Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to a distinguished and competitive landscape of medical education, anchored by world-renowned institutions that attract aspiring physicians from across the globe. The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA stands as the premier medical school in the city, recognized as a Tier 1 institution for research and consistently ranking among the best medical schools in the United States.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC also holds a prominent position, offering rigorous clinical training through one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country . Beyond these flagship programs, the broader Los Angeles area provides additional options, including the faith-based Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Admission to these schools is exceptionally competitive, with UCLA reporting an acceptance rate of approximately 1.4 percent and average MCAT scores of 522.
Top 15 Medical Schools In Los Angeles
1. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
UCLA is the premier medical school in Los Angeles, ranking in Tier 1 for research and Tier 2 for primary care according to U.S. News & World Report. It is a public medical school located in Westwood with 878 enrolled students, a 4.3:1 faculty-student ratio, and an extremely low acceptance rate of 1.4 percent.
The average MCAT score of enrolled students is 522, and the average GPA is 3.96. Tuition is $52,763 for California residents and $65,008 for out-of-state students . UCLA Health has been on the U.S. News Honor Roll for 36 consecutive years.
2. Keck School of Medicine of USC
USC Keck is a highly respected private medical school in Los Angeles with a strong reputation for clinical training. It offers excellent hands-on experience through LA General Medical Center, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country.
The school ranks among the top 40 medical schools in terms of NIH funding per investigator . It offers MD, PhD, and MD-PhD programs and provides training across a network of affiliated hospitals and clinics in the region.
3. Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Located in the broader Los Angeles metro area, Loma Linda is a private, faith-based medical school that has been educating physicians since 1909. It offers a four-year MD program in a distinctive Christian environment emphasizing whole-person care.
The school has an average MCAT score of 512 and an average GPA of 3.92. In a recent year, there were 5,496 applicants for 155 positions, with 337 applicants receiving interviews . The school features state-of-the-art facilities including VR simulation technology.
4. University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
While located in Irvine, this medical school is within the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area and represents a highly respected public medical program. It is ranked Tier 2 for research and Tier 3 for primary care according to U.S. News & World Report. The school is recognized for its innovative approach to medical education and is part of the prestigious University of California system.
5. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Located in South Los Angeles, this institution is a private, non-profit medical school with a focus on serving underserved communities. It offers a medical education program and is particularly known for its commitment to diversity and health equity in the region .
6. Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Located in Pomona, this college offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program with a focus on primary care. It provides a comprehensive medical education with an emphasis on whole-person care and community health.
7. California University of Science and Medicine
Located in San Bernardino, this private medical school offers a Doctor of Medicine program with a focus on training physicians for the Inland Empire region. It provides a rigorous curriculum with early clinical exposure in community healthcare settings.
8. Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine
Located in Pasadena, this relatively new medical school offers a fully accredited MD program with a strong focus on health equity and primary care. It features a unique curriculum that integrates clinical training with population health and health systems science.
9. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA – PRIME Program
This specialized program within UCLA offers a dual-degree MD and Master’s degree with a focus on leadership, advocacy, and research in underserved communities. It provides an accelerated pathway for students committed to serving diverse and disadvantaged populations.
10. USC Keck – MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program
This combined degree program at USC allows students to earn both MD and PhD degrees with a focus on research. It is designed for students interested in academic medicine and biomedical research careers.
11. Loma Linda – MD/PhD Program
Loma Linda offers a combined MD/PhD program allowing students to pursue research alongside medical training. Students in this program start with the first two years of medical school, followed by the PhD program, and then return for the remaining two years of medical school.
12. UCLA – UCLA/Harbor Medical Center Program
This program allows UCLA medical students to complete clinical rotations at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a major public teaching hospital. It provides extensive experience in caring for underserved populations and managing complex medical cases.
13. USC Keck – LA General Medical Center Program
USC Keck students have the opportunity to train at Los Angeles County and USC Medical Center, one of the largest public teaching hospitals in the nation. This provides exceptional clinical volume and diverse patient experiences.
