For years, it has been said that the United States and Australia have a strong alliance of values and ideologies. Both rooted in British colonies, these two nations have an innate understanding of what characteristics they cherish in each of their citizens. One of these commonalities is the appreciation and importance of medicine.

It is this unspoken agreement that makes an Australian medical school a smart and fitting choice for American students who wish to study abroad. Not only does studying medicine in Australia provide a strong and solid foundation, but it provides the opportunity to practice medicine virtually wherever one wants. Graduates of Australian medical schools are allowed to practice medicine in many desired countries, assuming they pass the specific country's individual medical boards or accompanying requirements.

An Australian medical school is a good option for those who find that entrance to a US medical school is too competitive. It is also a good option for those who simply want something new and different.

Studying medicine in Australia involves two type of programs. If you are a recent graduate of high school or only possess a high school education, you can apply for the undergraduate medical programs. This is a type of Australian medical school that generally lasts five or six years. Entry into this program is based on grades you received in high school, an interview, and an Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test that assesses your basic knowledge of medicine.

Students who choose this option, going to medical in Australia right out of high school, will graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery. These are the first two professional medical degrees awarded by the many countries who follow the traditions of the UK. This type of medical degree will give you the option to practice medicine, as well as perform surgery, in a variety of places.

The other option available for those choosing medical school in Australia are the graduate-entry medical programs. Similar to a US program, this lasts four years and you must have a bachelor's degree to apply. You must also provide MCAT scores or GAMSAT scores (Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test) to be considered for this program.

Like US programs, both the above medical programs involve internships and residency that must be completed.

Australian medical schools are well known for their hands on learning of clinical skills. Moving away from traditional ways of teaching, this hands on approach has allowed students to have a richer and more complete understanding of intricacies and difficulties medicine can involve. This has allowed those who have studied medicine in Australia to go on and become some of the most successful health practitioners in the world.