What is the Integrated American Program (IAP)?
The value of an Integrated American Program in Georgia is that it allows medical students to pursue MBBS in Georgia while preparing for entry into PG in the USA during the journey.
Roadmap
Standard vs. Integrated American Program
The main difference between the standard MBBS program and the Integrated American Program is that the latter prepares students for the USMLE exam, which is required for medical practice in the United States.
What is the standard MBBS program?
Under the standard MBBS program, students complete the medical course required for a European medical degree and then take the FMGE or NExT exam to obtain their licence to practice medicine in India. After obtaining their licence, they can pursue specialization leading to an MD degree.
What is the Integrated American Program?
The Integrated American Program is designed to prepare students for the USMLE exam and to practice medicine in the United States. Students in this program start preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam right from the first year of their MBBS studies. The USMLE exam prep course is integrated with the standard MBBS program, and students typically take the Step 1 exam at the end of their third year of MBBS. USMLE Step 2CK exam preparation begins in the fourth year, and students typically take this exam in their fifth year.
Finally, in their final year of MBBS, students complete a US hospital clerkship and all of the requirements for applying for ECFME certification, which leads to residency applications for their medical PG course in the USA.
Which program is right for you?
For students who wish to practice medicine in India or the US, the Integrated American Program is the best choice. It offers a number of advantages, including the opportunity to earn two qualifications in one program, shorter and lower costs, high-quality education, and increased job opportunities.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two programs:
| Feature | Standard MBBS | Integrated American Program |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | European medicine course | European medicine course + USMLE exam prep |
| USMLE exam prep | Not integrated | Integrated |
| Eligibility for residency in the USA | Yes, after passing the FMGE (or NExT from 2024 onward) | Yes, after passing the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 exams |
Georgian Universities with Integrated American Programs
Only two medical universities in Georgia offer the Integrated American Medical Program (IAM Program): Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) and the University of Georgia (UG) have been approved by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science to offer the Integrated American Medical Program (IAM Program).
Other universities, such as Georgian National University (SEU) , Caucasus International University, Teaching University Geomedi, and David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU), do not have such programs.
Beware of Misleading Information
Beware of Indian admission agents who claim that all medical schools in Georgia offer the IAM Program or that the education system for MBBS in Georgia follows American standards. This is untrue. Only TSMU and UG issue admission letters confirming the USMLE coaching during MBBS.
Moreover, some admission agents in India may provide misleading information about the cost of living while studying MBBS in Georgia. To get accurate information, please visit the Indian Embassy website, which clearly states that the living cost in Georgia is around US$3,000 to US$4,000 per year, in addition to tuition fees.
To be sure that you are enrolled in the IAM Program, contact MOKSH to get a copy of the admission letter from TSMU or UG.
Link to Embassy Advisory
Cost of Standard and Integrated American Program
Here is a comparison of the costs of the Standard MBBS Program and the Integrated American Program at the University of Georgia (UG) and Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU):
Standard MBBS Program
The standard MBBS programs at UG and TSMU can be compared as follows:
| University | Tuition Fees (USD) | Scholarship | Final Fees (USD) | Cost for 6 Years (USD) | Cost for 6 Years (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University | 8,500 | 0 | 8,500 | 51,000 | 42 lacs |
| University of Georgia | 5,500 | 0 | 5,500 | 33,000 | 27 lacs |
As you can see, the standard MBBS program at the University of Georgia is significantly more affordable than the same program at TSMU, costing 33,000 USD for the entire 6-year course, compared to 51,000 USD at TSMU. This represents a saving of almost 15 Lacs INR.
Integrated American Program
Suppose you are considering studying for an Integrated American Program leading to MBBS in Georgia + PG in the USA. In that case, only two universities offer this option: UG and TSMU. The cost of these programs can be compared as follows:
| University | Tuition Fees (USD) | Scholarship | Final Fees (USD) | Total Cost for 6 Years (USD) | Total Cost for 6 Years (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University | 13,500 | 0 | 13,500 | 81,000 | 65 lacs |
| University of Georgia | 9,500 | 3,000 | 6,500 | 39,000 | 31 lacs |
As you can see, the integrated American program at the University of Georgia is significantly more affordable than the same program at TSMU, costing 31 Lacs INR, compared to 65 Lacs INR at TSMU. This means that the integrated American program at the University of Georgia is even more affordable than the standard MBBS program at TSMU.