14. Loma Linda – Global Health Program
Loma Linda offers opportunities for medical students to participate in international medical mission trips and service to underserved communities worldwide . This program reflects the school’s mission of global healing and outreach.
15. UCLA – UCLA Medical Center Program
UCLA medical students train at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation . This provides access to cutting-edge medical technology and renowned faculty across all medical specialties.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Avg. MCAT | Avg. GPA | Acceptance Rate | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Geffen SOM at UCLA | Los Angeles | 522 | 3.96 | 1.4% | Tier 1 research, UCLA Health |
| 2 | Keck SOM at USC | Los Angeles | Varies | Varies | Varies | LA General training, top NIH funding |
| 3 | Loma Linda University SOM | Loma Linda | 512 | 3.92 | 6.1% | Faith-based, Christian environment |
| 4 | UC Irvine SOM | Irvine | Varies | Varies | Varies | Public UC medical school |
| 5 | Charles R. Drew University | South LA | Varies | Varies | Varies | Focus on underserved communities |
| 6 | Western University – COMP | Pomona | Varies | Varies | Varies | Osteopathic medicine program |
| 7 | California University of Science and Medicine | San Bernardino | Varies | Varies | Varies | Focus on Inland Empire region |
| 8 | Kaiser Permanente SOM | Pasadena | Varies | Varies | Varies | Health equity focus, new school |
| 9 | UCLA PRIME Program | Los Angeles | 522 | 3.96 | 1.4% | Dual MD/Master’s, underserved focus |
| 10 | USC Keck MD/PhD Program | Los Angeles | Varies | Varies | Varies | Medical Scientist Training Program |
| 11 | Loma Linda MD/PhD Program | Loma Linda | 512 | 3.92 | 6.1% | Combined research and medical training |
| 12 | UCLA/Harbor Medical Center Program | Harbor City | 522 | 3.96 | 1.4% | Public hospital clinical training |
| 13 | USC Keck/LA General Program | Los Angeles | Varies | Varies | Varies | Large public hospital training |
| 14 | Loma Linda Global Health Program | Loma Linda | 512 | 3.92 | 6.1% | International medical missions |
| 15 | UCLA Medical Center Program | Los Angeles | 522 | 3.96 | 1.4% | Top-ranked hospital training |
Success Tips for Application
Start your preparation early by focusing on achieving a strong undergraduate GPA, as UCLA’s average is 3.96 and Loma Linda’s average is 3.92. Aim for a competitive MCAT score; UCLA’s average is 522, which is significantly higher than the national average of 512.
Complete required prerequisite coursework including one year each of biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry at an accredited institution.
Gain meaningful clinical experience through physician shadowing and direct patient care exposure, which is explicitly required by medical schools like Loma Linda. Demonstrate your commitment to the specific mission of each school, whether that is research excellence at UCLA, clinical training at USC, or faith-based service at Loma Linda.
Submit your AMCAS application by October 1 for UCLA and November 3 for Loma Linda . Complete secondary applications promptly, as interview invitations are sent on a rolling basis from September through March . Secure strong letters of recommendation, including at least one from a science professor who has taught you.
Apply to a range of schools to maximize your chances, considering both the elite programs and other medical schools in the broader Los Angeles area.
Closing
Los Angeles offers a distinguished and competitive landscape of medical education, anchored by the Tier 1 research powerhouse of UCLA and the clinically-focused Keck School of Medicine at USC.
These institutions are exceptionally selective, requiring near-perfect academic credentials and compelling personal narratives of service and commitment to medicine . For applicants seeking a faith-based environment, Loma Linda University School of Medicine provides a unique alternative in the broader Los Angeles area.
Aspiring physicians should carefully research each school’s mission, curriculum, and training opportunities, as the right fit extends far beyond rankings to encompass clinical training, research infrastructure, and alignment with personal values and career goals.
With careful preparation, a strong application, and early planning, you can find a medical school in Los Angeles that matches your aspirations and sets you on the path to a successful career in medicine. Note that all information is subject to change, and it is essential to verify current tuition, deadlines, and requirements directly with each medical school.