The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Office of Admissions
910 Madison Avenue, Suite 1043 | Memphis, TN 38163
I am thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you to consider the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine as your educational home for the transformative journey ahead. As the Executive Dean and Vice Chancellor of Clinical Affairs, I am immensely proud to lead a College of Medicine dedicated to excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care.
At the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, we are committed to fostering an environment of collaborative and inclusive learning, where students are empowered to become compassionate and skilled physicians. As a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), our rigorous curriculum ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
One of the unique aspects of our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is our clinical training model, where medical students spend their first two years on the Memphis Campus before the opportunity to rotate through all four campuses for clinical training. This provides our students with exposure to a wide range of patient populations and healthcare settings, preparing them for a successful career in medicine. With more than $95 million in research revenues, our institution is at the forefront of cutting-edge medical research and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence also extends beyond undergraduate medical education, as evidenced by our accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Our college boasts over 1,200 residents and fellows across more than 100 ACGME accredited training programs, further enriching the educational experience for our students.
Our clinical enterprise, comprising multiple physician practice groups and partnerships with leading medical centers, ensures that our students have access to world-class clinical training opportunities. Whether it’s through our partnerships with Regional One Health, Methodist University Hospital, or Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Erlanger Hospital System in Chattanooga, West Tennessee Medical Group, UT Medical Center in Knoxville, or Ascension Saint Thomas Ascension in Nashville, our students are immersed in a rich clinical environment from day one.
Aligned with the mission of the UT Health Science Center – “Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities,” the College of Medicine is a community dedicated to transforming lives through collaborative and inclusive education, research/scholarship, clinical care, and public service. I encourage you to reach out to the College of Medicine Office of Admissions with any questions and invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey and become a part of our legacy of excellence in healthcare.
G. Nicholas Verne, MD
Interim Executive Dean and Vice Chancellor of Clinical Affairs, College of Medicine
CURRICULUM
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) curriculum has two phases. The pre-clinical phase has foundational courses in anatomy, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and clinical medicine, all presented in an integrated format. There are ample research and community service opportunities. The clinical phase consists of seven clerkships in the third year, and a wide range of specialty electives and junior internships in the fourth year.
Options to complete an MD/PhD or MD/ MPH are available, as is a Scholar’s Year in which students can complete a year of research, typically taken between the preclinical and clinical phases of the curriculum.
Clinical Rotations
Students in the College of Medicine complete their clinical rotations across the state of Tennessee in locations such as Memphis, Jackson, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. During the clerkships, students focus their attention and efforts on patient problem-solving and experience an increasing level of responsibility throughout the rotations.
Accelerated MD Program
3-Year MD Program – This pathway allows students to complete medical school more rapidly and with reduced cost. The 3-year parallel curriculum is directed at highly motivated students who have pre-determined their specialty area and who wish to complete their residency here at the UT Health Science Center within one of the following specialties: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medicine-Pediatrics, Neurology, Pediatrics, or Psychiatry. This program is designed to benefit students by reducing student debt, allowing them to get a head start in residency training and their income earning potential, and provide them with early access to faculty mentors within your chosen specialty.
Affiliated Hospitals Across Tennessee
Include but not Limited to:
Regional One Health, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Baptist Hospital, The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Methodist Hospital, St. Thomas Acencion, Erlanger Hospital, and UT Medical Center
Co-Curricular Certificate in Social Determinants of Health
The Co-Curricular Social Determinant of Health Certificate teaches students core content knowledge about how the conditions in which people live, work, and play impact health outcomes. Students have the opportunity to use this knowledge in practice through communitybased service-learning opportunities. Students may enroll in the certificate at anytime and may complete the required components at their own pace.
UTHSC CAMPUS
Nestled in the heart of the Memphis Medical District, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine campus is part of the largest medical university in the southeastern United States and stands proudly as the flagship public academic institution for training, research, and clinical care serving the citizens of Tennessee and the region. Our 55acre campus is strategically located centrally to a top children’s research hospital, a Level I trauma center, a major Veterans Administration facility, and dozens of outstanding private hospitals and specialty clinics. Students are provided access to the best in instructional facilities and an exceptional faculty of nationally recognized teachers, clinicians, and research scientists.
Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation (CHIPS)
At the UT Health Science Center students embark on a journey of interprofessional and hands-on learning unparalleled by most colleges of medicine nationwide. Students from medicine, nursing, and pharmacy train together in the campus-based Interprofessional Simulation and Patient Safety Center, developing skills to deliver team-based health care, which is the model for the highest-quality care today. High-tech manikins and employees hired to portray patients in clinical encounters help learners hone their communication skills in sharing treatment plans with patients. The state-of-the-art facilities include one of the largest standalone buildings dedicated to healthcare simulation in the country at 45,000 square feet, including the Robert Kaplan Clinical Skills Center.
