Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Reviewed: 2/8/24
If you’re a Michigan pre-med student or medical school hopeful, it’s worth researching the medical school programs your home state has to offer. This guide will teach you all you need to know about medical schools in Michigan.
Historically, Michigan has been known as the center of the automotive industry in the United States. But those days are long gone. Michigan now has a diversified economy and a sizable, diverse population. There are people of all ethnicities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses in the state. It also has large urban areas like Detroit along with suburban and rural areas.
We will go through the best medical school in Michigan and provide you with information about each school, including its mission statement, median GPA, median MCAT score, tuition cost, background information, and selection factors.
Michigan has seven medical schools:
Most of these Michigan medical schools focus on bringing more family physicians into the workforce and addressing the state’s physician shortage.
Three schools are listed among the top 100 in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report: University of Michigan Medical School, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and Michigan State Medical School.
Medical schools in Michigan are like most other medical schools in terms of competition. It is not easy to get accepted. Out-of-state students face a greater challenge in getting accepted as some schools prefer in-state applicants.
Michigan boasts an impressive roster of medical schools. Before you start applying to any of them, the first step you should take is to learn more about each school and its requirements.
Below is a list of all Michigan medical schools and important information about each, including an overview of each school, selection factors, tuition rates, and more.
The Central Michigan University College of Medicine focuses on preparing physicians by focusing on improving access to high-quality health care in Michigan, especially in underserved rural and urban areas.
The curriculum covers health issues and concerns in central and northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Clinical skills training begins in year one of the curriculum. It includes training in diagnosing and caring for patients in medical clinics, state-of-the-art simulations, and broad technology integration throughout the learning process.
"The Central Michigan University (CMU) College of Medicine educates diverse students and trains culturally competent physicians to provide comprehensive health care and services to underserved populations in Michigan and beyond.
Our faculty, staff and graduates advance health and wellness through exceptional education, innovative research, quality patient care and strategic collaborations to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
CMU College of Medicine recruits and admits students from Michigan to care for Michigan - especially those who are committed to pursue a career in primary care and serve the medically underserved."
Beyond your academic portfolio, the admissions committee is looking for critical thinking and logic skills. They also look for your understanding of ethical principles, personal values, and the qualities necessary for successful development into a compassionate, skilled physician able to serve the needs of a diverse and changing population.
Applicants are encouraged to review the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students for additional information. The admissions process is also designed to identify applicants who will fulfill the mission of CMED, i.e., to provide healthcare to underserved populations in central and northern Michigan.
Founded in response to Michigan’s need for primary care physicians, the College of Human Medicine has grown in mission and size to meet the evolving needs of the region. Students begin at either the East Lansing campus or the Grand Rapids campus.
Students complete their late clinical experience at one of the seven community campuses after two years of early and middle clinical experience within the Shared Discovery Curriculum.
“The College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University is committed to educating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing service at home and abroad. We enhance our communities by providing outstanding primary and specialty care, promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved.”
The College of Human Medicine is seeking a class that is
Disadvantaged and minority students are encouraged to apply, and financial aid is provided by the school such as the Loan For Disadvantaged Students (LDS).
Selection criteria are based on multiple factors including:
The college considers citizens of the United States and Canada. Applicants with a U.S. permanent resident visa (green card) or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) are also considered.
Oakland University partnered with Beaumont Health System to establish the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB). It is located at the heart of Oakland University’s campus, 40 minutes north of Detroit. The Kresge Library, the Oakland Center (student union), and the Recreation Center are all accessible to OUWB students.
Beaumont's eight-hospital system, Southeast Michigan’s largest integrated health system, supports clinical instruction of OUWB students on three hospital campuses in Royal Oak, Troy, and Grosse Pointe.
The Royal Oak campus is OUWB’s primary teaching hospital and is a major academic research center with Level 1 trauma status. There are 91 medical and surgical specialties represented on the Beaumont medical staff of nearly 5,000 physicians.
“Our Mission: The Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and technologically advanced learning community, dedicated to enabling students to become skillful, ethical, and compassionate physicians, inquisitive scientists who are invested in the scholarship of discovery, and dynamic and effective medical educators.”
Proven completion of a comprehensive education that goes beyond the basic sciences to include the social sciences, history, and the arts.
Select applicants will be invited to submit a supplemental application based on these criteria:
1. MCAT Score:
a. MCAT - 495 or higher, and
2. BCPM (Math and Science) GPA:
a. Cumulative undergraduate BCPM GPA of 3.0, OR
b. Cumulative post-baccalaureate GPA of 3.5 with at least 24 BCPM credit hours, OR
c. Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 with at least 24 BCPM credit hours
The University of Michigan was founded in 1850. It quickly became a leader in American academic medicine. A pioneer in introducing the modern science-based curriculum, the school was among the first to change the role of the student from passive observer to active participant through lab instruction and clerkships. Students have access to an array of research opportunities.
U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks this medical school as among the best medical schools in Michigan and the country.
“To transform health through bold and innovative education, discovery and service. Strategic pillars for the school are focused on people, discovery, education, care and service.
People: recruit, develop and retain the best faculty, staff and learners who work together for the greater good.
