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Medical Courses After 12th in US

Updated on 18 September, 2023

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Did you know that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) foresees employment in the healthcare industry to advance by 13% through 2031? This staggering growth is good news for students interested in pursuing medical courses. Medical courses in the USA after 12th include various options, from traditional degrees to specialized programs in various healthcare disciplines. Studying medical courses in the USA after 12th provides access to world-class education, multiple specialization options to suit your interests, and a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare sector.

So let's dive in and discover the top courses for medical students in the USA and the diverse, exciting opportunities that await aspiring medical students.

List of Top Medical Courses in the USA After 12th

Medical courses in the USA after the 12th are renowned for unleashing numerous opportunities for students keen to build their careers in the medical field. With leading medical colleges in the USA presenting various disciplines and specializations, it becomes even easier to determine your expertise in the medical field.

1.Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MD)

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MD) program is a highly sought-after course for students striving to become medical doctors. This course focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of medical science and clinical practice. The MBBS/MD program covers general surgery, pathology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry subjects. Graduates can work as general practitioners or pursue further specialization in areas such as neurology, surgery, or general medicine.

Course Duration: The MBBS/MD program typically takes around 4-6 years to complete.

Job Prospects after MBBS/MD:

  1. Medical Practitioner: Graduates of Medical Courses in the USA after 12th can work as medical practitioners in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
  2. Surgeon: Those interested in surgical procedures can specialize in various disciplines and become surgeons.
  3. Medical Researcher: Pursue further studies to lead a career in medical research, contributing to advancements in healthcare.
  4. Medical Educator: Graduates can choose to become medical educators and teach aspiring medical students.
  5. Public Health Officer: Opportunities exist in the public health sector, working towards improving the health of communities. 

Top Universities offering MBBS/MD medical courses in the USA after the 12th:

  1. Harvard University
  2. Stanford University
  3. Johns Hopkins University
  4. Columbia University

Average Salary: The average salary for a Medical Doctor post MBBS is 2,39,281 USD (Source: Glassdoor) annually in the USA.

2. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program educates students in advanced dental procedures and oral health care. This program prepares students to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases and abnormalities. After completing the initial four years of medical courses in the USA after 12th for Indian students, one must complete a one-year internship. Graduates of the BDS program can work in dental hospitals, academic institutions, and research centers or start their own dental practice.

Course Duration: Four years of study + one-year internship.

Job Prospects after DDS:

  1. Dentist: Graduates can work as dentists in their own clinics or join established dental practices.
  2. Orthodontist: Specializing in orthodontics allows graduates to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.
  3. Oral Surgeon: Those interested in surgical procedures can pursue a career as oral surgeons.
  4. Dental Researcher: There are several prospects in dental research that contribute to advancements in oral healthcare.
  5. Dental Educator: Graduates can become dental educators and teach aspiring dental students.

Test Universities for DDS medical courses in the USA after 12th:

  1. University of Michigan
  2. University of California, San Francisco
  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  4. Columbia University

Average Salary: A dentist's average salary is 221,031 USD (Source: Glassdoor) annually in the USA.

3. Bachelor of Nursing (BSc Nursing)

One of the best courses in the USA after 12th non-medical is the Bachelor of Nursing (BSc Nursing). It is for individuals passionate about patient care and nursing practice. This course focuses on developing students' clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and leadership qualities.

Course Duration: The BSc Nursing program is generally four years.

Job Prospects after BSN Nursing:

  1. Registered Nurse: Graduates can work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.
  2. Nurse Educator: Those interested in teaching can become nurse educators, training future generations of nurses.
  3. Nurse Practitioner: Pursuing further studies can lead to becoming a nurse practitioner, providing advanced healthcare services.
  4. Nurse Researcher: Opportunities exist in nursing research, contributing to evidence-based practice.
  5. Nurse Administrator: Graduates can work in administrative roles, overseeing nursing departments and healthcare facilities.

