How To Get Into Medical Schools In Ohio

September 10, 2024

”Jonathan

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 9/7/22

If you want to learn more about Ohio medical schools, read on for class profile data, tips to get accepted, and more!

med schools in ohio

Ohio is home to several exceptional medical schools — six allopathic and one osteopathic. Several Ohio medical schools are highly ranked in research and primary care globally, and each offers a unique learning experience. 

However, the requirements of each school vary widely. This guide will explore what you need to get into each school, their respective admissions statistics, and tips on how to get into medical colleges in Ohio. 

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List of Medical Schools in Ohio 

Let’s explore the list of Ohio medical schools and outline their admissions requirements and class profiles. 

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 

Since 1843, Case Western Reserve University of Medicine has been at the “forefront of medical education and has been a leader and innovator in healthcare education and biomedical research.” Ranking among the top 25 medical schools in the country, Case Western Reserve is also the “#1 medical school and largest biomedical research institution in Ohio.” 

Case Western Reserve’s mission is three-fold:
Providing excellence in medical education through our unique curriculum 
Advancing discoveries from our laboratories to patients
Improving the health of our community

Let’s dive into admissions requirements!

Requirements 

In terms of required coursework, students applying to Case Western Reserve must complete: 

  • Biochemistry (must include metabolism): one semester, lab not required 
  • General Chemistry: two semesters/three quarters with two semesters of lab
  • Organic Chemistry: one semester with one semester of lab
  • Writing/College English: one semester. Science courses with extensive writing components and expository writing courses in the humanities can also fulfill this requirement

Other courses that are strongly encouraged by Case Western Reserve include: 

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology)
  • Cellular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Research Experience
  • Biostatistics
  • Physics

To fill out your AMCAS application, you’ll need:  

The table below outlines Case Western’s class profile and tuition fees: 

Average GPA 3.88
MCAT 519
Tuition $70,074
Interviews 257
Class Size 12

The Case Western medical school acceptance rate is estimated to be approximately 9%, according to various sources. Of all applicants, 2.54% matriculated. 

Northeast Ohio Medical University 

With over four decades of experience developing physicians “from and for Ohio,” the College of Medicine at NEOMED is known for developing students’ focus on primary care in underserved areas. Its partnership with universities and around 150 clinical health facilities provide students with a unique learning experience.  

The College of Medicine at NEOMED’s mission is to inspire “medical students to become exemplary patient care centered physicians.” It educates students who “seek to improve the health and quality of life of the communities of Ohio and beyond.”

Requirements

Applicants must complete the following coursework

  • Two semesters of Organic Chemistry and Labs
  • Two semesters of Biology and Labs
  • One semester of Biochemistry
  • Two semesters of Physics and Labs

Candidates who want a competitive edge are encouraged to complete coursework in: 

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Statistics
  • English Composition
  • Genetics
  • Calculus
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

You can apply through AMCAS with your: 

  • Transcripts 
  • MCAT score
  • CASPer score 
  • Recommendation letters

You’ll also need to complete the NEOMED secondary application after submitting your AMCAS application. The table below outlines NEOMED’s class profile and tuition fees:

Average GPA 3.73
MCAT 508
Tuition $49,082
Interviews 257
Class Size 161

The NEOMED acceptance rate is estimated to be approximately 3% by various sources. However, 71% of the incoming class were Ohio residents, indicating that in-state students have a boosted chance of admission.

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences is home to a state-of-the-art Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center. This facility, measuring over 65,000 square feet, integrates an advanced clinical simulation, virtual impatient-centered, and surgical skills centers. 

The college’s mission “is to improve health in the communities and region we serve. We do this by educating excellent clinicians and scientists, by providing patient centered and high-quality care and by producing nationally recognized research in focused areas.”

