The western U.S. state of Nevada is known for its entertainment industry, desert scenery, and cities such as Reno and Las Vegas. Nevada’s medical education landscape has expanded significantly over time. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine was established in 1969. Touro University Nevada opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2004, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV was officially established in 2014 and welcomed its charter class in 2017, and Roseman University College of Medicine received preliminary LCME accreditation in 2025 and welcomed its inaugural class that year.
These schools offer M.D. or D.O. pathways for future physicians. This article introduces these medical schools so you can compare their programs and admissions information.
Read carefully to learn more about each school.
Top Medical Schools in Nevada
1. University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, commonly called UNR Med, was established in 1969 as a community-based medical school. Its four-year M.D. curriculum integrates biomedical science with clinical practice through a systems-based block format, with clinical training beginning early in the program.
During the first two years, students combine classroom learning, hands-on laboratory work, and early clinical exposure. The third year centers on required clerkships, while the fourth year includes electives and a required advanced clinical rotation in rural health.
UNR Med offers three dual-degree options: M.D./Ph.D., M.D./MPH, and M.D./MBA. The school also offers academic programs in physician assistant studies, speech pathology and audiology, and graduate biomedical research.
Applicants submit an AMCAS application, complete the required prerequisite courses, provide an eligible MCAT score, submit three letters of evaluation, and take the AAMC PREview professional readiness exam. UNR Med classifies applicants under in-state and qualifying out-of-state categories, so applicants should review the current eligibility rules before applying.
2. Touro University – Nevada
Touro University Nevada opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine, commonly called TUNCOM, in August 2004. The college grants the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Its curriculum combines science and clinical knowledge with osteopathic principles and practices.
During the first year, students integrate didactic learning with patient-actor encounters, simulation technology, gross anatomy, primary care, and osteopathic manipulative medicine laboratories. The second year continues systems-based study and includes subjects such as behavioral medicine and clinical reasoning. Clinical training begins in the third year, and students complete 20 four-week clerkships over the following 22 months.
In addition to the D.O. program, Touro University Nevada offers programs such as Medical Health Sciences (MS-MHS), Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS and DPA), Occupational Therapy (OTD), Physical Therapy (DPT), nursing, and education programs. TUNCOM students may also pursue a D.O./MPH dual-degree option through Touro University California.
Applicants must submit a verified application through AACOMAS. Current minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a cumulative and science GPA of at least 3.0, an MCAT score of at least 500, required prerequisite coursework, documented physician-shadowing experience, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status at the time of application.
3. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is home to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. The school was officially established in 2014, and its charter class began medical education in July 2017. Its M.D. program is designed around foundations, clerkships, and career exploration phases, with a mission focused on improving health in Nevada.
Students begin with emergency-response training and population-health study. The curriculum integrates organ-system blocks, problem-based and team-based learning, simulation, and clinical training. The school’s anatomy resources include both virtual anatomy technology and cadaver-based learning, including prosection and dissection.
Teaching partners include University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Sunrise Hospital, Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center, the Southern Nevada VA Medical Center, and UNLV Health. The school’s Office of Graduate Medical Education currently sponsors 11 residencies and 11 ACGME-accredited fellowships, as well as additional fellowships accredited by specialty societies.
Applicants apply through AMCAS. The school gives priority to Nevada residents and applicants with significant ties to Nevada, although a small number of applicants from listed western-region states may also be considered. Admitted students may be considered for scholarships supported by donors and university funds after submitting the school’s scholarship application and the FAFSA.
Read More: 10 Steps to Become a Doctor in the United States
4. Roseman University College of Medicine
Roseman University College of Medicine is Nevada’s newest M.D.-granting medical school. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education awarded the college preliminary accreditation in February 2025, authorizing it to recruit students and launch its M.D. program. Roseman welcomed its inaugural class in July 2025.
The four-year M.D. program uses the Roseman Readiness Curriculum. Its structure includes an 18-month pre-clerkship phase, a 12-month clerkship phase, and an advanced phase that continues to graduation. Through the GENESIS household-centered care model, students work with faculty physicians and interprofessional teams while connecting medical education with community service.
Applicants must submit an AMCAS application and a valid MCAT score taken within the last four years. They must also submit three to six letters of recommendation and complete a bachelor’s degree or higher at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada before matriculation. The program considers applicants who are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens.
Nevada is best known for its entertainment destinations and desert scenery, but the state also offers several paths to a medical education. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Touro University, the University of Nevada, Reno, and Roseman University offer M.D. or D.O. programs with distinct curricula and admissions requirements.
We hope this article on the medical schools in Nevada was helpful. To learn more about studying in the United States, check out our Study in the USA and Open Courses for International Students!
