Forum: AUC Medical School Forum Location:St. Maarten Basic Science Tuition: $13,200/semester Clinical Science Tuition: $14,600/semester USA Clinical Rotations: Yes Time required for MD: 9.5 semesters Student Loans: Stafford Loans and others Year Founded: 1978 Website: AUC Med School Website Email: Email AUC Album: AUC Medical School Album Books: AUC Medical Books Survey: AUC Medical School review

A Brief History of Netherland Antilles by The World Factbook 2008

Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Saint Martin is shared with France; its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles; its northern portion, called Saint Martin, is an overseas collectivity of France. Read More

Since 1978, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine has excelled at providing medical education to students from the U.S. and around the world. Our extensive M.D. faculty of experts is dedicated to teaching medical and clinical sciences, as well as sought after surgical techniques.

AUC Medical School’s academic program is modeled after U.S. medical school curricula. Medical students receive exceptional preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2. Basic sciences are taught on St. Maarten and clinical rotations are offered at affiliated hospitals in he U.S., U.K., and Ireland. AUC medical students also participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

AUC School of Medicien is fully accredited per the regulations of the U.S. Department of Education and is approved for the U.S. Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Over 3,500 licensed medical graduates practice medicine throughout the United States. They have entered all aspects of mainstream medicine: private practice, universities, government agencies, and managed care facilities.

A solid foundation in basic medical sciences is essential for the development of strong clinical skills. At American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, a carefully designed basic science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully progress through the clinical phase of medical education. The basic science faculty in St. Maarten are an exceptional group of professors and scholars who are dedicated to teaching and who spend a great deal of time with the students. The final phase of the basic science education involves preparation for the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

The opportunities for clinical education are many and varied. American University of the Caribbean has clinical sites in the United States, England, and Ireland. All sites offer the same basic clinical education even though there may be local differences due to the venue. Once core rotations in Medicine, Family Practice, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Surgery are complete, students have the opportunity to take elective rotations in a wide array of clinical disciplines.

We welcome you as you begin your journey into medical education. You will find it stimulating and sometimes difficult, but always rewarding. As you progress, you will realize that learning should be a life long habit for a physician. Before you graduate, you will develop the tools that enable you to continue the learning process as well as gain the knowledge and skills to succeed as a physician. Our exceptional faculty members and administrative team are available to assist you and respond to any concerns quickly and efficiently.

American University of the Caribbean’s medical school curriculum is comprises of 9 1/2 semesters: (5) semesters of basic medical sciences taught at the St. Maarten campus, and (4.5) semesters of clinical medical sciences taught at affiliated hospitals in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland.

Rolling admission begins January, May, and September with semester terms of approximately 16 weeks each. AUC students may earn an M.D. in as little as 38 months if all course work is taken continuously.

Basic Medical Sciences

During semesters 1-5, students concentrate on studying basic medical sciences for 20 months. AUC administers both subject and comprehensive review exams intended to provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the medical board examinations. While they are not counted toward a student's academic grade, they are used to assess his or her readiness to be certified to take the medical board examinations. The fifth semester course "Biological Basis of Clinical Medicine" encompasses a fifteen-week board examination review course. As a part of our clinical introduction during the 5th semester on the Basic Sciences Campus, students are taught Universal Precaution for Bodily Fluids and basic HIPAA standards.

After completing basic medical sciences, students are required to take the USMLE Step 1. Upon successfully passing the exam, students proceed to clinical medical sciences in which clinical rotations are focused.

Students receive preparation for the USMLE via the Basic Science curriculum, Kaplan review courses, which last 16 weeks, an electronic final exam of seven hours simulating the actual USMLE, and course examinations that have been written in USMLE format.

Clinical Medical Sciences

During semesters 6-9.5, students experience clerkships focused on clinical medical sciences for 72 weeks. Clerkships consist of Clinical Core Rotations and Clinical Elective Rotations at approximately 30 clinical sites. Sites in the U.S. offer residency programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or are affiliated with a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME).

After completing core clerkship rotations students are eligible to take the USMLE Step 2. Upon successfully passing the exam, students proceed to a residency program. Most students take Step 2 before graduation in order that they are ECFMG certified and then apply for a residency.

AUC reserves the right to change the curriculum at any time, without prior notice. AUC may schedule classes or examinations on any day of the week.

Originally founded in Montserrat, British West Indies, American University of the Caribbean relocated its medical science campus to St. Maarten, in the Netherlands Antilles, due to volcanic eruptions on Montserrat in 1995.

The first two academic years (5 semesters of Basic Medical Sciences) are taught on the island of St. Maarten at state-of-the art medical campus situated in the heart of an idyllic Caribbean setting. Completed in 1998, the multi-million dollar campus features architecturally designed facilities that promote teaching and learning, as well as encourage an overall living experience for students.

The medical campus includes a dramatic three-story atrium, courtyard, and beautiful landscaping. All buildings are air-conditioned while external structures are accommodated with breezeways and shaded areas. Comprehensive study is promoted to students by providing them with contemporary lecture halls enhanced with audio/visual technology, fully equipped biological science and anatomical dissection laboratories, clinical patient examination rooms, an extensive library with an up-to-date student computer center, and more. A convenient cafeteria is available as well as numerous common areas designed for student study and relaxation.

AUC has a faculty of M.D.'s and P.H.D.'s primarily trained in the United States and United Kingdom who teach at the medical campus.

In close proximity to the medical campus, are student living facilities comprised of apartments located within a 5-minute walk to/from the campus.

