Future doctors start here.

The journey to becoming a doctor begins here. At UNR Med, we’re dedicated to guiding and supporting you through every step, fully committed to your success from day one to graduation and beyond.

medical student with patient in a clinical setting

UNR Med's M.D. Program

At UNR Med, you'll embark on an immersive medical education journey from day one. Our M.D. program, fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education since 1971, offers a comprehensive medical education that integrates classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience starting in your first year. Our foundational biomedical and behavioral sciences combined with early patient interaction, advanced clinical simulations and diverse training sites, you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel as a physician.

What’s UNR Med's M.D. Program like?

medical students working in calssroom

Years 1 and 2

In the first two years of our M.D. program, you'll dive into a blend of classroom learning, hands-on lab work and early clinical exposure. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip you with a solid foundation in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, integrating these disciplines with real-world clinical cases to prepare you for the complexities of modern medicine.

Learn more about years 1 & 2

The pre-clinical curriculum at UNR Med includes hands-on learning in small groups that really helped me develop my interpersonal skills with patients before starting clinical rotations. We had weekly lectures on understanding the many social determinants of health, along with practice with standardized patients in difficult scenarios. Understanding the many social factors that influence a patient's health and wellness is critical to delivering well-rounded, compassionate care. These classes are also facilitated by fourth-year students, which fostered a sense of mentorship and helped first and second-year students see the road ahead.

Sara Hanneman - M.D. Program, Class of 2026

Sara Hanneman holding a sign that reads, "My White Coat represents... A commitment to health equity and service to my community."
medical student with instructor and patient in clinical setting

Years 3 and 4

As you move into your third and fourth years, you'll experience a balanced mix of ambulatory and inpatient care, preparing you for the challenges of residency and beyond. You’ll also train in diverse settings beyond Reno, branching from urban settings to rural locations across the state of Nevada and northeastern California.

Learn more about years 3 & 4

I think UNR Med has done an excellent job of empowering me as a future physician. Especially during our clerkships years, I appreciate that faculty encouraged me to always approach my patients and my clerkship experience as if I was well on my way to being a physician. I think this shift from student to truly acting as a student-doctor really helped me take full autonomy of my patients and gain the confidence I will need heading into residency!

Dakota Johnson - M.D. Program, Class of 2025

Dakota Johnson in a White Coat.
residents in clinical setting

Secure your dream residency match

At UNR Med, we’re committed to guiding you towards a successful residency match, whether you’re aiming for a program right here in Reno or across the country. We provide personalized support throughout your medical education and match process, leveraging our extensive network of residency programs nationwide to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Explore the opportunities awaiting you at UNR Med and beyond, and let us help you take the next step in your medical journey.

Learn more about our residency programs

Supporting M.D. students on their educational journey

We are committed to fostering academic excellence and personal well-being for our medical students. Our comprehensive support services include access to learning specialists and wellness programs that nurture mental, emotional and physical resilience. Additionally, our dedicated career advisors provide specialized guidance tailored to each stage of medical school, from year one through year four. This personalized support helps M.D. students explore career pathways, refine their professional goals and successfully navigate the residency application process.

Career Advising Resources Learning and Wellness Support

A doctor, nurse, and patient discussing in a clinical setting

Experience real-world medicine with our Clinical Simulation Center

Our Clinical Simulation Center offers three cutting-edge labs equipped with advanced patient simulators like SimMan3G, SimMom and SimBaby. These simulators cover scenarios from cardiopulmonary sounds to childbirth, providing hands-on practice in real clinical settings. In addition, Standardized Patients (SPs), trained to act as real patients, give students an opportunity to practice giving physical exams and communicating with patients.

Learn more about our Clinical Simulation Center

UNR Med has played a significant role in helping me develop the skills needed to connect with patients and deliver compassionate care. Working with Standardized Patients allowed me to refine my communication, motivational interviewing, and clinical skills. Volunteering at the Student Outreach Clinic has also been instrumental in this aspect, giving me ample opportunities to practice patient interaction and history-taking, which has been particularly beneficial during rotations in third year.

Olawale Akinyemi - M.D. Program, Class of 2026

Olawale Akinyemi holding up a sign that reads, "My White Coat... Symbolizes that even with the odds stacked against you, with perseverance and hardwork, you can achieve anything you want."
medical student with patient in a clinical setting

Hands-on experience in the UNR Med Student Outreach Clinic

Since 1996, the Student Outreach Clinic (SOC) has been serving Northern Nevada by offering free medical care to uninsured or underinsured individuals. This clinic provides medical students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to work under the direct supervision of licensed physicians while making a real difference in the community. This experience not only helps students refine their clinical skills but also fosters a commitment to community service and health equity.

Explore specialized areas through our Scholarly Concentration Program

The Scholarly Concentration Program offers M.D. students the opportunity to enrich their medical education by pursuing a specialized area of interest. This voluntary, four-year track runs alongside the standard curriculum, enabling students to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a focused medical field, enhancing their expertise and preparing them for unique career opportunities.

Scholarly Concentration Program

Top-tier medical education

UNR Med provides a high-quality medical education at an affordable price, making it one of the best values in health care training. With low tuition and exceptional learning experiences, you’ll be well-prepared for your future in medicine. Start your journey toward excellence and affordability today.

Learn more about our tuition and fees

Ready to make a difference in health care?

UNR Med offers an exceptional medical education where affordability meets quality, and close-knit classes ensure individualized attention. Take the leap toward a fulfilling career in health care — apply now and join a medical school that’s committed to your success.

Start your application today
medical students in clinical setting

Connect with a member of our team

M.D. Admissions
M.D. Student Affairs
M.D. Curricular Affairs