Overall, it is clear that the University of Georgia is the more affordable option for both standard MBBS and integrated American programs. Hence, choosing the Integrated American Program at UG is advisable instead of a standard medicine course at TSMU.
Differences Between Studying MBBS in Batumi and Tbilisi, Georgia
Batumi and Tbilisi are two of the most popular cities in Georgia for international students pursuing MBBS degrees. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is the most populous city in the country and a major center for education, culture, and business. It is also home to 19 of Georgia's 21 NMC-approved medical colleges. Batumi, a coastal city in southwestern Georgia, is home to 3 of the 21 NMC-approved medical colleges in Georgia.
However, there are some key differences between the two cities that students should consider before making a decision.
| Factor | Batumi | Tbilisi |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1.6 lacs | 1.1 million |
| Number of NMC-approved medical colleges | 2 | 19 |
| Number of hospital beds | 500 | 14,000 |
| Cost of living | Lower | Higher |
| Access to clinical rotations and internships | Limited | Extensive |
| Proximity to major cities | Nearest Major City Tbilisi | Business Hub |
| International connectivity | Not Available | Good |
| Opportunities for patient exposure | Limited | High |
Why Should You Consider Studying MBBS in Tbilisi?
There are many reasons why students should choose to study medicine in Tbilisi, the capital city, instead of Batumi or Kutaisi.
- More medical colleges to choose from: Tbilisi has 19 medical colleges to choose from, while Batumi only has 1. This gives students more options and flexibility when choosing a medical school.
- More hospital beds: Tbilisi has 14,000 hospital beds, while Batumi has 500. This means that students in Tbilisi will have more opportunities for clinical rotations and internships.
- Higher quality of education and healthcare: Tbilisi's medical schools and hospitals are ranked among the best in Georgia. Whereas, Batumi's are also good but less highly ranked.
- Embassy support: The Indian Embassy in Tbilisi is more accessible than the Indian Consulates in Batumi and Kutaisi. Hence, it makes it easier for students to get help if needed. Embassy representatives visit Tbilisi every week, providing students with a reliable source of support.
- Hospital quality: The best hospitals in Georgia are located in Tbilisi, including the Tbilisi State Medical University Clinic and the First University Clinic of Tbilisi. These hospitals offer students the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of medical specialties.
- Patient exposure: Tbilisi's larger population and higher doctor concentration (doctor-to-patient ratio of 2.67:1, according to the WHO) offer MBBS students more opportunities for patient exposure during clinical rotations and internships.
Overall, Tbilisi is a better choice for students who want to study MBBS in Georgia. It has more NMC-approved medical colleges, hospitals, and educational and cultural opportunities. Tbilisi also has a higher quality of life than Batumi.
The University of Georgia, Tbilisi
Established in 2004, the University of Georgia (UG) is a leading medical school in Georgia. UG offers comprehensive Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. programs in health sciences and public health, including Health Care Administration, Pharmacy Management, Nursing, Public Health, and single-cycle Dental Studies and Medical Education programs.
UG is known for its focus on developing diagnostic skills among medical students to ensure critical thinking and patient-centered learning. In addition, top doctors from Georgia teach UG's medical students, who come from over 70 countries. Currently, there are more than 2,000 students at UG. Due to its cost benefits, UG is a popular choice for students from India and Gulf countries over other Medical Schools in Georgia, such as Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU).
Overall, the Integrated American Program is a great option for students who wish to practice medicine in India or the US. It offers a number of advantages, including the opportunity to earn two qualifications in one program, shorter and lower costs, high-quality education, and increased job opportunities.
Why choose the Integrated American Program at UG?
The Integrated American Program (IAP) at the University of Georgia, Tbilisi, offers a fantastic opportunity for students interested in pursuing a medical career in the United States.
Here are some of the key benefits of pursuing the integrated program at the University of Georgia (UG):
- USMLE preparation: The IAP prepares students for the USMLE exam, which is essential for practicing medicine in the United States. It offers a comprehensive USMLE exam preparation course and includes clinical rotations in US hospitals to prepare students.
- Affordability: The Integrated American Program (IAP) at UG is budget-friendly. You'll find that our tuition fees are much lower than those of other IAP programs in Georgia.
- Reputation: UG is a respected university with a solid track record. We have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges. Plus, the medical school holds recognition from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
- Accreditation: UG's IAP program has accreditation from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), ensuring a high-quality standard in the program.
- In a nutshell, the program is affordable, accredited, and offers students the opportunity to prepare for the USMLE exam at a highly ranked university.
