Accredited Programs: Many of the medical and nursing schools in Puerto Rico are accredited by relevant U.S. accrediting bodies, ensuring that the education meets high standards and is recognized both in the United States and internationally.
Bilingual Education: Puerto Rico provides a unique bilingual learning environment. Most programs are taught in English, but the presence of Spanish enhances the learning experience and prepares students for a bilingual healthcare setting, which is increasingly valuable.
Cultural Diversity: Students can gain experience in a diverse cultural setting, which is beneficial for medical professionals who will work with patients from various backgrounds.
Cost-Effective: Compared to many U.S. states, Puerto Rico can be more affordable in terms of tuition and cost of living, making it an economically viable option for many students.
Quality Clinical Training: Puerto Rico has a variety of hospitals and clinics that offer robust clinical training opportunities to students, ensuring practical, hands-on experience.
Research Opportunities: Some universities in Puerto Rico are involved in cutting-edge research in health sciences, providing students with the opportunity to engage in significant research projects.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Psychiatry |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
General Nursing, Critical Care Nursing |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Neurology |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
General Nursing, Community Health Nursing |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Geriatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Emergency Nursing, Neonatal Nursing |
|
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Surgery, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Epidemiology, Health Services Administration |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Epidemiology, Global Health |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Type |
Tuition (Approx.) |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Professional Doctorate |
$20,000 - $30,000/year |
4 years |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
4 years |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Professional Doctorate |
$25,000 - $35,000/year |
4 years |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Professional Doctorate |
$25,000 - $35,000/year |
4 years |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
4 years |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
4 years |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
4 years |
|
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Professional Doctorate |
$25,000 - $35,000/year |
4 years |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Master's Degree |
$10,000 - $15,000/year |
2 years |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Master's Degree |
$10,000 - $15,000/year |
2 years |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Type |
Duration |
Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
4 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
4 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
4 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Bachelor's Degree |
4 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences |
Bachelor's Degree |
4 years |
$4,000 - $8,000/year |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo |
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences |
Bachelor's Degree |
4 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Type |
Duration |
Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Master's Degree |
2 years |
$10,000 - $15,000/year |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Master's Degree |
2 years |
$10,000 - $15,000/year |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
Master's Degree |
2 years |
$6,000 - $12,000/year |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
Master's Degree |
2 years |
$6,000 - $12,000/year |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro Campus |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
Master's Degree |
2 years |
$6,000 - $12,000/year |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Master of Science in Health Sciences |
Master's Degree |
2 years |
$6,000 - $12,000/year |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Type |
Duration |
Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
PhD in Public Health |
Doctorate Degree |
3-5 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
PhD in Biomedical Sciences |
Doctorate Degree |
4-6 years |
$10,000 - $15,000/year |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
PhD in Neuroscience |
Doctorate Degree |
4-6 years |
$10,000 - $15,000/year |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
PhD in Nursing Science |
Doctorate Degree |
3-5 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
PhD in Health Sciences |
Doctorate Degree |
3-5 years |
$5,000 - $10,000/year |
University |
Course Program |
Diploma Type |
Duration |
Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Diploma in Nursing Assistant |
Professional Diploma |
1 year |
$3,000 - $5,000/year |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo |
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician |
Professional Diploma |
1 year |
$4,000 - $6,000/year |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Diploma in Health Services Administration |
Professional Diploma |
1 year |
$4,000 - $6,000/year |
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Diploma in Emergency Medical Technician |
Professional Diploma |
1 year |
$3,000 - $5,000/year |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Professional Diploma |
1 year |
$4,000 - $6,000/year |
University/Institution |
Course Program |
Course Type |
Duration |
Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus |
Certificate in Medical Terminology |
Certificate Program |
6-12 weeks |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro Campus |
Certificate in Phlebotomy |
Certificate Program |
3-6 months |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Certificate in Healthcare Management |
Certificate Program |
6-12 months |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Certificate in Geriatric Nursing |
Certificate Program |
6-12 months |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Certificate in Clinical Research |
Certificate Program |
6-12 months |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine |
Certificate in Emergency Medical Services |
Certificate Program |
6-12 months |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
University |
Course Program |
Level |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Graduate (MD) |
|
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Graduate (Master's) |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
|
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences |
Graduate (PhD) |
|
|
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
Graduate (DMD) |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Graduate (MD) |
|
|
Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) |
Graduate (Master's) |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Graduate (MD) |