The Robert J. Kaplan, M.D. Clinical Skills Center (CSC) is a place for teaching, assessment, and improvement of clinical skills and communication for future health care professionals. Clinical skills include physical examination, medical history taking, and interpersonal communication skills. Through the use of standardized patients (SPs), students have the opportunity for hands-on experience. The program uses standardized patients to provide realistic clinical experience to students in risk-free, simulated patient situations, and also allows students to get immediate feedback on these skills.
Student Life Academic Support
The Office of Student Academic Success supports students through services to enhance learning, coping, and student performance. Academic Success provides free unlimited programming, services, and resources to assist students in adjusting to the emotional, academic, social, and physical demands of the health science curricula and health science professions.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation services provide group fitness classes, personal training, intramural sports, and affordable outdoor camping and boating rentals. The fitness center includes group fitness rooms, weightlifting and cardio equipment, a bouldering wall, swimming pool, and hot tub.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center campus is part of an investment region spanning downtown, Mud Island, South Bluffs, and the medical district. Twentysix thousand residents enjoying the heart of the city trend younger, highly educated, and active. The city touts 167 parks totaling 3,219 acres, 60 miles of bike lanes, 300 bikes from 45 Bike Share stations, fleets of thousands of electric scooters, and miles of running/biking/walking paths along the Mississippi River, the Green Line, Overton Square, and Shelby Farms, the second largest urban park in the nation.
Named the Next Hot Southern City by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Memphis is emerging as a destination for living, working, and playing. Consistently recognized as one of the most affordable cities in the nation, the city allows students to enjoy numerous festivals, museums, and cultural landmarks. Between the Memphis in May International Festival, iconic Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Sun Studios, Stax Museum, Dixon Gardens, the Broadway Series at the Orpheum, the Memphis Grizzlies, Redbirds, and one of the most diverse food scenes in the country, it’s no wonder Memphis was included in TIME Magazine’s “100 of the World’s Greatest Places”.
The rich, cultural history of the city has been shaped by the roots of blues, soul, and rock ‘n roll, a legacy of civil rights movements, and an authenticity that can embrace character and welcome the future at the same time.
CHATTANOOGA
The University of Tennessee College of Medicine and Erlanger signed a formal affiliation agreement effective January 16, 1974, to officially recognize that the University would provide oversight, clinical experience, and education for UT Medical Students at Erlanger, as well as Graduate and Continuing Medical Education. Practicing physicians involved with medical education were appointed as Faculty of the University and local Department Chairs were identified.
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine - Chattanooga being responsible for all Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post-Graduate Medical Education in Chattanooga. Through that affiliation, Erlanger is designated as the primary clinical training site for all medical education in Chattanooga. Our medical and PA students, residents, fellows, and faculty are involved in the clinical care of almost every patient seeking treatment at Erlanger.
Knoxville, Tennessee provides a wealth of educational and clinical opportunities to our students. In addition to being on-site at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and only academic medical center, our students have access to several other area hospitals and dozens of excellent clinical and community practice sites in Knox and surrounding counties. Students participate in multi-disciplinary learning experiences with physicians, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, as well as students from the same backgrounds. This allows us to provide tremendous learning, research, and clinical experiences for our students and faculty.
In addition to top-notch educational opportunities, our students have access to all the best in university and community resources, activities, and events. Our students in Knoxville may take advantage of all of the student programming and activities at the University of Tennessee Knoxville: speakers, plays, sports and exercise facilities, even tickets to athletic events! In addition to all of that, there are a number of festivals and events that happen in and around downtown Knoxville throughout the year: the International Biscuit Festival, Dogwood Arts Festival, Rossini Festival, Greek Fest, Festival on the 4th, Brewers’ Jam, and the Market Square Farmers’ Market, to name just a very few. There is always something happening around town!
We also have plenty of scenery and fun for those of you who like to spend your time outdoors. Of course, there is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with miles of trails, activities, and camping. But there are also eighty-five miles of greenway around Knox County, as well as regional trails, nature parks, rock climbing, and too many lakes and rivers to count. If there is an outdoor sport you love, there is a place to find it in Knoxville!
Students rotating in Nashville have interprofessional learning opportunities with students in pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant, and social work. Nashville offers the excitement of experiencing Music City! Major attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Old Opry, Madame Tussauds Nashville, and Parthenon, as well as our professional sports teams, The Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. Nashville hosts one of the most active music scenes in the country, from country to rock and indie and is home to the CMA Music Fest and CMA Awards show, the famous Music Row and a host of records companies!