Requirements 

Successful candidates must meet the following coursework prerequisites:

  • One year of Physics
  • One semester of Biochemistry  
  • One semester of Biological Sciences
  • One year of Organic Chemistry with Labs
  • One year of General Chemistry with Labs

Other highly recommended courses include: 

  • One year of Physics
  • Anatomy
  • Biostatistics
  • English
  • Genetics
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Terminology
  • Microbiology
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Social Science courses

You can apply to Toledo using the AMCAS application. The table below outlines Toledo medical school’s class profile and tuition fees:

Average GPA 3.81
MCAT 510
Tuition $36,904
Interviews N/A
Class Size 175

Although the University of Toledo acceptance rate doesn’t release acceptance rate data, 2.79% of all applicants matriculated. 

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is the second oldest public college of medicine in the U.S. The school provides cutting-edge research and is the only medical school in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Its curriculum offers diverse learning opportunities where students can utilize a broad range of skills, knowledge, and attitudes they can use in a medical setting. 

UC College of Medicine’s mission is three-fold:
To work together in a spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and service
To educate and train the physicians, scientists, and health professionals of tomorrow
To improve health and well-being through compassionate, patient-centered care

Requirements 

UC College of Medicine doesn’t have any specific course requirements. However, it does specify you must “have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours at a U.S. accredited four-year degree-granting institution of higher education.” 

Like the other Ohio medical schools so far, you’ll apply through AMCAS. The table below outlines the UC College of Medicine’s class profile and tuition fees:

Average GPA 3.88
MCAT 516
Tuition $35,612
Interviews N/A
Class Size 177

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine acceptance rate is between 8 and 9%.

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine 

Located in Dayton, Southwest Ohio, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) strives to maintain its position in the communities it serves. BSOM is “known for successfully partnering with a diverse array of committed community partners” and supports several initiatives that benefit its partners. 

BSOM’s mission is “to educate culturally diverse students to become excellent physicians by focusing on generalist training that is integrated, supported, and strengthened by specialists and researchers, all of whom value patient-focused care, community service, and research, and have passion for improving health in their communities.”

Requirements

Applicants are expected to complete 90 semester hours at an approved college or university in the country and complete the following coursework: 

  • Organic Chemistry: two semesters with labs 
  • Biology: two semesters with labs 
  • Physics: two semesters with labs 
  • Mathematics: two semesters 
  • College English: two semesters
  • Biochemistry: two semesters with labs  
  • General Chemistry: two semesters with labs 

The table below outlines BSOM’s class profile, tuition fees, and acceptance rate:

Average GPA 3.74
MCAT 508
Tuition $40,252
Interviews 430
Class Size 132

BSOM’s acceptance rate is 3%.

Ohio State University College of Medicine 

Famous for its Division I sports team, the Ohio State University College of Medicine is one of the state’s best med schools. 

The school’s mission is “to recruit self-directed learners who are driven to become empathetic physicians providing evidence-based, compassionate medical care.” The school also notes that “diversity is central to… [its] academic medical center mission and serves as a driver of institutional excellence.” 

Requirements 

The required premedical coursework includes: 

  • Biochemistry: One semester/quarter course
  • Biology: One year
  • General Chemistry: One year, including lab
  • Organic Chemistry: One year, including lab
  • Physics: One year with lab

Ohio State University College of Medicine also recommends undertaking additional premedical coursework: 

  • Anatomy
  • Diversity
  • Writing/Speech
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Ethics

The table below outlines Ohio State University College of Medicine’s class profile and tuition fees:

Average GPA 3.91
MCAT 516
Tuition $31,081
Interviews 670
Class Size 198

Source: Ohio State University, Ohio State University

The OSU acceptance rate is 6.13%. 

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Since welcoming its first class in 1976, the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has focused on patient-centered care. The school has three campuses in Cleveland, Dublin, and Athens. 

Each campus provides a different experience: 

  • Students experience the needs of rural populations in Athens. 
  • The Cleveland campus exposes students to the Cleveland Clinic system. 
  • The Dublin campus involves students in the OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital. 
The school’s mission is simple: “training osteopathic primary care physicians to serve Ohio.” It aims to educate physicians “committed to practice in Ohio” by emphasizing primary care, engaging in focused research, and embracing both Appalachian and urban communities. 