|
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Graduate (Master's) |
|
|
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) |
Graduate (Doctoral) |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Metro Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
|
|
Associate Degree in Nursing |
Undergraduate (Associate) |
|
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
Graduate (Master's) |
|
Universidad del Turabo (Ana G. Méndez University) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
|
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
Graduate (Master's) |
|
|
Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) |
Graduate (Doctoral) |
University |
Course Program |
Intake Period |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
August |
|
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
August, January |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
August |
|
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences |
August |
|
|
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
August |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
August |
|
|
Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) |
August |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
August |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
August |
|
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
August, January |
|
|
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) |
August |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
August |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Metro Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
August, January |
|
|
Associate Degree in Nursing |
August, January |
|
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
August, January |
|
Universidad del Turabo (Ana G. Méndez University) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
August, January |
|
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
August, January |
|
|
Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) |
August |
University |
Course Program |
Approximate Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
$20,000 - $30,000 per year (in-state) |
|
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
$5,000 - $10,000 per year (in-state) |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
$4,000 - $8,000 per year (in-state) |
|
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences |
$5,000 - $10,000 per year (in-state) |
|
|
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
$20,000 - $30,000 per year (in-state) |
|
Universidad Central del Caribe |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
$35,000 - $40,000 per year |
|
|
Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) |
$10,000 - $15,000 per year |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
$6,000 - $10,000 per year |
|
Ponce Health Sciences University |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
$35,000 - $40,000 per year |
|
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
$10,000 - $15,000 per year |
|
|
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) |
$12,000 - $18,000 per year |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
$6,000 - $10,000 per year |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Metro Campus |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
$4,000 - $8,000 per year |
|
|
Associate Degree in Nursing |
$3,000 - $6,000 per year |
|
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$8,000 - $12,000 per year |
|
Universidad del Turabo (Ana G. Méndez University) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
$5,000 - $9,000 per year |
|
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$8,000 - $12,000 per year |
|
|
Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) |
$12,000 - $18,000 per year |
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor in Nursing |
High school diploma or equivalent |
|
Bachelor in Medicine |
High school diploma with a focus on science subjects |
|
Master in Nursing |
Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) |
|
Master in Medicine |
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Biology, Chemistry, etc.) |
|
PhD in Nursing |
Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) |
|
PhD in Medicine |
MD or equivalent medical degree |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Level of Study |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Puerto Rico Health Sciences Scholarship |
Puerto Rican students enrolled in health sciences or medicine programs |
Tuition, fees, books, and living expenses |
Undergraduate, Graduate |
Must commit to working in Puerto Rico post-graduation |
|
Hispanic Scholarship Fund |
Students of Hispanic heritage enrolled in health sciences or nursing |
$500 to $5,000 |
Undergraduate, Graduate |
Focuses on academic achievement and community involvement |
|
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship |
U.S. citizens or nationals enrolled in medical programs |
Full tuition, fees, and living stipend |
Medical School |
Must commit to working in underserved areas in Puerto Rico or the U.S. |
|
PRIMEX Scholarships |
Students pursuing degrees in medical fields |
Varies (partial to full tuition coverage) |
Undergraduate, Graduate |
Preference given to students from rural areas |
|
Association of Puerto Rican Physicians Scholarship |
Puerto Rican medical students |
$1,000 to $5,000 |
Medical School |
Based on academic merit and financial need |
Career Path |
Job Roles |
Average Salary (USD/year) |
Growth Potential |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Medicine (Doctor/Physician) |
General Practitioner, Surgeon, Specialist |
$70,000 - $150,000 |
High, especially in underserved areas |
Board certification may be required |
|
Nursing |
Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
$40,000 - $90,000 |
High, with increasing demand for NPs |
Opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and home care |
|
Dentistry |
Dentist, Dental Surgeon, Orthodontist |
$60,000 - $120,000 |
Moderate, with potential for private practice |
Licensing required |
|
Pharmacy |
Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Researcher |
$50,000 - $100,000 |
High, with growing pharmaceutical industry |
Must pass the Puerto Rico Pharmacy Board Exam |
|
Public Health |
Public Health Officer, Epidemiologist, Health Educator |
$40,000 - $80,000 |
Moderate, with emphasis on community health |
Opportunities in government and NGOs |
|
Physical Therapy |
Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist |
$30,000 - $70,000 |
High, with aging population needs |
Licensing required in Puerto Rico |
|
Occupational Therapy |
Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant |
$40,000 - $80,000 |
High, particularly in pediatric care |
Must be licensed in Puerto Rico |
|
Healthcare Administration |
Healthcare Manager, Hospital Administrator |
$50,000 - $100,000 |
High, with demand for efficient healthcare systems |
Master's degree preferred |
|
Biomedical Research |
Research Scientist, Clinical Research Coordinator |
$40,000 - $90,000 |
Moderate, with opportunities in academia and industry |
Strong focus on research skills |
