Frequently Asked Questions

When was MERP started, and how many people have completed the program?

Since its inception, more than 3,000 students have successfully completed the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) and advanced to American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) or Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM).​

What courses are taught in the MERP program?

MERP is designed to provide aspiring medical students with a strong foundation in the basic medical sciences. The course of study includes four basic science courses: Clinical Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Medical Microbiology/Immunology and Medical Physiology/Biophysics. These courses provide similar content and depth to those taught in the medical school curriculum at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine.​

What qualifications are held by MERP's instructors?

All MERP instructors hold either a PhD, MD (or equivalent), or both in their field and have significant experience teaching medical, undergraduate or graduate-level students. MERP instructors have extensive research experience and have published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts in national and international journals. 

In addition, MERP has teaching fellows that hold an MD or a PhD and have typically graduated from AUC or RUSM.​

What is the typical class size of a MERP session?

MERP session sizes vary from semester to semester; however, past sessions have ranged from 77-180 participants.​

What is the typical class schedule while attending MERP?

Lectures are typically five days a week from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There are usually two lectures per day, consisting of two hours each, with a 10-minute break every hour. There is usually a one-hour break for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by mandatory or optional academic success sessions, open lab hours,    Q & As, small groups, subject reviews and other academic activities. There is a total of eight individual and group quizzes during the 15-week program and three exams. On occasion, lectures may be held in the afternoon or evening.

What is the attendance policy?

Attending every lecture is mandatory. In addition to mandatory lectures, MERP will hold mandatory and optional activities to enhance student study skills.​

What happens if a student does not pass MERP?

In 2014, the Medical Education Readiness Program instituted a new policy that allows students who do not successfully complete the program to receive a refund of the full program fee. The refund is limited to program fees only and does not reimburse the costs of health insurance, housing, travel or living expenses incurred. Students who have taken out a private loan will have their tuition refunded back to the loan provider. Funds must be returned to the lender within 60 days. Students are responsible for paying any interest on loans, even if their program fees are refunded​

What is the process for payment of doctor visits and our insurance?

Our institution provides health care coverage through AETNA. This is a PPO plan with in and out of network benefits, and students are subject to a deductible and out-of-pocket costs. For more information on deductible and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as benefits, etc., please click on the following link: https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/en/school/123456/members.html or call 877-381-3551.​

I am still trying to make a decision about MERP. Can I talk to a current MERP student or a MERP graduate?

Absolutely! Reach out to your admissions advisor and he/she will connect you with a MERP graduate or contact Frank Demaria, Director of MERP Student Services, at [email protected]​

Where is the campus located?

Our Florida campus is conveniently located near I-75 in the City of Miramar, in Broward County, about 40 minutes north of the City of Miami. Other surrounding cities are Pembroke Pines, Cooper City and Southwest Ranches. Our Canada campus is located in Toronto, Ontario.​

What is the best means of transportation while attending MERP?

Many of our students that cannot drive their vehicles to south Florida, or do not own one, often ask us what the best method of transportation is while they are attending MERP. There is public transportation in Broward County, although most students rely on either ride sharing services, like UBER, Lyft, etc., car rental*, or car pooling with other students that have their private vehicles.

Public transportation: https://www.broward.org/BCT/Pages/TripPlanning.aspx

*Students are offered discount rates for car rentals for MERP and Ross University School of Medicine students through Enterprise. For information, please contact Frank Demaria, Manager of MERP Student Services, at [email protected]​

What is the Weather in South Florida?

The temperature in south Florida ranges from the mid-50s to low 80s during the winter months and low 70s to mid-90s during the summer months. We experience scattered showers throughout the year, and high humidity during the summer months. However, our classrooms can get cool, so most students bring a sweater or jacket to class.​

What is the dress code while attending MERP?

According to our latest Student Handbook, the dress code for MERP students is as follows:

"In order to provide an appropriate and productive academic environment and to present a professional appearance, students should adhere to the following dress code. The dress code is classified as business casual. Professional pants, tops, skirts or dresses are appropriate. Shorts, jeans, tank tops, flip flops or other attire not meeting the commonly understood definition of business casual are not permitted. Overall, clothing should be modest and professional. For special events such as, but not limited to, orientation, guest speakers and panel discussions with other campuses, formal business attire should be worn. If you are in doubt as to whether attire is appropriate, you may ask any member of the faculty, or the Executive Director, for guidance."​

Will I be required to purchase any textbooks?

We will provide you with lecture notes for each subject, however there is a list of recommended and required textbooks. Here is the link: http://www.medschoolprep.com/student-resources/book-list​

Will I need to bring a personal computer to class?

Yes, all students are required to bring a personal laptop to complete MERP program. Here you will find more information and the specifications: https://www.medschoolprep.com/student-resources/it-resources​

How much should I expect to pay for housing?

We do not have dorms on campus so students are asked to find their own housing through our Off-Campus housing resource page: https://www.merp.och101.com. Short term rentals in the area range from $700 to $2,500 a month. However, please keep in mind, that there are many options available to students, and pricing usually depends on distance to and from our campus, if it's a shared house, apartment, room rental only, etc. Most of these listings are furnished and provide linens, kitchen utensils, etc., but you should always ask your landlord beforehand. Please knows that these facilities are privately owned, and not directly contracted with the institution.​

Will I have any roommates?

Many of our MERP students rent housing that is usually shared with MERP or Ross University School of Medicine IMF students. There are other listings available for students that choose to either live alone or with another family member(s). You can find more information by contacting landlords directly through the Off-Campus housing page link: https://www.merp.och101.com.