School of Medicine

About the school

The School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) stands out as a top institution for excellence in medical education. The school’s inception can be traced to 1838, with the establishment of Hampden–Sydney College’s medical department. This department gained autonomy as the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1854. Virginia Commonwealth University was created in 1968 by merging MCV and the Richmond Professional Institute. VCU’s School of Medicine has produced several notable alumni. Among them is Dr. Jay Brown, an expert in addiction medicine. His research on substance use disorders and harm reduction has significantly influenced addiction treatment practices. VCU’s School of Medicine has advanced facilities and a comprehensive curriculum, making it a leading medical education and research school. U.S. News & World Report shows VCU holds the 44th spot in Biostatistics for Doctoral programmes.

Location of the School

VCU’s School of Medicine is situated in central Richmond, known for its wealth of history, art, and culture, offering a conducive location for students to pursue their medical education.

Life at the School of Medicine

VCU’s School of Medicine prioritises diverse and inclusive education, welcoming individuals from various cultural backgrounds. It provides a dynamic environment for international students, greatly valuing their contributions to enhancing the school's strength. VCU School of Medicine provides comfortable and convenient housing options for students seeking on-campus accommodation. The Residential Life & Housing ensures secure facilities for over 6,000 students. Residence halls such as Ackell Residence Center and Brandt Hall provide 24/7 security, laundry, Wi-Fi, and more. Off-campus accommodation options are readily available in the campus vicinity. The Housing Accommodation Request Committee offers resources and recommendations for students who live off-campus, ensuring they have access to necessary housing solutions. Some off-campus locations are Residences at Richmond Trust, Vida East at Church Hill, and Deco at CNB. Regarding meals and dining, VCU has diverse culinary experiences to suit various preferences and dietary needs. With VCUDine dining plans, students enjoy flexibility across 22 locations—Panda Express, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and more. Staying active and healthy is essential, and VCU School of Medicine recognises this by offering access to fitness centres and recreational facilities. The Cary Street gym is a popular fitness centre at the university. Students have diverse transportation choices, enhancing city exploration, event attendance, and daily commuting. RamRide, the shuttle service, connects to remote parking facilities and is free for VCU students, faculty, and staff with a VCUCard.

Additional Benefits of Studying at the School of Medicine

VCU’s School of Medicine offers various benefits that significantly enhance students' academic journey and contribute to their success. The medicine school boasts of substantial annual research funding, providing students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects that directly impact the future of medical science. The school is a thriving scientific and medical innovation centre, receiving more than USD 200 million in grants. The faculty and staff at VCU’s School of Medicine are distinguished experts in various medical specialities. They bring knowledge and practical experience to the class, enriching students' learning experiences through mentorship and guidance. The school has state-of-the-art facilities to provide students with a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience. From cutting-edge research centres such as Molecular Medicine Research and VCU Health Sciences Research to advanced laboratories, students can access the tools and resources needed to develop essential clinical and research skills. The School of Medicine also offers programmes catering to various medical disciplines, including PhD, Master's, medical education, and certificate programmes. The school is known for its exceptional biochemistry, biostatistics, anatomy and neurobiology, microbiology, and immunology programmes.

Admissions criteria

Listed below are the admissions criteria for applying to VCU’s School of Medicine: Personal statement Two letters of recommendation Transcripts English proficiency test TOEFL score of 8.5 IELTS score of 6.5 for graduates A Pearson Test of English score of 65 Duolingo test score with a minimum of 120 Resume Graduate admissions test A paid application fee Minimum score/GPA of 3.3 For more information on fees and tuition, visit the university’s website.

Job placements

VCU’s School of Medicine has an impressive graduate job placement rate. Reports state that 70% get employment six months after graduating. The school also provides a platform connecting students directly with prospective employers on campus. VCU holds career fairs throughout the autumn and spring semesters. Each event allows graduates and current students to network with companies from various sectors. Internship options play a pivotal role in shaping students' professional journeys. A multitude of internship opportunities allow students to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Examples include Parker Dewey, a VCU Career Services provider, and Handshake, an inclusive job and internship search tool. Recognising the importance of a supportive environment for recruitment purposes, the school offers on-campus counselling, such as shadowing, to assist with the following: Students’ preparation for interviews Crafting effective resumes Honing students’ networking skills