Ascension Saint Thomas is a ministry of Tennessee acute care hospitals, medical practices, and market partnerships united by a single mission: to provide spiritually centered, holistic care that sustains and improves the health of the communities we serve. Comprised of nine acute care facilities, one of the region’s largest medical groups and a vast network of health and wellness partnerships, Ascension Saint Thomas is the only faithbased, non-profit health system in Middle Tennessee, serving as the area’s low-cost, high quality care provider.
2,628 Applications received
416 Interviews conducted
257 Offers of acceptance
MCAT
159 In-state enrollees
16 Out-of-state enrollees
13 Enrollees from rural areas
110,615 Research hours completed
65,048 Service hours completed
16 with an advanced degree
Residency Matching Statistics (2024)
States Represented in the 2024 Match
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Our mission of access and engagement encompasses the entire college, from students to faculty, staff, and alumni. Programming and educational strategies are identified to build an inclusive infrastructure within the College of Medicine. The faculty and leadership are dedicated to supporting students, ensuring they feel a strong sense of belonging and are well-guided throughout their educational journey. Our students are our best ambassadors and meeting with some of our current students during the interview process is a great way to learn about why you may be happy here, too.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Our students in the College of Medicine also possess a heart to serve humankind. The College of Medicine has many active student organizations to foster community and serve the city of Memphis through volunteerism. The organizations listed are just a few of the many that we have on campus for students to build relationships and collaborate with fellow classmates and colleagues. In addition to a variety of student organizations, the College of Medicine has many student interest groups related to various medical specialties in which students can become involved.
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
American Medical Association Medical Student Section
Gold Humanism Honor Society
Health Students Teaching Memphis Youth
Medical Student Executive Council
Memphis Street Health
Student National Medical Association
We use a holistic admissions approach to evaluate candidates that are ready to add their individual stamps of honesty, intelligence, compassion, integrity, and hard work to the profession of medicine. In this process, numerous factors are considered including academic performance, references, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
Our students in the College of Medicine are dedicated to serving their communities through healthcare and they spend a significant amount of time volunteering within Memphis and across the state of Tennessee. Donating their time to give back to the community and gaining valuable experience in patient care sets our students apart. We invite you to apply to join a future class!
ADMISSIONS
Application Deadline: November 15
All students apply to UT Health Science Center College of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Please visit the AMCAS school directory for updates. The College of Medicine invites the most competitive students to an interview
which is conducted virtually via Zoom. Interviews take place during the late fall and spring. The college utilizes a rolling admissions process, which concludes by March.
All admitted students begin the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in the fall semester.
Admissions Requirements
In order to be considered for admission to the College of Medicine, applicants must complete 90 semester hours of required prerequisite coursework at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. Applicants may submit their AMCAS application prior to completing all prerequisite courses. A bachelor’s degree is not a requirement for admission. Although a student may be given a conditional admission, no student will be enrolled who has not finished all required courses prior to enrollment. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the spring semester. Admission to the College of Medicine requires the completion of a minimum of 90 hours of pre-professional coursework, distributed as follows:
Acceptable courses in physics must include laboratory credits and must adequately cover mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Survey types of courses will not satisfy this requirement. Eight semester hours in modern concepts of mammalian biology, including laboratory are required. Courses in botany do not meet this requirement. Applicants who have been awarded advanced placement credit or other non-traditional credit in prerequisite science courses by their undergraduate institution will have those credits honored in fulfilling requirements for the College of Medicine, provided such placement has been followed by a more advanced course in the same discipline. Example: an applicant granted credit for biology will be required to complete the eight (8) semester hour requirement by taking advanced courses in that discipline..
Eight semester hours must be in organic chemistry and another eight semester hours must be in inorganic chemistry, which may include general or analytical chemistry. Each of these courses must be a complete, standard, college-level course utilizing full laboratory facilities.
Facility in the use of both oral and written English is considered highly essential to the successful study of medicine. Introductory freshman English (six semester hours) will meet the admission requirement. Students who qualify for advanced placement credit in English will not be required to take additional English courses, although such students are encouraged to do so.
TUITION, FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2024-25 Annual Tuition
In-State Tuition: $36,101 | Out of State Tuition: $54,152 | UT Health Science Center FAFSA Code: 006725
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Most medical students at UT Health Science Center College of Medicine receive some form of financial assistance to cover their educational expenses. To be eligible to receive financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA).
The three types of financial aid include grants, scholarships, and loans. While most of the aid awarded to medical students consists of loan programs, there are also scholarships available to medical students.
The Committee on Admissions selects accepted applicants to be considered for the College of Medicine merit-based scholarships. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership ability, interview performance, and personal qualities. Assuming continued demonstration of academic success, these scholarships are available up to four years. Additionally, students may be considered for diversity scholarships, with preference given to those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is an EEO/AA/Title VI Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.
