University of Central Florida College of Medicine: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine, located in Orlando, Florida, stands out as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to training future physicians and advancing medical knowledge. Founded in 2006, it distinguishes itself as one of the first U.S. medical schools developed from the ground up in recent decades. This relative youth is reflected in its innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on research.

A Unique Learning Experience

UCF's M.D. Program offers a distinctive learning environment that blends cutting-edge technology, hands-on clinical and laboratory experiences, research opportunities, facilitator-led small group sessions, and interactive large group sessions. The program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers across all medical disciplines while allowing them to focus on individualized areas of study or research.

Integrated Clinical Experiences

Clinical experiences are interwoven throughout the first two years of the M.D. program through the Community of Practice program. These early clinical exposures provide students with invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and develop essential patient care skills. In P-1 and P-2 Community of Practice modules, clinical experiences are embedded throughout the first two years.

Focused Individualized Research Experience (FIRE)

A cornerstone of the UCF College of Medicine's approach is the Focused Individualized Research Experience (FIRE). As part of an approach described by the Dean as “Keep the Dream Alive!”, each student undertakes a focused inquiry and research project during the first two years (I-1 and I-2 modules). The scope of the FIRE project is intentionally broad, limited only by the student's imagination. Projects can encompass bench or clinical research, studies of quality of care, hospitality in medicine, quality of life, legal aspects of medicine, and more. This allows students to explore their passions within medicine and develop critical research skills.

Innovative Simulation Experiences

Recognizing the importance of practical training, UCF College of Medicine incorporates innovative simulation experiences into its curriculum. These simulations are designed to integrate with and reinforce the concepts learned in the classroom, providing students with a safe and controlled environment to practice clinical skills and decision-making.

Admissions and Statistics

Gaining admission to the UCF College of Medicine is competitive. For the academic year 2023-2024, the college received 4,970 applications and matriculated 120 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 2.41%. The average GPA of enrolled students is 3.91, and the average MCAT score is 595. Approximately 500 applicants were invited to interview, resulting in an interview invitation rate of 9.06% (based on 2022-2023 data.) Of the 120 matriculants, 55.0% are male and 45.0% are female.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree program at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine for the academic year 2025-2026 are $29,835 for Florida residents and $56,709 for non-residents. These costs differ from those of other undergraduate and graduate programs at UCF. For major programs other than medical school, the average undergraduate tuition and fees are $6,368 for Florida residents and $22,467 for others. The average graduate program tuition and fees are $8,872 for Florida residents and $28,657 for others. The average living costs, including room and board and other living expenses, are $17,682 for both on-campus and off-campus living.

Location and Facilities

The UCF College of Medicine is located on the University's Health Sciences Campus in the Lake Nona neighborhood of Orlando. The 50-acre campus is situated on the eastern edge of Orlando, approximately 30 minutes from UCF's main campus and a few minutes from Orlando International Airport. The location places the college amidst a growing hub of medical facilities and research centers.

The college boasts impressive facilities, including:

Anatomy Lab
Microscopy Lab
Library
Clinical Skills & Simulation Center
UCF Hospital
UCF Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona
Burnett Biomedical Sciences Facility
YCF Health East Orlando
UCF Lake Nona Medical Center
UCF Cancer Center
Nemours Children’s Hospital
Orlando VA Medical Center
Ocala Regional Medical Center
Lakeside Behavioral Health
University of Florida Research Facilities
Veterans Hospital Administration SimLEARN National Simulation Center
On-Campus Cafe

The UCF Lake Nona Medical Center opened in early 2021 and serves as the medical school's main teaching hospital.

Read also: Albany Medical College Programs

Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library

Located on the second floor of the College of Medicine Medical Education building, the Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library offers a variety of study and reading spaces, an information commons, and public computer terminals. The library is predominantly electronic, with a goal of becoming 100% electronic.

