Frequently Asked Questions

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

The MERP program was started in 2004. Since its inception, more than 4,000 students have successfully completed MERP and advanced to Ross University School of Medicine and American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.

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: Medical Anatomy/ Histology, 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 or 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 RUSM or AUC.

What is the typical class size of a MERP session?

MERP session sizes vary from semester to semester; however, past sessions have typically been in the range of about 100-150 participants.

What is the typical class schedule while attending MERP?

Lectures are typically five days per week from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Eastern Time (ET). 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 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., ET, 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 10 individual quizzes and three examinations during the 15-week program. On occasion, lectures may be held in the afternoon or evening.

What is the attendance policy?

Attendance at all scheduled classes and lectures is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at all scheduled lectures, Graded Events and other mandatory sessions. Students are responsible for notifying Student Services of planned or unplanned absences and for learning the material taught in their absence.

How often should I check my MERP email?

Students are required to check their MERP email regularly. Students should check their MERP email multiple times per day, since the faculty and members of the MERP staff will communicate with you via email on a regular basis regarding important information and updates.

What happens if a student does not pass MERP?

Effective December 2022 semester, students who attend MERP and decide to withdraw early or do not achieve passing grades, regardless of whether they complete the program, are eligible for the $9,500 tuition back guarantee policy and will be refunded tuition only and will still be responsible for administrative fee of $4,000.

I am still trying to decide 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 Student Services at [email protected]

What is the dress and conduct code while attending MERP virtually?

The Medical Education Readiness Program is proud of its tradition of having properly attired students. While there is no official dress code for virtual MERP, students are expected to be respectful of the virtual classroom environment and always dress and be groomed in a respectful and appropriate manner. An important aspect of virtual classroom etiquette is that faculty may require students to turn on their cameras during lectures and group discussions. Accordingly, to avoid distractions, clothing should be modest, neat, clean and should always cover undergarments during all MERP lectures, examinations, appointments and any other mandatory or optional event associated with MERP. Hats, shirts with offensive logos or messages, ripped or torn clothing, pajamas or immodest clothing are considered inappropriate for MERP mandatory and optional activities.

In addition to the formal Honor Code, located in the student handbook, MERP students are encouraged to adhere to the following online code of conduct:

Follow all MERP acceptable use policies for technology resources. Be respectful of your classmates and faculty. Please allow faculty to finish their lectures without disrupting the virtual classroom - such disruption may include using the chat feature for side conversations or comments that are not related to the academic content. Additionally, please be aware that your laptop’s microphone is always active, so  your classmates and faculty may hear noises in your environment. Please keep distractions to a minimum by maintaining your device’s microphone on mute.

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 a personal laptop device for my classes?

Yes, all students are required to have a personal laptop device to complete MERP . Please review the information in the following link to verify that your personal laptop device meets the minimum system requirements for MERP. Here is the link: https://www.medschoolprep.com/student-resources/it-resources

How is MERP Coursework Delivered?

MERP is a 15–week program delivered exclusively online.