Discovery: create transformative knowledge that advances science and improves health.
Education: cultivate a learning community that engages all in bold and innovative education for the advancement of science, health and health care delivery.
Care: deliver outstanding patient care and improve health for local, national and global populations while caring for each other.
Service: engage and collaborate with our institutional, local, state, national and global communities to advance health and science.”
Students must demonstrate a strong foundation across core scientific subjects and the inter/intrapersonal skills needed to navigate a changing healthcare environment.
Each applicant will be assessed on:
With over a thousand medical students, Wayne State University School of Medicine was founded in 1868 and is located in Detroit, Michigan. Along with its undergraduate degrees, this university provides master's degree options, Ph.D. programs, and MD-PhD programs in several areas of basic science.
The faculty consists of many local physicians. They provide care at 11 affiliated hospitals, clinics, and training sites in the area.
Mission Statement:
“We will educate a diverse student body in an urban setting and within a culture of inclusion, through high-quality education, clinical excellence, pioneering research, local investment in our community and innovative technology, to prepare physician and biomedical scientific leaders to achieve health and wellness for our society.”
A holistic review process is used for the selection of applicants.
Consideration is given to:
As a state-supported school, preference is given to Michigan residents. Applicants whose educational backgrounds include academic work outside the U.S. must have completed two years of coursework at a U.S. or Canadian college, including prerequisite courses.
Interviews are required but scheduled only with those applicants who are given serious consideration. Students are urged to apply by November 1.
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) is a private medical school. It was created through the partnership of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching hospitals, Ascension Borgess Health and Bronson Healthcare.
WMed was established in 2012. It offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, and a Master of Science in Medical Engineering degree.
“To educate and inspire lifelong learners to be exceptional clinicians, leaders, educators, advocates, and researchers for tomorrow.”
Applicants who meet the minimum academic criteria are asked to complete the supplemental application, which includes an online assessment focused on the candidate's attributes and fit. Based on these results and the AMCAS application, selected candidates are invited to participate in a telephone interview for further assessment.
The next step is an on-campus interview. Applicants participate in both a structured interview and a traditional one-on-one interview.
Students with the following qualities are desired:
The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) is the osteopathic medical school of Michigan State University. It is located in East Lansing. The school offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, as well as a combined DO-PhD degree for students seeking training as physician-scientists.
“Providing world-class, osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research in order to foster community access to patient-centered medical care.”
These are the school’s selection factors:
“The admissions team will evaluate applications based on several criteria deemed important to the mission of the college, including but not limited to academic success, MCAT performance, exposure to the osteopathic profession, professional and community service experience, personal testimony, interview performance, and letters of evaluation.”
Gaining admission to medical schools in Michigan is a highly competitive process, similar to that of other states. However, there are specific strategies that can improve your chances of acceptance.
Michigan doesn’t have as many medical schools as some states. If you want to get accepted to a Michigan school then apply to multiple schools to maximize your odds.
Do your research to find what makes each school unique. Read their mission statements and pin down what values, personality traits, and academic qualities they value. Tailor your application to each school.
Medical schools won’t expect you to have real experience treating patients. However, you can gain some medical experience by shadowing physicians and other healthcare professionals. Shadowing allows you to see the nuances of healthcare practice. This will prepare you to later treat patients and meet their needs.
Community service comes in many forms and shows a willingness to give back. Michigan schools seek students who are altruistic and have the drive to contribute to the greater good. Find volunteering opportunities on your campus or in your community. Opportunities can include volunteering at food banks, homeless or domestic violence shelters, and many others.
Michigan has a diverse population. Focusing on language and culture can challenge you in ways technical classes can’t. Communication and understanding cultures are vital skills for anyone entering the medical field.
Medical schools seek applicants who make an effort to culturally broaden their horizons. Some programs allow you to volunteer abroad. Students are placed in understaffed hospitals and clinics in rural and urban areas. These experiences help you stand out and demonstrate your willingness to work with underserved communities.
Do you still have questions about attending medical school in the state of Michigan? These answered FAQs can help provide the information you need.
There are seven schools in Michigan where students can practice medicine.
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine has the lowest tuition out of all the schools.
Based on median GPA and MCAT scores, Central Michigan University College of Medicine is the easiest to get into.
The best school in Michigan is the University of Michigan. It’s one of the highest-ranked medical schools according to several rankings.
Wayne State University School of Medicine, with a 2.9%.
The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is an osteopathic medical school in Michigan that offers DO degrees.
Every medical program in Michigan is competitive. The top schools generally have low acceptance rates and accept only the strongest applicants into their programs.
Michigan, with its diverse population and a mix of rural and urban settings, is home to several competitive medical schools. The state boasts seven medical schools, three of which are ranked among the top 100 in the country. These include the University of Michigan Medical School, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and Michigan State Medical School.
While these medical schools in Michigan offer quality education, gaining acceptance is challenging due to their low acceptance rates. In addition to strong academic qualifications, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse communities and addressing their healthcare needs. By helping with community service and maintaining a high GPA, students can improve their applications and increase their chances of impressing the admissions committees.
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