Best Medical Schools for Oncology

August 17


Table of Contents

Cancer is among the top deadly disease in the world and remains the tough one to cure. However, this does not stop medical professionals, especially oncologists, from searching for different therapies and treatments for this one. 

That is why oncologists are eager and driven to give the best possible care to their cancer patients; as well as to improve their current medical status with different treatment procedures. 

Studying oncology is undeniably complicated and very stressful. It is also a very challenging specialization in medicine that requires focus and one’s burning desire to pursue it. 

For you to be successful in this medical career, your choice of school is a significant factor, as this will help you prepare for what you will deal with in the real world. Here are some of the best medical schools for specialization in oncology.

What is Oncology? 

Oncology is another branch of medicine that deals with cancers and tumors. Specifically, it involves research, identification, diagnosis, and treatment of these illnesses.

There are three major fields of Oncology that are based on treatments:

  • Medical Oncology
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Surgical Oncology

Cancer is a disease in the body where cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, which may cause lumps or a mass called a tumor. There are different types of tumors which include benign and malignant

A benign tumor is a type that is not considered cancerous. The growth of these cells does not invade other tissues in the body and does not spread. 

In comparison, malignant tumors are cancerous cells that tend to grow fast and uncontrollably. They can spread to other body parts, invade nearby tissues, and destroy them.

What is an Oncologist? 

An oncologist is a licensed medical professional specializing in treating and managing cancer. 

They have different specializations within the field, which will help the patients better by providing the most suitable treatment plan. 

Common Types of Oncologist's Specialization:

  • Medical Oncologist: These doctors are the ones who treat cancer by using chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
  • Surgical Oncologists: This type of oncologist is the one who specializes in removing cancerous tumors by performing surgery. 
  • Radiation Oncologists: These oncologists are the ones who treat cancer by performing radiation therapy.

Oncologists' primary responsibilities include proposing additional tests to patients to determine cancer and check what type one has. 

These medical professionals may conduct a series of exams to confirm if one has cancer or not and to rule out any prior diagnosis. 

Oncologists are also responsible for explaining the test results and overall diagnosis, which cover details such as what type of cancer and the current stage of it. 

They will discuss and present different treatment options to the patient and what is the best one depending on the severity of the case.

Aside from that, oncologists will also help their patients manage the cancer treatment's different symptoms and side effects. 

Some common types of cancer treatments:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Apheresis
  • Immunotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Targeted Therapies

To better manage patients, these doctors sometimes coordinate with other medical specialists to provide the best patient care. Different types of oncologists specialize in treating cancer in a specific body part. 

Different types of Oncologists:

  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Surgical oncologists
  • Geriatic oncologists
  • Gynecologic oncologists
  • Hematologist-oncologists
  • Neuro-oncologists
  • Pediatric oncologists
  • Thoracic oncologists
  • Urologic oncologists

How Much Do Oncologists Earn?

In the US, the average yearly salary of oncologists is around USD 323,271. In addition, entry-level salaries range between USD 202,730 and USD 260,175

Oncologists in the United Kingdom have an average salary of GBP 60,678 annually. And those senior medical professionals with this specialization can earn up to GBP 188,000 in a year. 

In Canada, the yearly average income of oncologists is around CAD 337,120, and those senior medical professionals with this specialization can earn up to CAD 450,306

Oncologists based in India have an average yearly compensation of INR 32,73,140. While those in an entry-level position can earn an average salary of INR 22,04,545, senior oncologists can receive an annual salary of INR 44,39,521.

The average yearly wage of an oncologist in Australia is around AUD 415,471 and the entry-level salary for this medical profession is between AUD 276,027 to AUD 30,000

Summary Table: Average Salary Rate of Oncologists in Different Countries

Country

Average Salary Rate

United States

USD 323,271

United Kingdom

GBP 60,678

Canada

CAD 337,120

India

INR 32,73,140

Australia

AUD 415,471

What are the Best Medical Schools for Oncology?

Choosing the best medical school to pursue a specialization in oncology is among the top decisions you should consider. Many medical schools offer this specialization, and they significantly differ in their residency and fellowship programs.

To help you choose the best medical school where you can proceed with your studies, we have listed top institutions that offer excellent oncology programs.

Harvard University 

Harvard is a prestigious educational institution that is highly recognized worldwide. It is part of Ivy League Schools, a group of established and prominent universities and colleges in the United States.

