The medical schools in North Carolina are some of the best in the country. While the state doesn’t have a ton of schools, each is very well-respected with many achieving high rankings nationally.
It’s also a great state to consider if you’re interested in primary care. Some of the North Carolina medical schools on our list below are considered to be some of the best in the country when it comes to primary care, and many students attend medical school in this state for that very reason.
This list lays out all the medical schools in North Carolina so you can figure out which is the best fit for you. You’ll find out acceptance data (like GPA and MCAT requirements) as well as general info about each school.
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
- Location: Greenville, NC
- GPA: 3.66
- MCAT: 508
- Tuition: $22,988 In-state
- Public/Private: Public
Located in Greenville, North Carolina, the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University one of the state’s newer schools. It was established in 1969. The student population is less than 500, providing a more intimate educational experience. The school has received acclaim throughout the years, including special recognition for being a leader in family and rural medicine.
The Brody School of Medicine is a part of East Carolina University. It has partnerships with Vidant Health. In fact, the campus is located adjacent to the Vidant Medical Center, where students work alongside professionals during their clinical clerkships.
The school offers several degrees. In addition to the standard M.D., the school has Ph.D. programs and a Masters program for Public Health.
Throughout your education at the Brody School of Medicine, you will gain experience in several specialty areas. The school is a pioneer in minimally invasive robotic surgery. It also has an advanced cardiovascular disease center and biotechnology center.
Duke University School of Medicine
- Location: Durham, NC
- GPA: 3.86
- MCAT: 518
- Tuition: $63,781 In-state, $63,781 Out-of-state
- Public/Private: Private
The Duke University School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the state of North Carolina. It was established in 1930 and continues to be a leading biomedical research institute.
As a student at Duke University School of Medicine, you will have plenty of opportunities to gain clinical experience. While the school does focus heavily on the fundamentals of medicine, it’s a part of the Duke University Health System. The integrated health care system encompasses several hospitals, VA clinics, a large network of primary care physicians, and more.
The primary locations for clerkships are the Duke University Medical Center and Duke University Hospital. However, you can shadow professionals in virtually any field to gain experience that you can use towards your chosen specialty.
Beyond your education, you can also partake in a plethora of research opportunities. Duke University is one of the top research institutes in the nation. In 2016 alone, the school brought in 700 million dollars with research projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- GPA: 3.81
- MCAT: 514
- Tuition: $32,387 In-state, $59,266 Out-of-state
- Public/Private: Public
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine also referred to as UNC School of Medicine, is an institute focused on innovative technology and team-oriented education. Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the school has partnerships with hospitals throughout the state.
In recent years, the UNC School of Medicine changed its curriculum to cover the changing medical landscape. During your first year, your education will encompass the scientific principles of medicine. Four blocks covering important fundamentals are taught by lecturers from a variety of fields, exposing you to different specialties early on.
The second year of your education is centered around technology and physical diagnoses. Clinical cases are presented as well, giving you an early taste of what’s to come during your final years.
During your clinical clerkships, you will study at UNC hospitals and other medical centers in North Carolina. Your third year focuses on core medicine. However, during your final year of education, you can study several specialties and gain experience in your chosen field.
Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
- Location: Winston Salem, NC
- GPA: 3.73
- MCAT: 512
- Tuition: $58,823 In-state, $58,823 Out-of-state
- Public/Private: Private
The Wake Forest School of Medicine is a private institute that offers several degree programs. The primary goal of the school is to educate future physicians and grant a traditional M.D. degree. However, you can also enroll in joint Ph.D. programs and joint Master’s programs.
The school was founded in 1902 and is closely affiliated with the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Throughout its history, the school has received recognition for its innovative curriculum and research-heavy approach to medical training.
When you’re enrolled at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, you will spend your first year learning about the foundations of medicine and be exposed to the introductory curriculum. This prepares you for the second year, which focuses heavily on the pathophysiology of diseases.
Finally, your final two years are spent shadowing working professionals in the medical field. The Wake Forest School of Medicine allows you to study is several locations. Primarily, students gain experience at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. However, you can also choose to do your electives in a foreign country to learn more about medicine in other parts of the world.
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Location: Lillington, NC
- GPA: 3.5
- MCAT: 503
- Tuition: $47,900 In-state, $47,900 Out-of-state
- Public/Private: Private
The Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine is the only osteopathic medical school in the state of North Carolina. Thus, it’s the only school where you can get a DO degree.
Osteopathic medicine deals with improving the entire body to achieve good health. In addition to learning about the fundamentals of medicine, your curriculum here will focus on whole-body care. This can prepare you for a career as a family doctor or primary care physician.
The school is located in Lillington, North Carolina. The rural setting provides a close setting to learn. It also exposes you to different types of patients that you wouldn’t normally be exposed to in a more populated area. During your clerkships, you will travel to various clinics and hospitals around the state to gain more hands-on experience.
Taking The Next Step
Now that you know what medical schools in North Carolina are available, it’s time to decide which is right for you. With so many great options, you’ll surely be able to find one that catches your eye!
Since some of these schools can get competitive it’s normal to be concerned about the possibility of getting accepted. If you want to improve your chances of getting accepted to the school you’re interested in, get in touch with us!
We’ve helped hundreds of students get accepted to medical schools in North Carolina and other states as well.
