While English isn’t generally considered a requirement for medical school, it is necessary to master the skill of writing in order to successfully navigate the 4-year curriculum.
Based on the requirements of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), and other national organizations responsible for accrediting medical schools, the minimum accepted English language proficiency is listed below.
English Language Proficiency
To qualify for entrance into most medical schools in the United States, an applicant must:
- Acquire basic English language knowledge and skills
- Acquire conversational skills in English
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of scientific terminology
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the biomedical literature
- Incorporate the core values of compassion, integrity, and respect for human dignity
- Be able to successfully meet the standards of professional conduct expected of a physician
While it is not required that you attain perfection in English, you must demonstrate that you have made some effort to improve your English prior to application.
English For Specific Purposes
Medical students are expected to be thoroughly familiar with a variety of medical and health-related English, including:
- Pharmaceutical company lingo
- Medical jargon
- Health information published in various media
- Health information found on the World Wide Web
- Sign language
- Advertising copy
- General news stories
- Academic journal articles
- Research proposals
- Patient reports
- Healthcare policy proposals
As you prepare to apply for medical school, it’s important to remember that the faculty and students of these schools are highly regarded for their knowledge and competence, so you can be sure that your medical degree will be valued and make you stand out as a professional.
English For Specific Purposes
While English isn’t generally required for medical school, the majority of the curriculum is written in English and it is generally assumed that you will be able to speak and write the language proficiently.
Additionally, many employers prefer to see applicants who are able to write in English, so it is beneficial to have some familiarity with the language.
If you are applying for a position in a field related to medicine (e.g., pharmacy, biomedical research, medical administration, etc.), then you should have at least a working knowledge of the English language.
How Do I Improve My English?
If you are unsatisfied with your English proficiency or feel that you could use some help, then you have many options. You could enroll in an English-taught MA program (e.g., pharmacy, nursing, or medical tech) that provides you with academic credit for learning English, take a class or two with a native English speaker, or enroll in an English-taught MBA program.
Additionally, you could consider taking the TOFHLA (Test of English for Healthcare Professionals) exam, which will assess your English-speaking skills as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Finally, you could ask a trusted friend or family member to help you edit your writing before you send it in. The presence of an editor can help you eliminate awkward phrases and correct mistakes.
As a prospective medical student, it’s important to keep in mind that while English isn’t required, it is necessary to have a working knowledge of the language in order to succeed. Additionally, you should seek out opportunities to practice speaking and writing the language, so that when you encounter it through an exam, interview, or course, you’ll be able to demonstrate your skill.