Welcome to Tennessee best medical schools. Our rankings are based on alumni reviews, research scores received, peer institution assessment and admissions statistics including averaged MCAT scores, undergraduate GPA as well as acceptance rates. Below we list top medical schools in Tennessee that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Tennessee
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 14 | Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) Acceptance rate: 5.6% MCAT composite score: 11.6 Tuition: Full-time: $41,300 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.80 Total medical school enrollment: 436 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 5.2:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $353.9 |
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| 79 | University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN) Acceptance rate: 20.4% MCAT composite score: 10.0 Tuition: Full-time: $28,510 (in-state), Full-time: $56,500 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.64 Total medical school enrollment: 650 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.2:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $38.6 |
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| 96 | Lincoln Memorial University (DeBusk) (Harrogate, TN) Acceptance rate: 9.1% MCAT composite score: 8.0 Tuition: Full-time: $36,464 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.39 Total medical school enrollment: 617 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.0 |
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All Medical Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to several prestigious medical schools that offer a wide array of degree programs, research opportunities, and clinical training experiences. These medical schools are committed to providing high-quality education to future healthcare professionals, with a focus on meeting the diverse healthcare needs of the state and the broader region.
1. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Overview
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, located in Nashville, is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States. Known for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and comprehensive medical education, Vanderbilt is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the nation. The school emphasizes personalized education, scientific inquiry, and the development of leaders in the field of medicine.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): Vanderbilt’s MD program features the innovative Curriculum 2.0, which integrates basic science education with clinical experience from the beginning of medical school. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.
- MD/PhD Program: A dual degree for students interested in careers as physician-scientists. This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in academic medicine and research.
- MD/MPH Program: A dual degree that combines medical education with a Master of Public Health, emphasizing population health and public health leadership.
- MD/MBA Program: A dual degree in collaboration with the Owen Graduate School of Management, preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare administration and management.
- Master’s and PhD Programs in Biomedical Sciences: Graduate programs in fields such as pharmacology, biochemistry, and genetics.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 521.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.9.
- Prerequisite Courses: Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Mathematics.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants are expected to have significant clinical experience through shadowing, volunteering, or working in healthcare settings.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters are required, with one from a professor and one from a healthcare provider.
- Interview Process: Vanderbilt uses the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format, which assesses communication skills, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine pursue a variety of specialties, with competitive starting salaries:
- Primary Care Physicians: $200,000 to $250,000
- Specialists: $270,000 to $350,000, depending on the specialty
2. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
Overview
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Medicine, located in Memphis, is dedicated to training physicians who will serve the healthcare needs of Tennessee and the surrounding region. The school focuses on providing a comprehensive medical education, with a special emphasis on primary care, rural health, and community service. UTHSC is also known for its research programs and affiliations with numerous healthcare institutions across Tennessee.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): UTHSC’s MD program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, early patient interaction, and a strong foundation in basic medical sciences.
- MD/PhD Program: A dual degree for students who want to combine medical education with biomedical research.
- MD/MPH Program: A joint program that integrates medical education with public health, preparing students to address public health challenges in their clinical practice.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: Master’s and PhD programs in areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and pharmacology.
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS): A program designed to train physician assistants to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 511.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (Organic and General), Physics, and English.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants are expected to have meaningful clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians or working in healthcare settings.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, including one from a healthcare professional.
- Interview Process: UTHSC uses a traditional interview process, assessing applicants on their academic performance, clinical experience, and interpersonal skills.
Starting Salaries
UTHSC graduates typically enter primary care fields or specialties, with starting salaries reflecting the demand for healthcare providers:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $240,000
- Specialists: $250,000 to $310,000, depending on the specialty
3. East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine
Overview
The Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, located in Johnson City, is known for its commitment to training physicians who will serve rural and underserved populations. The school focuses on primary care, rural health, and community-based medical education. Quillen College of Medicine offers a supportive learning environment with close mentorship from faculty and early clinical exposure.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at Quillen emphasizes primary care, rural health, and early clinical experiences. The curriculum includes problem-based learning and community-based clinical training.