Cost of Integrated American Program (IAP) at University of Georgia
The cost of pursuing an MBBS degree at the University of Georgia, Tbilisi, is relatively affordable. With a budget of around INR 35 to 45 Lacs, including living costs (accommodation and food), students can pursue an MBBS in Georgia + PG in the USA.
The University of Georgia offers an affordable program called the Integrated American Program (IAP). This unique program helps students prepare for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is necessary to become a practicing doctor in the United States.
Check out the comprehensive tuition fee structure for the MBBS program at the University of Georgia for the 2024 academic year.
| Year | Tuition Fee (USD) | Scholarship (USD) | Final Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yr 1 | 9500 | 3000 | 6500 |
| Yr 2 | 9500 | 3000 | 6500 |
| Yr 3 | 9500 | 3000 | 6500 |
| Yr 4 | 9500 | 3000 | 6500 |
| Yr 5 | 9500 | 3000 | 6500 |
| Yr 6 | 9500 | 3000 | 6500 |
As you can see, the tuition fee for the IAP is slightly higher than the tuition fee for the standard MBBS program at the University of Georgia. However, the IAP scholarship covers the difference in cost.
Scholarship for MBBS in Georgia
Every year, the University of Georgia awards 100 international students scholarships valued at USD 18,000 each for the Integrated American Program. Out of the 750 students who apply for medical courses at UG annually, 100 students receive this significant scholarship, amounting to a total of Rs. 14.50 Crores.
Apply to Scholarship
University of Georgia MBBS Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to the University of Georgia MBBS program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Achieve at least 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class XII.
- Be at least 17 years old
- Qualify for the NEET exam for the application year
- Basic proficiency in English (may be assessed during an interview)
Integrated American Program for Unqualified NEET Students
The Integrated American Program at the University of Georgia is a good option for students who have not qualified for the NEET exam. With the standard medicine program, students who have not qualified for NEET cannot practice in India. Their only option is to pursue the US or UK Pathway for Medical PG by passing the USMLE or PLAB.
University of Georgia Admission Deadlines 2023
The University of Georgia (UG) offers two intakes per year for its MBBS program: Autumn and Spring. The application deadlines for each intake are as follows:
| Intake | Month | Last Date to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September | June 1, 2023 |
| Spring | March | December 15, 2023 |
The admissions process begins in June and ends in September. It is important to note that the invitation letter from the Ministry of Education to study MBBS in Georgia takes at least 4-5 weeks to process. Additionally, the embassy of Georgia in India takes around 4-8 weeks, or even longer, depending on the workload, to issue the study visa. Therefore, it is advisable to apply early. Applicants who are late in applying will generally be shifted to the spring batch, which starts in March every year.
For more information, please visit the University of Georgia official website.
Syllabus of IAP at the University of Georgia, Tbilisi
Below is a list of all subjects for each semester from the first to sixth years:
| Year | Courses | USMLE Step |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Cell Biology, Body Systems, Biophysics and Medical Physics, Clinical and Professional Skills, Introduction to Information Technologies, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Body Function, Bioethics | USMLE Step 1 |
| 2nd | Body Systems, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Imaging, Immunology, Body Function, Neuroscience, Introduction to Psychology, Clinical and Professional Skills, Skills for Academic Study, Public Health, Research Skills | |
| 3rd | Pathology, Pharmacology, Methods of Diagnosis, Microbiology, Public Health, Physical Diagnosis, Radiology, Laboratory Medicine, Immunology, Surgery (General) | |
| 4th | Internal Medicine, Surgery, Research Skills (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Dermatology, Pediatrics, Clinical and Professional Skills, Surgery, Infectious Diseases Public Health, Leadership in Healthcare | |
| 5th | Internal Medicine, Neurology, Surgery, Forensic Medicine, Clinical and Professional Skills, Public Health, Psychiatry, Surgery, Clinical and Professional Skills, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Research Skills (Evidence-Based Medicine), Elective Courses, Child Neurology, Quality and Safety in Healthcare | USMLE Step 2CK & Clerkship |
| 6th | Internal Medicine, Surgery, Medical Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Clinical and Professional Skills, Clinical Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Palliative Medicine, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Clinical and Professional Skills, Research Skills |
Conclusion
Students who are interested in Studying MBBS in Georgia should consider choosing Tbilisi, the capital city, over Batumi or Kutaisi. Additionally, Tbilisi is a safer city with better facilities and amenities. Moreover, it also has a larger population, which means that students will have more opportunities for patient exposure and will have access to the best hospitals in the country.