Moreover, this private research institution was established in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

The university is highly regarded for its School of Medicine, founded on September 19, 1782. It is one of the top medical schools internationally and is known for producing top-tier medical professionals.

Why Study Oncology at Harvard?

The Harvard School of Medicine is composed of world-renowned faculty members with various specializations in the field. 

They are affiliated with the top hospitals in the area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, one of the oldest and most highly recognized teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School. 

It is also associated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospitalthese hospitals are all well-known cancer institutes in the country. 

It allows the residents of the school to have excellent training grounds and real-life experience in handling cancer patients. They are focused on giving innovative and superior cancer patient care.

The Harvard Medical School offers an outstanding curriculum to their oncologists residents with a strong foundation in both academic and clinical approaches.

Educational Institution

Harvard University

Oncology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

5%

Tuition Fee:

USD 67,610

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

519 to 520 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.9

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Medical Student Emergency Aid Fund


Internal-Offered By Harvard Medical School (HMS)


-Dean’s REACH Scholarship Award Program

-General Restricted Scholarships

-Resident Tutor Policy

-MD-PhD Funding


Private Scholarships Coordination with Harvard Medical School (HMS)


-Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship

-National Medical Fellowships (NMF)

-F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions -Scholarship Programs (AFHP SP)

-Veterans Affairs Health Professions Scholarship Programs (VAHP SP)

-National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program


Loans  


Institutional


-Harvard Medical School Revolving Loan (HMSRL)

-HMS Wolfson Loan


Federal Direct Loans


-Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

-Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

-Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS)


Private Loans


-Massachusetts Medical Society Loan

-Harvard University Private Loans for Graduate and Professional Students

-Residency Loans


Research/Work


-Harvard Medical School (HMS) Research Fellowships

-Federal Work-Study (FWS)

-London Society/Health Science Technology (HST) Program


Veterans Affairs (VA) and Military Benefits


- Post 9/11 GI Bill

- Yellow Ribbon Program

- Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)

- Chapter 30, Chapter 1606& DEA

- Housing & Book Allowances

Johns Hopkins University

John Hopkins University was established on February 22, 1876, and it is considered as the oldest research university in the United States. It is highly recognized as among the top universities worldwide. 

This educational institution is famous for its School of Medicine as it offers excellent MD residency and fellowship programs. 

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is focused and dedicated to providing diverse and innovative medical training experiences to its students.

Why Study Oncology at Johns Hopkins?

The university offers its residents the highest standard of medical training and curriculum. 

They are dedicated to forming valuable and competent medical professionals that will deliver compassionate clinical medicine. They also have advanced clinical clerkship for their oncology residents, exposing them to various specializations in the field. 

The department offers a balance experience both in academic and training programs. They give emphasis on applying innovation for cancer prevention and therapy.

Educational Institution

Johns Hopkins University

Oncology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

11%

Tuition Fee:

USD 59,700

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

521 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.94

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Student Loans


-Federal Direct Loans - Unsubsidized

-Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

-School of Medicine University Loans


Financial Literacy Resources


-StudentAid.gov

-Direct Loan Consolidation

-ECSI

-Federal Student Aid Information

-NSLDS for Students

-Student Loans Office at Johns Hopkins

-Budgeting - AAMC’s First for Medical Education Fact Sheets

-AAMC Education Debt Manager for Matriculating Students

-Budgeting Worksheet for Students

-AmeriCorps Program

-Central Scholarship Bureau

-Heartland ECSI


Some Outside Scholarships


-American Medical Association (AMA)

-Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

-Baltimore City Medical Society Foundation

-Chinese American Physicians Society

-Cook/Rutledge Fellowship Program

-Dr. Frank and Florence Marino Scholarship Fund

-Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program

FastWeb

-Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships

-Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education

-The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program

-Joanna F. Reed Memorial Scholarship

-Joseph Collins Foundation

-Kaiser Permanente Medical Student Scholarships

-Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship

-National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program

-P.E.O. Foundation Scholar Award

-Worcester District Medical Society

Cornell University 

Cornell University is included in the prestigious Ivy League Schools in the US. It was established on April 27, 1865, and it is also one of the private land grant universities in the country. 

Cornell University is well-known for its medical school called Weill Cornell Medicine. It is a biomedical research facility and medical school located in New York, USA. 

It is also affiliated with the top hospitals in the area, which include New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Hospital for Special Surgery

The medical school is also associated with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Rockefeller University. These institutions established the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program.