Requirements 

The course requirements for Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine include: 

  • Behavioral Sciences: six semester hours 
  • Biology: eight semester hours 
  • English: six semester hours
  • Physics: eight semester hours 
  • Organic Chemistry: eight semester hours 
  • General Chemistry: eight semester hours 

You can apply using the AACOMAS application. Class profile and tuition fees are as follows:

Average GPA 3.66
MCAT 503
Tuition $41,142
Interviews N/A
Class Size 245

Source: Ohio University Heritage

The school received 5,155 applications in the last cycle, welcoming 261 matriculants. 

Comparing Med Schools in Ohio

Let’s see how Ohio medical schools compare to each other: 

Medical School Average GPA Average MCAT Score Tuition
Case Western Reserve 3.88 518 $70,074
Northeast Ohio Medical University 3.73 508 $49,082
Toledo 3.81 510 $36,904
Cincinnati 3.88 516 $35,612
Boonshoft 3.74 508 $40,252
Ohio State 3.91 516 $31,081
Ohio University Heritage College 3.66 503 $41,142

Tips for Getting Accepted into Medical Schools in Ohio

Dr. Quinn Capers IV, vice dean of faculty affairs and professor of cardiovascular medicine at OSU, says that most med schools use a holistic review. 

Previously, med schools focused on GPA and MCAT scores. While a strong academic record helps, Capers acknowledges, “you also have to have a strong record of experiences that show you want to help your fellow man, and you have to be able to prove that you have the attributes that we want to see in medicine.”

So, non-academic factors like these are also evaluated: 

Demonstrating you can balance these responsibilities with your academics strengthens your application profile. Additionally, Ohio State encourages applicants to complete research activities and demonstrate commitment to the community as both are “important part[s] of the preparation for medical school.”

Similarly, the Ohio College of Osteopathic Medicine states other attributes that it looks for in candidates include: 

  • Clinical experience 
  • Volunteering 
  • Leadership skills and qualities 
  • Exceptional letters of recommendation 
  • Grade trends 
  • The strength of your high school curriculum 
  • Your “maturity and dedication to osteopathic principles and practices”

So, ensure you have a well-rounded application with strong academic scores and useful and insightful medical experiences. 

Finally, do your research; look at each school’s curriculum, mission, and campus, to determine if it’s a good fit for you. By doing this research, you can better demonstrate how you would be great for the school in secondary essays and interviews

Ohio Medical School FAQs

Still have questions about Ohio’s med schools? Take a look at several commonly requested questions and answers below. 

1. How Do I Apply To Medical Schools In Ohio? 

All the allopathic medical schools use AMCAS, whereas Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine uses AACOMAS. 

2. What Qualities Do the Best Ohio Med Schools Consider?

Although meeting academic requirements for your chosen school is essential, other qualities medical schools look for include: 

  • Extracurricular activities 
  • Clinical experience
  • Research experience
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities 
  • Volunteer activities
  • Strong letters of recommendation 

3. Do Ohio Med Schools Accept Non-Ohio Medical Students? 

In short, yes. However, each school has different policies regarding out-of-state students and how many they admit. Check school websites and class profiles to see if your preferred school accepts out-of-state students. 

4. How Do I Gain an Insight Into the Culture of My Preferred Medical School in Ohio?

Thoroughly research your preferred institution to learn more about it. Another great idea is to network. Connect with alumni and current students who can describe their experiences and give you some tips on how to ace your application. 

5. Is Ohio State a Good Medical School?

Ohio State has a fantastic medical program that emphasizes hands-on clinical experience early on in its curriculum. 

6. What Is the Cheapest School in Ohio? 

Based on tuition data alone, the cheapest school in Ohio is Ohio State University, with an in-state tuition of $31,081 annually.

7. How Many Med Schools Are in Ohio? 

There are seven Ohio med schools. 

Want to Go to Med School in Ohio? You’ve Got Options

Each of the seven Ohio med schools has different cultures, curricula, and entry requirements. Now’s the time to evaluate which one is for you — are there more appealing ones? Is there a location or a curriculum that you are drawn to? 

The choice is yours, but whichever school you select, there are plenty of medical schools in Ohio to choose from! 

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