Medical Education Cost in the USA: America is a very popular country for medical and healthcare studies. After earning a medical degree here, you can practice in almost any country in the world. Indians also choose to go to America to become doctors. However, medical studies in America are very expensive, making this country not within everyone's budget. Now the question arises: how much money should someone have to study at a top medical university in America and become a doctor? Let's find out the answer.

Name of America's Number One University
Harvard University is the best institution for medical studies in America. Harvard Medical School of Harvard University ranks first in the QS World University Rankings. This medical school is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1782, Harvard Medical School is the third-oldest medical college in America. This medical school is in partnership with 15 prestigious hospitals, where students go to practice. (hms.harvard.edu)

What is the degree obtained at Harvard?

In India, one must obtain an MBBS degree to become a doctor, but in the United States, one obtains a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Harvard also offers an MD degree, which takes four to five years to complete. The MD program offers two types of programs: the Pathway Curriculum, which provides students with theoretical knowledge and initial clinical experience to prepare them for becoming doctors. The second is the Health Sciences and Technology Curriculum, taught in collaboration with MIT. It emphasizes biology and basic physiology, preparing physician-scientists.

How is admission to Harvard Medical School achieved?
The question arises as to how admission to Harvard Medical College is achieved. To gain admission, you must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, which can be in any subject. However, obtaining a degree in subjects like chemistry and biology is more beneficial. After graduation, you'll need to pass an entrance test called the MCAT. To apply for admission to Harvard's MD program, you'll need to submit documents such as your graduation grades, MCAT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Admission officers will then evaluate your application and conduct an interview, based on which you'll be granted admission.

Total Cost of Studying for an MD Program
Harvard Medical College is a private institution, making it difficult for everyone to afford it. The cost of studying at Harvard is quite high. The MD program is five years long. The first-year fee is approximately $113,746 (approximately ₹99.90 lakh). This includes all expenses, including tuition, hostel fees, boarding, and health insurance. The second-year fee is $117,872 (approximately ₹1 crore). Your third-year tuition will cost $118,618 (approximately ₹1 crore).

Your fourth year will cost you $117,626 (approximately ₹1 crore). Additionally, you'll need to repeat your fourth year, which doesn't result in graduation. This year, you'll also need to spend $118,218 (approximately ₹1 crore). The fifth year's fees are reduced to $52,152 (approximately ₹4.6 million). In total, completing the MD program and becoming a doctor here will cost you ₹54.6 million (₹54.6 million. This is quite a lot. (hms.harvard.edu)

Doctor Salary in the United States
Now, the question arises: how much salary does a doctor earn after graduating from Harvard Medical School? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for doctors in the United States is ₹239,200 (₹21 million). According to Glassdoor, entry-level doctors in the United States earn an annual salary of ₹1 crore (₹10 million). Salaries increase with specialization. For example, an orthopedic doctor earns approximately ₹5 crore annually. Similarly, a cardiologist earns ₹4.30 crore annually.

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