 Top Universities Offering BSN medical courses in the USA after 12th:

  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Duke University
  3. Emory University
  4. University of Washington

Average Salary: A registered nurse’s average salary is 92,112 USD (Source: Indeed) annually in the USA.

4. Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) program is for students interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry. This program covers pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, drug delivery systems, and pharmacy practice subjects. 

Course Duration: The BPharm program typically takes four years to complete.

Job Prospects after BPharm:

  1. Pharmacist: Graduates can work as pharmacists in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies.
  2. Clinical Pharmacist: Those interested in patient care can become clinical pharmacists and work directly with healthcare professionals to optimize medication therapy.
  3. Pharmaceutical Researcher: Opportunities in pharmaceutical research for new drug development.
  4. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Graduates can work in sales and marketing roles, promoting pharmaceutical products.
  5. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Graduates can work in regulatory affairs, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Top Universities in the USA for BPharm degree program:

  1. University of California, San Francisco
  2. University of Michigan
  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  4. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Average Salary: The average salary of a Pharmacist in the USA is 131,022 USD (Source: Indeed) per year.

5. Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)

The Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) program centralizes training students in the field of physical therapy. This program prepares students to diagnose and treat movement dysfunctions and promote overall physical well-being. The curriculum covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and therapeutic exercise.

Course Duration: The course typically lasts for four years

Job Prospects after DPT:

  1. Physiotherapist: Graduates can work as physiotherapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices.
  2. Sports Physiotherapist: Those interested in sports medicine can specialize in sports physiotherapy, working with athletes to prevent and treat injuries.
  3. Pediatric Physiotherapist: Work with children to improve their physical development and mobility.
  4. Geriatric Physiotherapist: Graduates can work with elderly patients, helping them maintain or regain their independence and mobility.
  5. Researcher: Pursuing further studies can lead to a career in physiotherapy research and evidence-based practice.

Top universities offering DPT medical courses in the USA after the 12th for Indian students:

  1. University of Pittsburgh
  2. University of Southern California
  3. University of Delaware
  4. University of Miami

Average Salary: The average salary of a DPT in the USA is 75,000 USD (Source: Pay scale) per year.

6. Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BSc Biomedical Sciences)

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BSc Biomedical Sciences) program is the study of human health, disease, and medical research. This course gives a strong foundation in the biological and medical sciences and prepares them for careers in research, healthcare, or higher studies. 

Course Duration: The BSc Biomedical Sciences program is normally four years.

Job Prospects after BSc Biomedical Sciences:

  1. Medical Researcher: Graduates can work as medical researchers, conducting studies to advance medical knowledge. 
  2. Biomedical Scientist: Those interested in laboratory work can become biomedical scientists, analyzing samples and conducting experiments. 
  3. Healthcare Consultant: Graduates can work as healthcare consultants, advising organizations on medical and scientific matters. 
  4. Biotechnology Specialist: Take higher studies in the biotechnology industry to develop new therapies and treatments. 

Top universities offering BSc Biomedical Sciences best courses in USA after 12th non-medical students:

  1. Harvard University
  2. Stanford University
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Average Salary: The average annual salary for a Biomedical Scientist is 79,954 USD (Source: Payscale).

7. Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Science, and the Humanities

The Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Science, and the Humanities program is a unique interdisciplinary course that combines medical, scientific, and humanities subjects. This course provides students with a well-rounded education, fostering a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of medicine. 

Course Duration: The duration of this program varies depending on the university and specific curriculum.

Job Prospects after Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Science, and the Humanities:

  1. Healthcare Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as healthcare policy analysts, analyzing healthcare systems and policies.
  2. Medical Writer: Those with strong communication skills can become medical writers and create content for healthcare publications and organizations.
  3. Medical Humanities Educator: Become medical humanities educators, teaching subjects that bridge the gap between medicine and the humanities.
  4. Healthcare Administrator: Graduates can work in administrative roles within healthcare organizations and manage operations and resources.

