that Black medical students at HBCU medical schools report a greater sense of belonging and higher confidence in their abilities compared to those attending medical schools at predominantly white institutions (PWIs).
- Higher residency confidence: HBCU students also indicated higher confidence about being accepted into top residency programs, potentially expanding their career opportunities.
- More inclusive and supportive environment: Black medical students at PWIs may experience more everyday discrimination, leading to reduced perceptions of their ability to succeed within medical school. Black students attending HBCU medical schools may find it easier to avoid this problem. HBCUs train Black physicians, operating with cultural competency and fostering belonging for its students. Attend a top HBCU to find supportive learning environments where you’ll learn from and with people who accept your background and cultural experiences while working to eliminate healthcare disparities.
- Legacy and history: HBCUs have a rich history of contributing to the fight for racial equality and civil rights, offering a unique opportunity to carry on that legacy in the medical field.
The Cons
- Financial considerations: HBCU medical schools may have fewer financial resources than medical schools at large PWIs, potentially impacting the availability of scholarships, research funding, and updated facilities.
- Rankings and perceptions: HBCU medical schools may not be perceived to hold the same prestige and recognition as well-known medical schools at PWIs. This difference in perception could influence potential employers or residency program directors.
- Smaller alumni network: HBCU medical schools generally have smaller alumni networks compared to larger, more established institutions, which could potentially limit networking opportunities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an HBCU Medical School
When determining the "top" HBCU medical school programs, it's crucial to approach the question with a nuanced perspective. While rankings from sources like U.S. News and World Report can offer some guidance, they only provide a snapshot of a school's performance, and the ranking criteria may not align with your individual goals, values, and preferences.
Instead, it's essential to consider your personal aspirations and career objectives to determine the “top” HBCU medical school for you. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Mission and Values: Look for a school whose mission and values align with your own. Are you passionate about serving underserved communities? Do you want to focus on primary care or specialized medicine?
- Curriculum and Research Opportunities: Consider the curriculum and research opportunities offered by each school. Does the school have strengths in areas that interest you?
- Location: Think about the location of the school and whether it's a place where you can see yourself living and studying for several years.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost of attendance and the availability of financial aid. Can you afford to attend the school, and are there scholarships or loan programs available to help you finance your education?
- Student Support Services: Inquire about the student support services offered by each school, such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.
- Accreditation: Regardless of what type of medical school programs you’re researching, it’s essential to ensure that both the institution and the program are accredited. Accreditation impacts students’ eligibility for financial aid, medical licensure, and future employment opportunities. Students can confirm a school’s accreditation using the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database.
The Application Process for Medical School
The process of applying to medical school is slightly different than applying to other postsecondary education programs. use the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) centralized application processing service. Students can submit their information to multiple medical schools using this service. The AAMC application typically becomes available in late spring for the following fall’s incoming class.
Medical school applicants must submit Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores. The MCAT is a standardized test that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles as a prerequisite to the study of medicine. Students should also review the prerequisites for the medical schools they’re considering. Specifics may vary from school to school, but standard pre-med coursework includes biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and math courses such as statistics or calculus.
Financial Considerations for Medical School
Attending medical school is a significant financial undertaking, not just because of the length of programs, but also because the rigorous demands of coursework, clinical rotations, and residency requirements prevent students from having steady employment while completing their programs. The cost of medical school varies by institution. For the HBCU medical schools on this list, the per-credit tuition rate varies from $708 to $1,991.
There are two forms of financial aid - need-based and merit-based. Schools and external organizations award merit-based assistance to students with academic or extracurricular achievements. For need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based aid includes federal student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study, and assistantships. If you are able to work through any part of medical school, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits to help subsidize your education.
The Path to Becoming a Licensed Physician
Medical school takes, at minimum, four years to complete coursework and clinical rotations. During the first two years of medical school, students participate in classes and labs focusing on basic sciences, such as anatomy, biochemistry, and pathology. They also begin learning skills related to interviewing and examining patients. In the third and fourth years of medical school, students participate in clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This allows students to get hands-on medical experience under the guidance of licensed doctors and healthcare professionals and explore potential career paths by exposing students to various areas of specialized medicine.
However, once students finish medical school, they must still complete anywhere from 3-7 years of residency requirements and pass their medical licensing exam to become a fully licensed physician. While technically students who reach this level have completed medical school, in order to become a fully licensed doctor, medical students must then complete a 3-7 year residency at a teaching hospital and pass their USMLE Step 3 exam.
For most students who earn a medical degree, the end goal is working as a licensed physician. Physicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, urgent care centers, community health clinics, private practice, and more. Another option for individuals with a medical degree is to focus on research in disciplines such as pharmaceuticals, laboratory sciences, or health services. Licensed physicians can also focus on training the next generation of healthcare professionals by teaching at medical schools and teaching hospitals.
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