How Many Medical Schools Are In Texas

How Many Medical Schools Are in Texas? A Complete Guide

If you're wondering how many medical schools are in Texas, the answer is 38 accredited institutions that offer Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs across the state. Texas boasts one of the largest concentrations of medical education centers in the United States, ranging from major research universities to smaller community colleges with specialized training tracks. This article provides a thorough overview of each school, their accreditation status, program types, admission requirements, and tips for prospective students seeking to pursue a medical career in the Lone Star State That's the part that actually makes a difference..

Overview of Texas Medical Schools

Texas medical schools are divided into two primary categories:

• MD‑granting schools – operated by public and private universities, accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
• DO‑granting schools – part of osteopathic medical education, accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).

Both types follow rigorous curricula, clinical rotations, and residency pathways, but they differ slightly in philosophy and teaching methodology. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a holistic approach and includes manual osteopathic manipulative therapy as a core component.

Key Statistics

• Total MD schools: 27
• Total DO schools: 11
• Combined total: 38 accredited programs
• Public vs. Private: 20 public, 18 private institutions
• Enrollment capacity (annual): Approximately 1,500 MD students and 300 DO students

These numbers reflect Texas’s commitment to training physicians who will serve a diverse and growing population.

Detailed List of Texas Medical Schools

Below is a comprehensive list of each medical school, its location, and the degrees it offers Not complicated — just consistent..

MD‑Granting Schools

1. Baylor College of Medicine – Houston
2. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Houston
3. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas
4. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center University Network – Houston
5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Brownsville
6. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas – Dallas
7. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – San Antonio
8. University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler – Tyler
9. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (UTSW) – Dallas
10. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – McGovern Medical School – Houston
11. University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas – Dallas
12. University of Texas Health Science Center at El Paso – El Paso
13. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) – San Antonio
14. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – School of Medicine – Houston
15. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center – Houston
16. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
17. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
18. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
19. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
20. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
21. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
22. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
23. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
24. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
25. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
26. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston
27. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint Program) – Houston

(Note: The above list includes the major MD schools; some institutions have multiple campuses or joint programs that are counted separately for enrollment purposes.)

DO‑Granting Schools

1. Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine – Bryan/College Station
2. University of North Texas Health Science Center – Fort Worth
3. Baylor College of Medicine (Joint DO/MD Program) – Houston (Note: Baylor offers a combined MD/DO pathway)
4. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – Houston
5. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – San Antonio
6. University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – Dallas
7. University of Texas Health Science Center at El Paso (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – El Paso
8. University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – Tyler
9. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – San Antonio
10. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – Houston
11. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Joint DO/MD Program) – Houston

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

All Texas medical schools are accredited by either the LCME (for MD programs) or COCA (for DO programs). Accreditation ensures that each institution meets rigorous standards in:

• Curriculum design and clinical exposure
• Faculty qualifications and research output
• Hospital affiliations and training sites
• Student services and support systems

Prospective students should verify the LCME or COCA status of a school before applying, as this directly impacts eligibility for residency programs and licensure.

Admission Requirements – A Step‑by‑Step Overview

Admission to Texas medical schools is highly

Admission to Texas medical schools is highly competitive and requires meticulous planning. Below is a step‑by‑step overview that outlines the typical timeline and key milestones for both MD and DO applicants targeting programs in the Lone Star State Less friction, more output..

1. Verify Program‑Specific Eligibility

Tip: Review each school’s admissions page for any unique prerequisites (e.g., minimum GPA for out‑of‑state applicants).

2. Complete Required Coursework

• Science Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry (general + organic), Physics, Biochemistry (usually completed within the last 5–7 years).
• Human Anatomy & Physiology is strongly recommended, especially for Texas A&M’s Bryan/College Station campus.
• Non‑Science Courses: Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics (often counted toward GPA but not as a strict requirement).

Texas‑specific note: Some schools (notably UTHealth’s joint programs) may require additional coursework in health disparities or rural health to reflect the state’s diverse patient population.

3. Take the MCAT (MD Applicants) / COMLEX‑Level 1 (DO Applicants)

Preparation tip: Texas schools often value demonstrated perseverance; consider a structured prep course or intensive study group, especially for the CARS section.

4. Gain Clinical and Research Experience

• Minimum Requirement: Most Texas MD programs look for ≥ 500 hours of patient contact (clinical shadowing, volunteer work, or paid medical employment).
• Research: While not mandatory, publications or presentations enhance an application, particularly for competitive programs like Baylor and UTHealth’s joint MD/DO tracks.
• Texas‑specific: Experience in underserved communities, rural health clinics, or border health programs is a strong differentiator.

5. Assemble Application Materials

MD Applicants

1. AMCAS Application (Texas schools use the national platform).
2. Texas‑specific supplemental essays (e.g., “Why Texas?” or “Commitment to Rural Health”).
3. Letters of Recommendation – at least three, preferably one from a physician or researcher familiar with your clinical work.
4. Personal Statement – focus on motivation to practice in Texas, cultural competency, or a compelling personal narrative.

DO Applicants

1. AACOMAS Application (or the COMLEX‑specific platform).
2. Individual school supplements (many Texas DO schools ask about osteopathic philosophy and community service).
3. COMLEX scores and transcripts.
4. Essays emphasizing patient‑centered care and the osteopathic approach.

6. Submit and Track Application Status

• Deadline: Most Texas MD programs close in early May (AMCAS deadline). DO programs often follow a June deadline.

• **Application Fees

• Application Fees – Expect to pay roughly $100–$175 per school through AMCAS or AACOMAS, with secondary application fees often ranging from $50–$100. Applicants with demonstrated financial need should explore the AAMC Fee Assistance Program or AACOMAS fee waiver to reduce costs Surprisingly effective..

• Secondary Applications – After your primary application is verified, Texas schools typically send secondary essays between June and August. These are school-specific and often ask about your