Universities for bachelor of arts in medicine, science, and the humanities best courses in USA after 12th non-medical students:

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. Yale University
  3. The University of Texas 

Average Salary: The average annual salary of a Healthcare Administrator is 77,249 USD (Source: Payscale).

8. Bachelor of Public Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Public Health Sciences program is another one of the best courses in the USA after 12th non-medical. It is a multidisciplinary course with a broad understanding of various aspects of healthcare. This course covers topics such as healthcare management, health policy, public health, and healthcare technology.

Course Duration: The duration of the BHS program is typically four years.

Job Prospects after BPHS:

  1. Healthcare Manager: Graduates can work as healthcare managers, overseeing the operations of healthcare facilities.
  2. Health Educator: Those interested in promoting health and wellness can become health educators, providing education and resources to communities.
  3. Healthcare Consultant: Graduates can work as healthcare consultants, advising organizations on healthcare strategies and improvements.
  4. Healthcare IT Specialist: Pursue further studies in healthcare technology and become a healthcare IT specialist to manage and implement technology solutions in healthcare settings.

Here are the leading universities for BHS degree medical courses in USA after the 12th for Indian students:

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Michigan
  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  4. University of Washington

Average Salary: The average annual salary of a Bachelor of Science (BS / BSc) in Public Health (PH) is 62,000 USD(Source: Pay scale).

Eligibility Requirements for Medical Students in the USA

To be eligible for medical school in the USA, applicants must fulfill specific academic prerequisites:

Biology

Applicants must complete one year of biology with labs. One year of advanced study is required if an undergraduate college accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credit for the introductory-level biology requirement. This additional year should include at least one semester of the lab, with two semesters recommended.

Physics

One year of physics with one semester of the lab is required. If an undergraduate college accepts AP credit for the introductory-level physics requirement, no further coursework in physics is necessary.

Chemistry

Two years of chemistry are required, including one year of organic chemistry, both with labs. If an undergraduate college accepts AP credit for introductory-level chemistry, no additional upper-level chemistry coursework is needed beyond organic chemistry.

Biochemistry

Applicants should have completed at least one semester of biochemistry. While a lab is recommended, it is not mandatory.

MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test that all applicants must take. The MCAT assesses an applicant's knowledge and skills in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and critical analysis. The average MCAT score required is usually 511.

Higher GPA

Academic excellence is expected from medical school applicants. There are no specific minimum grade point average (GPA) or MCAT score requirements, but applicants should aim for high grades, particularly in scientific courses. The Admissions Committees look for applicants who have received a combination of As and Bs in scientific courses, with more As than Bs.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency during the application process in the form of IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The required IELTS score usually ranges from 6.5-7.0.

Related Topics:

Medical Colleges in Malaysia

Medical Colleges in Kazakhstan

Medical Colleges in Turkey

Medical Colleges in Kyrgyzstan

Medical Colleges in Vietnam

Medical Colleges in Bangladesh

Medical Colleges in Philippines

Medical Courses in Canada

Conclusion

The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, and competent professionals in a broad spectrum of disciplines are in high demand. By choosing the right medical course and gaining valuable knowledge and skills, you can embark on a rewarding healthcare career. 

Consider the finest colleges offering medical courses in the USA after 12th, research career opportunities, and make an educated decision about your future in the medical field.

FAQs

Are these medical courses limited to students who have completed their 12th grade in the USA?

No, these medical courses are open to both domestic and international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

How can I improve my chances of getting into a top university for these medical courses?

To improve your chances of getting into a top university, focus on maintaining a high GPA, clear the MCAT entrance test, and submit strong letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Can I pursue postgraduate studies after completing these bachelor's courses in the medical field?

Yes, after completing your bachelor's degree, you can pursue postgraduate studies in specialized areas of the medical field, such as medicine, public health, or healthcare administration.

Did you find this article helpful?

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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