Caribbean Medical School Accreditation,
Official Recognition, and Approvals

Study Here, Practice Anywhere

About Accredited Caribbean Medical Schools

What is an Accredited Medical School?

An accredited medical school refers to an educational institution that has met specific standards of quality and excellence set by recognized accrediting bodies. At Trinity Medical School in the Caribbean, being an accredited institution signifies our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rigorous medical education. Accreditation ensures that our curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and student outcomes meet or exceed the established benchmarks for medical education. It validates the credibility and integrity of our institution, allowing our graduates to pursue licensure and practice medicine with confidence.

Quality Medical Education in the Caribbean

Caribbean Medical School Accreditation

Trinity’s accreditation by CAAM-HP, the leading accrediting authority for Caribbean medical schools, qualifies our graduates to enter the U.S. and Canadian residency match processes, to apply for residencies in any U.S. state or Canadian province, and to apply to become licensed to practice in any U.S. state or Canadian province. Trinity graduates also practice in a number of foreign countries. We are proud to have alumni throughout the world living their dream of practicing medicine in their hometown communities. With a degree from Trinity, all doors are open to you.

Student and doctor walking in the hallways at an accredited Caribbean medical school

How Long Does a CAAM-HP Accreditation Last?

 
In keeping with CAAM-HP’s Procedures. “An educational program once accredited, remains accredited until a new accreditation determination is made by the CAAM-HP or the program itself formally terminates its accreditation status with the Authority. Accreditation does not end merely because a certain period has passed.
 
Travel restrictions and border closings resulting from the COVID pandemic meant that site visits originally scheduled for 2020 and 2021 could not be carried out. However, with the easing of restrictions, CAAM-HP is currently making every effort to carry out these visits as expeditiously as possible. This means that the accreditation status of those schools affected remains in place until a new determination is made.
 

 

Who Accredits Medical Schools for CAAM-HP?

 

CAAM-HP accreditation is based on that of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) which governs medical schools in the United States. By virtue of our CAAM-HP accreditation, we are also recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and listed in their World Directory of Medical Schools.

2022 CAAM Accreditation Announcement

The Importance of CAAM-HP Accredited Schools

The accreditation system used by the CAAM-HP is based on that of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). This system functions with a clear, authoritative mandate, operates independently of governments and institutions, uses preset standards, draws on external reviewers and involves self-evaluation and site visits.

 

The Authority has the objectives of:

 

  1. Achieving and maintaining standards of excellence in programmes of education in medicine and other health professions;
  2. Establishing an efficient system of regulation in relation to the standards and quality of such programmes of education;
  3. Securing international recognition of the programmes of education in medicine and other health professions;
  4. Maintaining the confidence of the peoples of the region in the quality of medical and other health professions training offered.

 

Why Attend a CAAM-HP Accredited School

Attending a CAAM-HP (Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions) accredited medical school offers significant advantages. These include:

 

  • Rigorous standards of quality education and training ensured through CAAM-HP accreditation.
  • Comprehensive curriculum delivered by highly qualified faculty members.
  • Global recognition and acceptance of degrees, facilitating licensure and employment opportunities worldwide.
  • Abundant clinical rotation experiences in various healthcare settings, providing hands-on learning and practical experience.
  • Multicultural learning environment fostering cultural competence.
  • An accessible pathway for individuals seeking a high-quality medical education and opportunities to serve diverse patient populations.
medical school accreditation stethoscope and books

Recognized Accredidations for Medical Schools at Trinity

Our accreditation and recognitions include the following:

 

  • ECFMG | Recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
  • CAAM-HP | Accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP).
  • WFME | World Federation for Medical Education
  • LCME | This recognition means the standards used by CAAM-HP and the NAB have been declared comparable to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the organization that accredits all allopathic medical schools in the United States.
  • NAB | Accredited by the National Accreditation Board and Ministry of Education for the Government of St. Vincent (NAB).
  • WHO | Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • NBME | Recognized by the U.S. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
  • Approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the administration of Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and other veterans benefits programs.
  • Recognized by the Canadian Revenue Service as an approved university.
  • Approved by the Provincial, Territorial, and Federal Governments of Canada for the administration of grants and student loans.

This listing in FAIMER/IMED and the assignment of a code provide the sanction for Trinity students to register for and take the USMLE Steps 1, Step 2 and Step 3 examinations. Students who successfully complete Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and otherwise meet the requirements for graduation from Trinity, are then authorized by the ECFMG to register for and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) as well as the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).

 

Trinity School of Medicine is listed as a Designated Educational Institution by the government of Canada (code ZUCF). Its citizens may obtain Canada Student Loans (federal and provincial) to cover the cost of attending Trinity.

 

Finally, Trinity School of Medicine is compliant with the Education Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) 2024 Rule dictating that all international medical graduates be required to have graduated from a school that has been appropriately accredited.

Charter

 

The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has granted Trinity School of Medicine a charter to operate the medical school with special access to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and a number of government-sponsored clinics with the right to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine after the successful completion of the prescribed accredited curriculum (10 terms). This charter allows our institution to engage in all necessary and appropriate activities which are incidental to the operation of a medical school.

 

United States Licensing Examinations (USMLE)

 

These tests are recognized standards for assessing a student’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts and principles as well as to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. The sequence is as follows:

USMLE Step 1 – Must be taken and passed within three attempts prior to entering the clinical clerkships.

USMLE Step 2 – Clinical Knowledge (CK) – taken after completing most of the required or in an early elective.

USMLE Step 3 – Can be taken prior to or after residency. We recommend that it is taken prior to a second residency application.

ECFMG CertificationTrinity School of Medicine students are eligible for ECFMG certification to sit for USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 and they may be certified by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to register for and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) upon meeting the ECFMG requirements.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCREDITED MEDICAL SCHOOLS

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Caribbean medical schools are accredited, as it’s important to note that accreditation varies among institutions. Prospective students should research and verify the accreditation status of Caribbean medical schools they are considering. Look for accreditation from reputable accrediting bodies such as CAAM-HP (Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions) or other recognized regional or national accrediting organizations, such as those listed above.

Accreditation signifies that Trinity Medical School has undergone a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure that it meets established standards for medical education. It assures students, faculty, and the public that the school operates with integrity, provides a robust curriculum, and maintains qualified faculty members.

Trinity Medical School is committed to upholding medical school accreditation standards. It undergoes regular evaluations and self-assessments to ensure compliance with the accrediting body’s requirements. The school continuously improves its curriculum, faculty qualifications, and educational resources to maintain the high standards set by the accrediting organization.

Trinity Medical School’s accreditation status can be verified by checking the official website of each accrediting organization. Additionally, you can reach out to Trinity Medical School’s administration or admissions office for confirmation and further details about its accreditation.

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