The Czech Republic is a famous destination for tourists with its 200 castles, which is the highest count among European countries, not to mention its proximity to other major cities in Europe. Aside from its picturesque landscape and architecture, the Czech Republic also provides high-quality medical education, which is considerably cheap compared to other European medical schools. In this article, we will be looking at the best medical schools in the Czech Republic.
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in the Czech Republic?
The answer is yes. Czech medical schools are open for international students. Each year, an average of 250 students get accepted to medical schools in the country. In the spirit of being internationally accessible, the language of instruction for medical programs in Czech is English. To study in the Czech Republic you have to apply for a Student Visa and meet some academic and non-academic requirements, which are as follows:
- Secondary/High school diploma
- Transcript of Records
- Pass the local medical school’s admissions exam (students with high grades can request an exemption for this)
- Advanced (A) Level subjects Biology and Chemistry
- Depending on the school, an entrance exam may also be required
The three universities in the Czech Republic that offer their medical programs in English include Charles University, Masaryk University, and Palacký University Olomouc. We will look at each of these schools later. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the medical curriculum that the Czech Republic has to offer.
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What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic’s medical program is patterned similarly to most European countries that last for six years. The program can be taken directly after high school and grants students an MD degree after graduation. The medical curriculum at Charles University looks like the following:
The program starts with two years of building the theoretical foundation of medicine in students. During these years, the introduction to the Czech language will also take place; to prepare students in communicating with Czech people in the clinical practice in the later years. The second year is comprised of courses like biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology in addition to an elective year for each of the two semesters.
The pre-clinical years which also consist of two years, involve core medical courses that will build student’s ability to diagnose and treat illnesses. The clinical phase includes rotations in general hospitals under the guidance of a professional.
Best Medical Schools in the Czech Republic
1. Charles University
Charles University is the first medieval university founded in 1348, and it follows a similar curriculum with Paris and universities in Bologna. It has five faculties of medicine offering a wide range of programs in medical sciences. Three of those faculties are in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, at the heart of the cultural heritage and history of medieval Europe. Charles University is the best medical school in the Czech Republic due to its heritage and excellent curriculum.
Studying at Charles University is not only satisfactory to the eyes but the mind and hands as well, as they offer the less expensive but one of the most famous medical programs among foreign nationals.
2. Masaryk University
Established in 1919, Masaryk University has both bleak and vibrant history. It was severely affected by the Nazi occupation in 1939 and had to close for six years. And it did not just end there since, in 1948, the full opening of the school was halted once again by the Czechoslovak coup d’état, which eventually led to the separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, during which its Faculty of Law and Education was also completely shut down.
In 1960, the Faculty of Pharmacy was also given the same fate as the Faculty of Education and Law. It was only in the 20th century that things became favorable to the university. Not only was the Faculty of Education and Law reinstated, but new faculties were also added.
In 2004, its Faculty of Medicine finally had its major transformation merging with several colleges and received government funding. In the present, the Faculty of Medicine now includes CEITEC MU, a center of research excellence that contributes to the pool of knowledge shared with their medical students.
Despite its grueling history, Masaryk University emerged as one of the best medical schools in the Czech Republic.
3. Palacký University Olomouc
Palacký University Olomouc is the second oldest university in the Czech Republic, with more than 440 years in service. Its most notable alumni include Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics.
This top medical school has functional buildings that make learning efficient. For instance, the pre-clinical portion of their medical program is the Theoretical Institutes building, and the clinical practice occurs in its University Hospital.
Medical education in the university enjoys international accreditation from the US, Canada, and the Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE). The accreditations translate to Palacký University Olomouc having a medical education and training of excellent standards.
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4. University of Ostrava – Faculty of Medicine
Ostrava University’s Faculty of Medicine might be the youngest in the Czech Republic, but it ranks high as one of the best medical schools in the Czech. The faculty is well-equipped with the best modern facilities suitable for facilitating teaching and learning of a wide range of health care and medical courses. Studying at this school also equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for them to start their careers in medicine.
The faculty offers about 27 degree programs, including a three-year Bachelor’s Degree in General Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Midwifery, Nutritional Therapy, Physiotherapy, Laboratory Diagnostics, Health Protection, and Promotion, etc. A 2-year Master’s program in Psychiatric Nursing, Surgical Nursing, Community Midwifery, Intensive Care, etc., and a six-year Master’s program in General Medicine, which does not require applicants to have a previous Bachelor’s degree. Then there are also Doctoral Degree programs in Nursing, Clinical Neurosciences, Hygiene, Preventive Medicine & Epidemiology, and Experimental and Clinical Medicine in Hematology & Oncology.
