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College of Medicine: For Medical School Applicants

For Medical School Applicants

11,000+ Graduates Strong

Attend medical school at the state’s only academic medical center and health sciences university. Join a legacy of M.D. physicians serving Arkansas – and beyond.

Unparalleled Opportunities in Arkansas

What Our Students Say

College of Medicine 2026

Eight Reasons to Choose the UAMS College of Medicine for Medical School

Our students often say:

“The UAMS College of Medicine has everything I need to succeed – but didn’t know was important as a pre-med.”

These benefits became clear at pivotal moments – studying for the Step 1 exam, preparing for residency applications, or navigating life’s challenges during medical school. With a proven track record of guiding students through these crossroads, UAMS offers support that makes all the difference.

Here are eight reasons our students say they are glad they chose UAMS for medical school for its dedicated approach to student success – in and out of the classroom.

10 Reasons to Chose UAMS Box list

Exterior of the UAMS Medical Center with flowers in the foreground

1. Exceptional clinical training that is unique in Arkansas

UAMS is the state’s only academic medical center. Our expert faculty serve every type of patient need, meaning our students have unparallered clincal training opportunities.

Visit UAMS Health
The M2 class (Class of 2028) using the Active Learning Center to do a team-based learning exercise

2. An engaging curriculum that supports student success

We have a student-centered, active-learning curriculum using flipped classroom, team-based, simulation and case-based teaching techniques.

Explore Our Curriculum
Students talking with patient

3. Primary care training that is among the best in the nation

For many years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the College of Medicine as a top institution nationally for primary care education.

See The Latest Rankings
COM students on a global health rotation at the Talek Maternal Newborn and Child Health Centre in Kenya.

4. Honors tracks that allow students to specialize – and stand out

Honors tracks include research, global health and service, underserved primary care, medical humanities, child health, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Learn More About Honors Tracks
COM student James Andrews presents at the 2025 Student Research Day.

5. Plentiful opportunities to engage in research, present and publish

By graduation, 75% of our students participate in research and 50% publish or present. We host a Student Research Day with posters and presentations.

See Examples of Student Research
Medical student in scrubs and Pharmacy student wearing white coat visit with patient in clinic

6. Volunteer clinics that allow students to serve, learn and lead

The 12th Street Health and Wellness Center in Little Rock and the North Street Clinic in Fayetteville are student-led volunteer clinics offering free care to vulnerable patients.

Visit 12th Street
An M1 student participates in a paiting activity as part of Welcome Week 2025 to promote student wellness.

7. Mentorship, coaching and wellness programs that keep students on track

We support our students with an academic house program, as well as mentorship, academic coaching, wellness programs and more.

Learn About Student Life
Dr. Kevin Phelan uses a handheld ultrasound on a student in 2025. The students are part of the accelerated 3-year program in primary care. They are entering freshmen who started class a couple of weeks earlier than their peers in the 4-year track. Photo is at Northwest Arkansas Campus.

8. Option to train in primary care on a three-year, accelerated timeline

Learn at your pace and according to your career goals and budget. The three-year program is for family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics or med-peds.

Get an M.D. in 3

Prepare for Success in Residency

Whether your goal is rural primary care or a highly competitive specialty, the UAMS College of Medicine will prepare you for what’s next.

We had a 100% Match in 2025. Students engage with 70+ residency programs, 300+ electives and vibrant interest groups. Research and service opportunities are plentiful: 75% of graduates participate in research, 50% publish or present, and 90% volunteer. Our graduates match into every specialty.

Learn Close to Home

One medical school, two campuses – Little Rock and Fayetteville. Both offer the same high-quality education with unique experiences: Little Rock is a vibrant academic medical center with extensive specialty training, while Fayetteville provides a close-knit learning environment and amazing outdoor recreation.

Find the location that best fits your goals.

Study in Little Rock or Fayetteville

Graduate with Two Degrees

The College of Medicine offers dual degree programs. Earn your M.D. while also preparing for a career in public health, business or as a physician-scientist.

Ready to Apply?

The UAMS College of Medicine Admissions Office is here to guide you through the application process. View the policies, procedures, timelines – and resources – you need to set yourself up for success.

Prepare Your Application

Who We Are Looking For

Our graduates advance UAMS’ mission to improve health care in Arkansas and beyond by learning to provide high-quality, innovative, compassionate, patient- and family-centered care.

Photo of med student in 2025 holding "First day of Medical School" sign

UAMS College of Medicine students are:

  • Empathic
  • Team-oriented
  • Intellectually curious

Successful applicants possess professional qualities and an academic track record that demonstrates readiness to:

  • Act with integrity and ethical judgment in academic, personal and professional settings
  • Master a rigorous medical curriculum that dives deep into foundational science
  • Develop the clinical, professional, social and emotional skills of a physician
  • Succeed on the necessary licensure exams to complete medical school and become a practicing physician
  • Graduate ready to serve communities in Arkansas and beyond

Contact Us

Contact our admissions team today – whether you’re a current applicant, a pre-med exploring courses and preparation, or simply someone interested in learning more about what makes UAMS so special. Email or chat with our staff, schedule an in-person tour, sign up for a virtual open house, and join our email list to stay informed. We’re here to help you take the next step toward your medical career.

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