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences is an integral part of the UCF College of Medicine, housing the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, the Biomolecular Science Center, the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, and the Pre-Health Professions Advisement Office. The school offers three undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. It also offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Microbiology and a Ph.D. The school was named after Al and Nancy Burnett following a $10 million donation. The goal of the school is to build a nationally recognized biomedical research and education enterprise.

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program

The University of Central Florida College of Medicine partners with HCA Healthcare and the Orlando VA Medical Center to sponsor sought-after residencies and fellowships.

Student Organizations

UCF College of Medicine supports a wide array of student organizations, fostering community, promoting diverse interests, and providing opportunities for leadership and professional development. These organizations include:

American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD)
Arts in Medicine (AIM)
American Medical Association/Florida Medical Association (AMA/FMA)
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
Asian Pacific American Medicine Student Association (APAMSA)
Association of Women Surgeons (AWS)
Business of Medicine (BoM)
Chapman Compassionate Care (CCC)
Critical Care Medicine Interest Group (CCMIG)
Cardiology Interest Group (CIG)
Catholic Medical Association (CMA)
Careers in Oncology (COG)
Clinical Problem Solvers (CPS)
Dermatology Interest Group (DIG)
Engineering in Medicine (EIM)
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
ENT Interest Group (Otolaryngology Interest Group)
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
Global Surgery Student Alliance (GSSA)
Healthcare Innovations (HI)
Health Literacy Advocates
Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)
Interventional Radiology Interest Group (IRIG)
Jewish U”knight’ed Students in Medicine (JUSM)
KNIGHTS Clinic
LGBTQI+ Medical Students and Allies
Life Beyond Residency (LBR)
Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (LMIG)
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
Medical Anesthesiology Society (MAS)
Medical Campus Outreach (MCO)
Medical Genetics Interest Group (MedGen)
Medical Students Providing Across Continents (MedPACt)
Military Medicine Interest Group (MMIG)
Movement is Medicine (MiM)
Neurological Surgery Interest Group (NSIG)
Obstetrics & Gynecology Interest Group (OGIG)
Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG)
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Interest Group (OSMIG)
Pathology Medicine Student Interest Group (PMSIG)
Pediatric Interest Group (PIG)
Preventive Medicine & Aging Group (PMAG)
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group (PMRIG)
Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group (PRSIG)
Peer Support Group (PSG)
PsychSIGN
Reproductive Health Interest Group (RHIG)
Radiology Interest Group (RIG)
Student Accessibility Advocacy Network (SAAN)
Students Interested in Academic Medicine (SIAM)
Surgery Interest Group (SIG)
Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
Student Council
Urology Interest Group (UIG)
Ultrasound Interest Group (USIG)
Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG)
Vot-ER
White Coats 4 Black Lives (WC4BL)
Wilderness Medical Society (WMS)

Selection Factors and Admissions Requirements

The UCF College of Medicine Admissions Committee seeks students who will thrive in their program and positively contribute to the student body. They look for candidates who align with the school's vision, mission, and goals, demonstrate a passion for medicine and service, and embrace diversity and inclusivity.

While academic achievements are important, the Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach, considering each applicant's unique experiences and qualities. Basic requirements include:

Minimum Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.00
Minimum Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) GPA: 3.00
Minimum MCAT (best single test composite score for the past three years): 500
Significant and Meaningful Medical Clinical Activities
Consistent Service to the Community
Physician Shadowing
Teamwork and Leadership Skills
Demonstrated Interest in Research
Perseverance or Excellence in an Activity at a High Level

Applicants must have completed their undergraduate prerequisites at an accredited college or university in the United States and hold a bachelor's degree.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Central Florida College of Medicine demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The college has formed a Council for Diversity and Inclusion with goals related to recruitment and retention. The school hosts numerous events pertaining to race and to LGBTQ+ topics. The Internal Medicine Residency Program emphasizes cultivating an environment that honors and promotes DEI.

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