- MD/MPH Program: A dual degree that integrates medical education with public health, preparing students to address the healthcare needs of rural communities.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: Master’s and PhD programs in fields such as microbiology, pharmacology, and biomedical science.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): A program designed for students interested in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare policy.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 508.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.6.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (Organic and General), Physics, and Behavioral Sciences.
- Clinical Experience: Quillen values applicants with healthcare experience in rural or underserved settings, such as volunteering or shadowing.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters are required, with one from a healthcare professional.
- Interview Process: Quillen uses a traditional interview format, focusing on applicants’ academic readiness, interpersonal skills, and commitment to serving rural populations.
Starting Salaries
Quillen graduates often enter primary care specialties, with starting salaries reflecting the need for healthcare providers in rural areas:
- Primary Care Physicians: $180,000 to $230,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $300,000, depending on the specialty
4. Meharry Medical College
Overview
Meharry Medical College, located in Nashville, is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black medical schools and is dedicated to improving the health of underserved populations. Meharry has a long-standing mission to address health disparities and increase diversity in the medical profession. The college emphasizes community service, primary care, and health equity, making it a leader in training physicians committed to serving vulnerable populations.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): Meharry’s MD program emphasizes primary care, community health, and clinical experience. Students gain early exposure to patient care and engage in community service projects throughout their education.
- MD/PhD Program: A dual degree for students interested in combining medical education with biomedical research.
- MD/MPH Program: A combined degree for students pursuing careers in both clinical medicine and public health, with a focus on serving underserved populations.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: Meharry offers master’s and PhD programs in fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, and cancer biology.
- Master of Health Science (MHS): A program designed for students pursuing leadership roles in healthcare policy, management, and administration.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 504.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.4.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (Organic and General), Physics, and Social Sciences.
- Clinical Experience: Meharry emphasizes clinical experience in underserved or community-based settings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to service and healthcare equity.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one from a healthcare provider and one from a professor.
- Interview Process: Meharry uses traditional interviews to assess applicants’ commitment to serving underserved communities, as well as their academic performance and interpersonal skills.
Starting Salaries
Meharry graduates often pursue careers in primary care and community health, with starting salaries that reflect the demand for physicians in underserved areas:
- Primary Care Physicians: $185,000 to $230,000
- Specialists: $230,000 to $280,000, depending on the specialty
5. Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
Overview
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), located in Harrogate, Tennessee, is one of the leading osteopathic medical schools in the region. LMU-DCOM is committed to training osteopathic physicians who are dedicated to serving rural and underserved populations. The school emphasizes holistic care, preventive medicine, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): LMU-DCOM’s DO program focuses on training physicians in osteopathic principles, including the use of OMT, patient-centered care, and preventive medicine. The curriculum includes early clinical exposure and opportunities to work in rural healthcare settings.
- Dual Degree Programs: LMU-DCOM offers dual degrees such as DO/MPH and DO/MBA, preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare administration and public health.
- Master’s Programs in Biomedical Sciences: These programs provide advanced training in areas such as immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): LMU-DCOM supports residency programs in primary care fields, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 504.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.5.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Behavioral Sciences.
- Clinical Experience: LMU-DCOM values applicants with clinical experience, particularly in rural or underserved settings. Shadowing an osteopathic physician (DO) is encouraged.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one preferably from a DO physician.
- Interview Process: LMU-DCOM uses a traditional interview format, focusing on applicants’ understanding of osteopathic principles and their commitment to serving rural populations.
Starting Salaries
LMU-DCOM graduates often pursue careers in primary care, particularly in rural areas. Starting salaries are competitive:
- Primary Care Physicians: $170,000 to $220,000
- Specialists: $220,000 to $280,000, depending on specialty and location