Opening its doors in 1970, the University of Texas Medical School in Houston is competitive and emphasizes the importance of a student body that is diverse. Medical students at UT are able to gain experience through the university's relationships with Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Memorial Hermann/ Texas Medical Center and Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital. Graduation rates in the past 10 years at UT have been around 95 percent (2010 data, University of Texas). The Medical School was listed in 2009 as fourth in Hispanic Business's "Top 10 Medical Schools for Hispanic Students."
Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is one of the nation's most prestigious and competitive medical schools. U.S. News and World Report ranked it number 17 in America's Best Medical Schools (2010). Baylor has relationships with eight of the area's hospitals, where students can gain experience. When it comes to research, Baylor has more than $300 million dollars in support and is known for its innovation in the biological sciences. Baylor is a private medical school and around 170 students were enrolled in 2008-2009.
Although Baylor and UT are the only medical schools in Houston, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is fairly nearby and is an accredited program. UTMB has 20 departments and is dedicated to quality education, medical care and research. UTMB offers students a half-day schedule and the opportunity to work with patients and local hospitals in their first year. Students are able to study abroad and are eligible for financial aid. UTMB also offers a nursing program.