ACCREDITATIONS
Official Recognitions and Approvals
Medical School Accreditation
CAAM-HP Accredited Since 2015
Accreditation Status – Accredited through 2026
Trinity’s accreditation by CAAM-HP, the primary accrediting authority for Caribbean medical schools, enables our graduates to participate in the residency match processes in the United States and Canada, as well as apply for residencies and licensure in both countries. Trinity graduates also practice in a number of foreign countries. We are proud to have alumni throughout the world living their dream of practicing medicine in their hometown communities. With a degree from Trinity, you’ll have a world of possibilities at your fingertips.
What is an Accredited Medical School?
An accredited medical school refers to an educational institution that has met specific standards of quality and excellence set by recognized accrediting bodies. At Trinity School of Medicine, being an accredited institution signifies our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rigorous medical education. Accreditation ensures that our curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and student outcomes meet or exceed the established benchmarks for medical education. It validates the credibility and integrity of our institution, allowing our graduates to pursue licensure and practice medicine with confidence.
CAAM-HP accreditation is based on that of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) which governs medical schools in the United States. By virtue of our CAAM-HP accreditation, we are also recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and listed in their World Directory of Medical Schools.
The Importance of CAAM-HP Accredited Schools
The accreditation system used by the CAAM-HP is based on that of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). This system functions with a clear, authoritative mandate, operates independently of governments and institutions, uses preset standards, draws on external reviewers and involves self-evaluation and site visits.
The Authority has the objectives of:
Achieving and maintaining standards of excellence in programmes of education in medicine and other health professions.
Establishing an efficient system of regulation in relation to the standards and quality of such programmes of education.
Securing international recognition of the programmes of education in medicine and other health professions.
Maintaining the confidence of the peoples of the region in the quality of medical and other health professions training offered.
Why Attend a CAAM-HP Accredited School
Attending a CAAM-HP accredited medical school offers significant advantages. These include:
- Rigorous standards of quality education and training ensured through CAAM-HP accreditation.
- Comprehensive curriculum delivered by highly qualified faculty members.
- Global recognition and acceptance of degrees, facilitating licensure and employment opportunities worldwide.
- Abundant clinical rotation experiences in various healthcare settings, providing hands-on learning and practical experience.
- Multicultural learning environment fostering cultural competence.
- An accessible pathway for individuals seeking a high-quality medical education and opportunities to serve diverse patient populations.
Official Recognitions and
Other Approvals
- ECFMG
Recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) - WFME
World Federation for Medical Education - NAB
National Accreditation Board and Ministry of Education for the Government of St. Vincent (NAB) - WHO
Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) - NBME
Recognized by the U.S. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) - Approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the administration of Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and other veterans benefits programs
- Recognized by the Canadian Revenue Service as an approved university
- Approved by the Provincial, Territorial, and Federal Governments of Canada for the administration of grants and student loans
- GNPEC
Trinity is also authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) to operate within the State of Georgia.
Our listing in FAIMER/IMED and the assignment of a code provide the sanction for Trinity students to register for and take the USMLE Steps 1, Step 2 and Step 3 examinations. Students who successfully complete Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and otherwise meet the requirements for graduation from Trinity, are then authorized by the ECFMG to register for and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) as well as the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
Trinity School of Medicine is listed as a Designated Educational Institution by the government of Canada (code ZUCF). Its citizens may obtain Canada Student Loans (federal and provincial) to cover the cost of attending Trinity.
Finally, Trinity School of Medicine is compliant with the Education Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) 2024 Rule dictating that all international medical graduates be required to have graduated from a school that has been appropriately accredited.
Charter
The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has granted Trinity School of Medicine a charter to operate the medical school with special access to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and a number of government-sponsored clinics with the right to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine after the successful completion of the prescribed accredited curriculum (10 terms). This charter allows our institution to engage in all necessary and appropriate activities which are incidental to the operation of a medical school.
United States Licensing Examinations (USMLE)
These tests are recognized standards for assessing a student’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts and principles as well as to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. The sequence is as follows:
- USMLE Step 1 – Must be taken and passed within three attempts prior to entering the clinical clerkships.
- USMLE Step 2 – Clinical Knowledge (CK) – taken after completing most of the required clerkships or in an early elective.
- USMLE Step 3 – Can be taken prior to or after residency. We recommend that it is taken prior to a second residency application.
- ECFMG Certification – Trinity School of Medicine students are eligible for ECFMG certification to sit for USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 and they may be certified by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to register for and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) upon meeting the ECFMG requirements.
Accreditations FAQs
Yes. Trinity School of Medicine carries multiple accreditations, national and international. Trinity is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), the legally-constituted body established to accredit medical programs in the Caribbean. The standards used by CAAM-HP are based on the United States medical school accreditation program as outlined by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). These standards are also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s NCFMEA.
Trinity has also been registered with the National Accreditation Board (NAB) of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 2008. Concurrently, the Government granted Trinity School of Medicine a charter with exclusive rights to use Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for its medical school and the Doctor of Medicine preparatory program.
Trinity School of Medicine is also listed by the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) in its World Directory of Medical Schools since September 19, 2008. This listing in FAIMER and the assignment of a code, provides the sanction for Trinity students to register for and take the USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 examinations. Students who successfully complete Step 1 and Step 2 CK, and otherwise meet the requirements for graduation from Trinity, are then authorized by the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) to register for and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP), as well as the Canadian Resident Matching Matching Service (CaRMS).
Trinity is the only CAAM-HP accredited medical school in St. Vincent.
This is a common source of confusion for people considering a Caribbean medical school.
States don’t actually offer accreditation, nor does the United States accredit foreign medical schools. There are, however, federally recognized international accreditation authorities. In that respect, Trinity’s accreditation is valid in all 50 states.
However, in some states, there is the matter of independent medical board approvals. The number of states utilizing this system is shrinking as more and more states recognize ECFMG and NCFMEA decisions as sufficient standards of quality. State independent medical boards do not only offer “approved” or “unapproved” statuses; there is also “unevaluated.” In most states, graduates from an unevaluated school can still obtain a license or match into a residency.
Trinity Medical School is committed to upholding medical school accreditation standards. It undergoes regular evaluations and self-assessments to ensure compliance with the accrediting body’s requirements. The school continuously improves its curriculum, faculty qualifications, and educational resources to maintain the high standards set by the accrediting organization.
No, not all Caribbean medical schools are accredited. It’s important to note that accreditation varies among institutions. Prospective students should research and verify the accreditation status of Caribbean medical schools they are considering. Look for accreditation from reputable accrediting bodies such as CAAM-HP (Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions) or other recognized regional or national accrediting organizations, such as those listed above.
Accreditation signifies that Trinity School of Medicine has undergone a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure that it meets established standards for medical education. It assures students, faculty, and the public that the school operates with integrity, provides a robust curriculum, and maintains qualified faculty members.
Trinity School of Medicine is committed to upholding medical school accreditation standards. It undergoes regular evaluations and self-assessments to ensure compliance with the accrediting body’s requirements. The school continuously improves its curriculum, faculty qualifications, and educational resources to maintain the high standards set by the accrediting organization.
Trinity School of Medicine's accreditation status can be verified by checking the official website of each accrediting organization. Additionally, you can reach out to Trinity School of Medicine's administration or admissions office for confirmation and further details about its accreditation.