These programs develop the practical and theoretical understanding in the area of specialization of the students and have employed simulation-based teaching aids like multimedia and useful stimulating tools to facilitate learning. The faculty also work closely with Ostrava University Hospital and other medical facilities to improve each student’s experience in the school.
5. University of Pardubice – Faculty Of Health Studies
The Faculty of Health Studies of the University of Pardubice was established in 2002. Over the years, the school has maintained a standard of brilliance and academic excellence, and since it expanded its lesson and experienced an increase in the number of students enrolled. The faculty has improved its teaching methods, ensuring students have access to the practical aspect of health science and are only taught by the best instructors who are graduates of the best schools worldwide.
The Faculty runs three departments: The Department Of Clinical Subspecialties, which offers students the opportunity to become experts in neuroscience under the guidance of highly qualified doctors and nurses who are experts in different subspecialties of neurology; the Department Of Midwifery and Health & Social Work, where students can obtain Bachelor’s degrees or Master’s degrees in Midwifery and Health & Social Work, and The Department Of Nursing, which offers Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing under the branch of either Paramedic, Nursing Care or Clinical Branches.
These programs ensure students gain academic and professional qualifications in the medical field according to the standards of the World Health Organization.
6. Technical University of Liberec – Faculty of Health Studies
The Technical University of Liberec is one the best school in the country. It is primarily known for enabling students to become some of the most brilliant people in the world. Its Faculty of Health Studies trains individuals to become intelligent healthcare providers meeting the community’s needs and finding groundbreaking solutions to challenging and persistent health problems.
This faculty is strategically divided into the Department of Science and Research and the Department of Prevention and Education, and two institutions: the Institute of Nursing and Emergency Care (UON), the Institute of Clinical Disciplines, and Biomedicine (UKB). Students can also obtain Bachelor’s degrees in General Nursing, Paramedic, Radiological Assistance, or Biomedical Technology and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering.
These programs ensure students are focused on issues currently affecting health care and how they can be solved. It also arms students with information and practical knowledge on how to be competent medical personnel who are well-informed about preventive medical practices.
7. University of West Bohemia – Faculty of Health Care Studies
The University of West Bohemia – Faculty of Health Care Studies was established to produce medical practitioners who have the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to perform as professionals and experts in various fields of medicine. It also aims to prepare graduates qualified to work in healthcare and provide ethical and appropriate treatments.
To achieve this, the faculty has the best modern facilities, including conducive lecture halls, an updated library, practical training at the school teaching hospital with the best and latest medical facilities, access to research materials, impressive convention halls, unique classrooms equipped with ambulance stimulator, virtual autopsy table and lots more.
The faculty also offers several impressive programs, including a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthotics-Prosthetics, Nursing, Midwifery, Radiologist assistant, Paramedical science, and Medical laboratory diagnostics in healthcare settings and a three-year full-time Master’s degree in Nursing. The faculty also offers lifelong training in First aid courses, Effective memory training, Introductory course, etc., for professionals interested in acquiring more experience.
Students of this faculty get the opportunity to build valuable relationships with their professors and are also provided with access to intensive international cooperation for various exciting opportunities, which would give them a boost in their careers and expose them to sophisticated medical practices.
8. University of South Bohemia – Faculty of Health and Social Science
The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia, considered one of the leading medical faculties in the country, is an academic institution that focuses mainly on health and social care. The combination of these fields offers students the opportunity to become professionals who consider not only the health of people but also their social well-being. The faculty also train students to see their profession as an essential aspect of the community where they can carry out and apply scientific research to improve the healthcare system and address social issues.
The Faculty offers a three-year full-time Bachelor’s degree in Nursing designed to train students to become medical and primary care professionals who would contribute to and promote healthy lifestyles and help prevent disease. The program also introduces students to the concept of nursing, allowing them to learn and understand how to protect, support, and maintain people’s health. Upon completion of the course, students are prepared to be employed as Nurses in charge of improving patient health and also to solve social problems.
The Czech Republic has spent several years developing the educational standard of its higher institutions, and the medical schools and faculties have not been left out. Today they have some of the best schools in terms of educating individuals to become the best minds in medicine and health care, and these are some of the top medical schools to be found in the country today. Luckily, with the list of currently open scholarships on our page, you can hopefully find one that would cater for your study expenses in the Czech Republic.
We hope that this article on the best medical schools in the Czech Republic was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more information like this, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!