Leading the Way for Quality and In-Demand Education

• AUC Medical School was founded in 1978 and has since provided medical students with quality education and hands-on instruction


• Over 3,500 medical graduates have become licensed and practice medicine throughout the United States


• The standards used to accredit AUC School of Medicine have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as being comparable to the standards applicable to U.S. medical schools.


• Expert faculty consists of over 500 M.D.'s and PH.D.'s primarily trained in the U.S. and U.K.


• AUC is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Medical Organization


• American University of the Caribbean is approved for the U.S. Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP).


• AUC School of Medicine's attrition rate in 2004 for the basic science campus is 11% while the overall rate for the medical school is 7.5%.

Providing Superlative Medical Training and Skills Second to None

• Medical students may earn an M.D. in as little as 38 months if all course work is taken continuously


• AUC Medical School’s state-of-the art medical campus features laboratories, examination rooms, library, technology-based study aids, computer labs, and more


• Rolling admission begins January, May, and September with semesters of approximately 16 weeks each


• AUC Medical School’s curriculum is comprised of 9 ½ semesters: (5) semesters of basic medical sciences taught on St. Maarten and (4.5) semesters of clinical medical sciences taught at affiliated hospitals in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland


• Medical students may participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and graduates are eligible for U.S. residency


• Medical students receive preparation for the United States Medical Lisencing Examination (USMLE) through the Basic Science curriculum, review courses, simulated USMLE exams, and taking all course examinations in USMLE format.


• Clinical clerkships available U.S.,U.K., and Ireland

Offering Students Exceptional Living Experiences While Learning

• AUC’s medical campus is located in the reputable world-class tourist destination of St. Maarten, where English is commonly spoken and the standard of living is unsurpassed in the Caribbean


• Student housing includes new and fully furnished apartments with ocean views, kitchen facilities, and recreational amenities that are within a 5-minute walk to campus


• Student resources include a student government association, organizations, clubs, and services as well as a diverse student body and active student life

How long has the AUC School of Medicine been in operation?

American University of the Caribbean was established in 1978 and has been operating continuously since then. The medical science campus was originally located at Montserrat, however it was relocated to St. Maarten in 1995 when a volcano on the island became active. As a result, AUC's campus in St. Maarten is entirely new and designed specifically to suit the requirements of a modern medical school.

Is AUC School of Medicine accredited?

Yes, American University of the Caribbean's medical school facilities and curriculum are accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) according to standards that are comparable to those set by the Liaison Council for Medical Education (LCME). AUC students are therefore eligible to apply for U.S. Federal Student Loans.

How does AUC prepare students for the USMLE?

The entire basic science curriculum is preparation for the USMLE. We prepare students by writing all course examinations in USMLE format; by offering the Kaplan Review Course which is a summary review lasting 16 weeks; and an electronic final exam of seven hours simulating the actual USMLE.

May AUC students undertake clinical rotations in the United States?

Yes, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine has affiliated core clinical sites in the U.S. There are also numerous core clinical sites in the U.K. and Ireland that are available to AUC students. Many students find that there is more opportunity for hands-on patient contact and direct supervision by a physician at these hospitals than may be available with American clerkships.

AUC students are generally considered equally prepared for clinical rotations as students participating from U.S. medical schools. All AUC students are required to take the USMLE Step 1 prior to commencing clinical rotations. AUC's clinical coordinators are dedicated to helping students arrange their core and elective clinical rotations.

Are AUC's clinical programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)?

American University of the Caribbean’s clinical programs in the U.S. are ACGME accredited and are conducted in hospitals that are affiliated with a U.S. medical school. AUC's medical students participate in the same clinical clerkships as U.S. medical students, with the same supervision and controls.

What is AUC's attrition rate?

In 2004, the attrition rate for the basic science campus was 11%. The overall attrition rate for the medical school in 2004 was 7.5%.

Does AUC offer placement in a Residency Program?

AUC graduates participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) along with graduates of schools in the U.S.

Do AUC students become licensed to practice medicine in the United States?

Yes, American University of the Caribbean is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. This means that AUC students are eligible to take all of the USMLE examinations under the auspices of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to obtain licensure in the United States.

Where is the medical science campus located?

The newly constructed medical facilities are located in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. The campus overlooks beautiful Simpson Bay Lagoon and is adjacent to the 18-hole championship Mullet Bay Golf Course.

How would you describe the AUC campus facilities?

AUC opened a new medical science complex in 1998, which features up-to-date facilities for comprehensive medical study, including modern classrooms, fully equipped laboratories, an extensive library, state-of-the-art computer center, and a faculty research institute.

How long is the academic program at AUC?

A student may graduate in as little as 38 months if all course work is taken continously. American University of the Caribbean offers three 16-week semesters beginning in September, January, and May. The medical curriculum consists of 9.5 semesters, 5 semesters of basic sciences taught at the St. Maarten campus, and 4.5 semesters of clinical rotations taught at affiliated hospitals throughout the U.S., U.K. and Ireland.

Is financial aid available and will it meet the cost of tuition?

Yes, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is approved for the Federal (Stafford) Student Loan program. Therefore subsidized and unsubsidized financial loans are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Private loans may also be arranged. The Office of Financial Aid, at the Medical Education Administrative Services, is available to discuss any particular requirements.

When is the application deadline?

Due to AUC's rolling admissions policy, there is no deadline for applying to American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. However, prospective students should plan on completing their application 4-5 months prior to the semester they would like to enter.

How long do decisions take?

Once an application is complete and submitted to the Admission committee for review, a decision is typically made within 6 weeks.