Do you want to know about medical schools in Alabama? This guide introduces the accredited M.D. and D.O. medical schools in the state to help you decide which school may fit your goals. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply if they meet each school’s admissions requirements, but admission is still highly competitive. International applicants should check each school’s official admissions rules before applying because several Alabama medical schools consider only U.S. citizens or permanent residents for the M.D. or D.O. program. If your goal is biomedical research rather than medical licensure, some universities also offer Ph.D. programs in biomedical sciences; however, a Ph.D. is a research degree and is not a substitute for an M.D. or D.O.
Top Medical Schools in Alabama
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham
With roots in the 1859 founding of the Medical College of Alabama, the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the school reports 845 enrolled medical students and 1,190 residents. Students train through UAB’s academic medical environment in Birmingham and through regional campuses in Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. UAB also reports that University Hospital is the fifth-largest hospital in the nation.
2. University of South Alabama
At the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, the M.D. curriculum is competency-based across all four years. The first two years use an integrated organ-systems approach and are largely taught on USA’s main campus, while the final two years take place in USA Health hospitals, care centers, and community physicians’ offices. Students may also take part in basic science, clinical science, and medical education research projects, including the annual Medical Student Summer Research Program.
3. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Auburn campus, also known as VCOM-Auburn, was built in 2014 in Auburn University Research Park and operates as a collaborative venture between VCOM and Auburn University. Students have access to Auburn University amenities such as libraries, campus transportation, recreation facilities, athletics, arts events, and student activities. They can also collaborate on research projects with university faculty in VCOM’s research lab and in laboratories on the Auburn University campus. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree is awarded by VCOM.
4. Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
This medical school is located in Dothan, Alabama. The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as ACOM, was established in May 2010, welcomed its inaugural class in 2013, and graduated its first physicians in 2017. Its mission emphasizes learner-centered osteopathic education, research, service, and patient-centered, team-based primary care for medically underserved areas of Alabama, the Tri-State area, and the nation.
Hopefully, this article on medical schools in Alabama was insightful. To find more information about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students and USA Study Guide!
