Nebraska is a midwestern U.S. state with a treasure trove of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Known and titled the “Cornhusker State,” it is well-known for its welcoming towns, peaceful plains, and expansive agricultural landscapes. The state may be known for its picturesque rural areas but has a solid healthcare system and several excellent medical schools.
Nebraska is one of those states that doesn’t have many options for future medical students—at least not many if you compare it with New York or California, which have over 10 medical schools each. Actually, Nebraska only has two medical schools, but fortunately, they are great in their fields. They stand out for their primary care programs and the different degrees they offer. These programs enhance the healthcare system by providing specialized studies in diverse fields, such as nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and more.
So, let’s explore the details of the medical schools in Nebraska to learn more.
Top Medical Schools in Nebraska
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center
Originally founded in 1880 as a private medical school, the University of Nebraska Medical Center joined the university system in 1902 as a College of Medicine. UNMC is a leader in primary care and has consistently ranked among the top medical universities during the last few years. In 2022, according to the U.S. News & World Report, this medical school in Nebraska was considered the sixth best in primary care. Other departments, like the physician assistant program, have also stood out and ranked 15th best. In 2017, they renewed their M.D. curriculum to adapt education to the constant changes in medicine.
During the first two years, students learn about basic sciences and emerging sciences, like public and global health. Education is divided into organ-systems blocks, and students are exposed to early clinical experiences. This is done in the clinical simulation laboratory, equipped with simulators. They also have a dual M.D./Ph.D. program, which lasts for seven to eight years, and an M.D./M.P.H. program (Master’s in Public Health), which lasts five years. They are affiliated with the University of Nebraska at Omaha and offer an M.D./MBA program (Master’s in Business Administration).
However, as this is a public medical school, your chances of being accepted are very high if you are a Nebraska resident. In 2018, they had 1,865 applicants, and only 126 were accepted. Of those 1,568 out-of-state applicants, below 20 were accepted! The rest were resident students.
2. Creighton University
The Creighton University’s School of Medicine is a Jesuit private medical school founded in 1892. It grants M.D. degrees and offers multiple master’s and Ph.D. programs. The M.D. curriculum is divided into foundational coursework and clinical rotations. During the first year, students will learn basic sciences. During the second year, the program has an organ-systems distribution, exposing students to early clinical experiences.
This medical school in Nebraska offers dual degree programs in pharmacology and neuroscience, biomedical sciences, and medical microbiology and immunology. It also provides M.D./Ph.D., M.D./MS (Integrative Health and Wellness), M.D./MBA (Business Administration), and M.D./MA (Medical Humanities & Ethics) programs. They also offer master’s and Ph.D. programs in pharmacology, biomedical sciences, medical microbiology and immunology, and physician assistant studies.
CUSOM recently opened a new campus in Phoenix, Arizona, which allowed them to expand the class size. Students in the third and fourth years can do clinical rotations on this campus. There are also many volunteer opportunities for all students. The university’s acceptance rates are pretty competitive. In 2018, 6,245 applicants competed 6,245 applicants competed for 165 spots. As this is a private school, there is no residency preference. The majority of the 165 enrolled students in 2018 were out-of-state applicants.
Although Nebraska doesn’t have many options for students regarding medical schools, its institutions, like the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University, already stand out because of the specific specializations it can offer aspiring medical professionals. Its many dual degree programs are evidence that its education is also top-quality, just like the other medical schools in big cities. So, if you live in this state, it’s not bad to consider the universities listed above.
We hope this article on medical schools in Nebraska was helpful. To learn more information on studying in the United States, check out our Study in the USA Page and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA!
