Medical Schools in San Antonio

Types of Medical Schools in San Antonio

There’s no standard when comes to medical schools in San Antonio TX. Click here to examine the major differences and find the right choice for you. Medical schools in San Antonio TX fall into a few different categories: there are traditional schools that train doctors and trade schools that train students for other medical professions, those that focus on classroom lectures and those that offer mainly hands-on instruction, some where you complete your education in a matter of years and others that prepare you for work in just a few months. By considering these differences and deciding on your preferences, you can find the right medical school for you.

Traditional Schools vs. Trade Schools
Traditional schools are what most people associate with college. Students learn about medicine with an emphasis on science. These schools are often very competitive to enter, especially universities. Into this category fall schools like the University of Texas School of Medicine, the University of the Incarnate Word (with its proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine), and the Baptist Health System School of Health Professions, which offers associate degrees in health information technology, nursing, radiologic technology, and surgical technology in addition to certificate courses and bachelor’s degrees.

Trade school education, on the other hand, leads to a career in a short time and there is no need to take classes unrelated to your major as there is at universities and community colleges. You can study to become a medical assistant, pharmacy technician, medical billing and coding specialist, medical office specialist, and more. Train for these careers at The College of Health Care Professions, Kaplan College, St. Philip’s College at Alamo Colleges, and Southern Careers Institute.

Classroom Learning vs. Hands-on Training
Traditional colleges tend to be lecture-based, involving note taking, essay writing, and studying in your own time. If you are more of a hands-on person, you may prefer the vocational education from a trade school, where the majority of learning is through practical training. Many programs even include externships, giving you the chance to put your skills into practice and offering valuable experience to highlight when applying for jobs.

Years in School vs. Months in School
Program lengths vary greatly depending on where you study. Certification courses from trade schools can last as little as 40 hours or up to as much as 9 months. An associate’s degree always requires at least two years and a bachelor’s degree at least four years. However, some medical careers can involve even more education — equaling up to 12 years in school. None of the above characteristics are inherently better than others: it all depends on what you want to gain from your medical career.

If you are looking to become a doctor or nurse and don’t mind spending many years in school, classroom learning at one of the traditional medical schools in San Antonio TX could be a good option for you. However, if you want to begin working as soon as possible in a job that allows you to make a visible difference in the lives of others, studying at a trade school may be a better choice.