Transfers

Caribbean Medical Schools That Accept Transfers

Last updated: July 22, 2026

Quick answer

Most established Caribbean MD programs accept transfer applicants from other medical schools on a case-by-case basis, subject to seat availability, curriculum alignment, and academic standing. Completed basic-science credits are usually transferable; clinical rotations rarely are. Before transferring, verify accreditation, US state approvals, named clinical affiliations, USMLE pass rates, and get the specific credit map for your coursework in writing.

Key takeaways

Transfers are typically evaluated on a per-course basis by the receiving school's registrar and academic committee.
Basic-science credits transfer more easily than clinical rotations.
Advanced-standing (clinical-year) transfers usually require a USMLE Step 1 pass.
Big Four schools (SGU, Ross, AUC, Saba) publish clear transfer requirements; smaller schools are more variable.
Always verify state approvals (California, NY, Florida) before transferring - they affect where you can rotate and later be licensed.

Who typically accepts transfers

The following schools publish transfer pathways or accept transfer applications through admissions on a rolling or per-semester basis. Availability changes - confirm with the admissions office before applying.

St. George's University School of Medicine (SGU) - advanced-standing and semester-by-semester transfers evaluated case by case.
Ross University School of Medicine - transfer applications accepted; basic-science coursework mapped by the registrar.
American University of the Caribbean (AUC) - case-by-case with a formal credit review.
Saba University School of Medicine - accepts limited transfers, primarily from LCME/US MD or DO programs.
Medical University of the Americas (MUA), Trinity School of Medicine, All American Institute of Medical Sciences - accept transfers subject to seat availability.
Texila American University, Windsor University School of Medicine, Xavier University School of Medicine - publish transfer procedures for basic-science students.

Always check the current transfer policy directly with the school - this list is illustrative, not exhaustive.

How the credit-transfer evaluation works

Submit an official transcript, course syllabi, and letter of good standing from your current school.
The receiving school's registrar maps each completed course against its curriculum.
Courses matched by content and credit hours are accepted; partial matches may require supplemental coursework.
Clinical rotations completed elsewhere are rarely accepted whole - most schools require rotations at their own affiliated sites for placement continuity and quality control.

What to verify before you transfer

Accreditation: CAAM-HP or ACCM, both WFME-recognised.
State approvals: California, New York, Florida.
Clinical affiliations: named ACGME-teaching hospitals in each core specialty.
First-time USMLE pass rates reported by cohort, not selected subgroup.
Match outcomes published as NRMP-verified first-time Match rates.
Financial aid eligibility - US federal Title IV loans are available at a subset of Caribbean schools.

Reasons transfers succeed - and fail

Transfers that go well are usually students moving from an unaccredited or poorly-supported program to an established, state-approved school with strong clinical affiliations, motivated by clearer USMLE pathways and residency outcomes.

Transfers that go badly usually stem from academic difficulty that follows the student, a mismatch in curriculum sequencing that costs a semester, or moving without confirming state approvals - which can block rotations at your intended sites.

Questions to ask the admissions office

How many transfer students did you admit in the last two intake cycles?
What percentage of my completed credits are you likely to accept, given my transcript?
What is the earliest and latest semester I can enter?
Do I need USMLE Step 1 before I start with you?
Which state approvals apply to your program today?
Can you connect me with a recent transfer student who took a similar path?

Frequently asked questions

Do Caribbean medical schools accept transfers?

Yes. Most established Caribbean MD programs accept transfer applicants from other medical schools on a case-by-case basis, subject to seat availability, curriculum alignment, and academic standing.

What credits usually transfer?

Completed basic-science courses with equivalent credit hours and comparable content are the most commonly transferred. Clinical rotations rarely transfer directly and typically must be repeated at the new school's affiliated sites.

Is USMLE Step 1 required to transfer?

For advanced-standing (clinical-year) transfers, most schools require a Step 1 pass. For basic-science transfers between semesters, it is usually not required.

Does a transfer look bad to residency programs?

A transfer is not inherently disqualifying, but you should have a coherent explanation. Multiple transfers, gaps, or a transfer following academic difficulty deserve a proactive narrative in your ERAS personal statement.

What should I verify before transferring?

Confirm accreditation status (CAAM-HP, ACCM), US state approvals (California, New York, Florida), named clinical affiliations, first-time USMLE pass rates, and the specific credit map for your completed coursework - in writing.

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