Why Study Oncology at Cornell University?

The medical school of Cornell University is considered one of the best universities to study oncology. 

Its affiliations with top-ranking medical institutions are a good start since it allows its residents to experience and build their knowledge with diverse patients in this specialization. 

The institution is dedicated to providing the best medical programs to its students with its liberal education system, collaborative learning structure, and active learning. They also advocate community service and compassionate patient care.

Educational Institution

Cornell University

Oncology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

3.4%

Tuition Fee:

USD 64,650

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

513 to 524 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.91

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Student Financial Planning


Adjustments and Loan Resources (M.D.)


-Master Promissory Notes/Loan Entrance/Exit Counseling & Loan Organization

-Private Loans


Work-Study for M.D. Students


-Summer Work-Study Program


Scholarship Resources (For M.D. & Grad School)


Financial Assistance & Scholarship Search Resources


-AAMC Loan Repayment/Forgiveness & Scholarship Programs

-Big Future by College Board

-Fast Web.com

-Petersons.com

-Scholarships.com

-Tuitionfundingsources.com

-Unigo.com

-50 Great Scholarships for Healthcare Students

-54 Scholarships Worth $10,000 or more

-Scholarships for International Students

-WCM’s Outside Scholarship Resource List

-The New York State Organization of Bursars and Business Administrators

-Laskar Foundation Scholarship Program


Military Scholarships: 


-Army

-Air Force

-Navy

-Veterans Education Benefit

University of California - San Francisco 

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) was founded in 1864 and was known as Toland Medical College. It was also affiliated with the Medical Department of the University of California

The institution was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is known to be among the best medical schools to study medicine and is considered the oldest medical school in California.

Why Study Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco?

The UCSF Medical School is a well-known medical school that provides excellent medical courses, MD programs, and more. 

The university is committed to developing its students’ critical thinking and passion for service and delivering excellent patient care. 

The UCSF Medical School has excellent resident and fellowship programs in oncology with the utmost professionalism, system-based training programs, and an integrated curriculum. 

It also offers a flexible learning environment and individualized clinical and scientific learning sessions. They are also highly dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment through medical advances and research.

Educational Institution

 University of California - San Francisco

Oncology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

2.6%

Tuition Fee:

USD 42,791 (California Residents)

USD 55,036 (California Nonresidents)

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

518 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

2.94

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

University Grants & Scholarships


Need-Based Grants


UCSF Scholarships


-Regents Scholarships


-Professional School Scholarships and Other Campus Scholarships


Outside Scholarships


-Service Scholarships


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health

Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP)


Indian Health Service Scholarship Program


National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program


NURSE Corps Scholarship Program

 

Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs


-Army HPSP

-Navy HPSP

-Air Force HPSP


Segal AmeriCorps Education Award


Common Outside Scholarships


-The American Association of Colleges of Nursing

-The Delta Dental Award

-The Kaiser Permanente Scholarship

-The Kaiser Permanente Deloras Jones RN Scholarships

-The Santa Barbara Scholarship Program


Loans


Federal Student Loans


-Federal Direct (Stafford) Loan

-Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan


Campus-Based Loans


-University Loan

-Health Professions Student Loan

-Loan for Disadvantaged Students

-Nursing Student Loan

-California DREAM Loan


Primary Care Loan


Private Education Loan


CA Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) Loan for Medical Students


Emergency Loan

University of Toronto 

This educational institution is founded on March 15,1827 and is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The University of Toronto or known also as UToronto, offers more than 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. 

The university’s school of medicine is named Temerty Faculty of Medicine and was established in 1843. 

It is highly recognized and respected in the medical field because of its discovery of insulin, stem cells, and the first-ever site for a single and double lung transplant.

Why Study Oncology at the University of Toronto?

The Temerty Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, which specializes in handling medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. 

The school is also focused on providing excellent health research and innovation when it comes to oncology.

Furthermore, it is also dedicated to giving its students clinical exposure through its affiliations with top-tier hospitals in the country. 

It also offers evidence-based learning programs, cutting-edge research facilities, and the development of highly skilled, compassionate, and competitive medical professionals.

Educational Institution

University of Toronto

Oncology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

5.99%

Tuition Fee:

CAD 25,061 (Ontario Domestic Applicants)


CAD 25,751 (Non-Ontario Domestic Applicants)


CAD 94,451 (International Applicants)

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

125 Points Per Test Section

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.6

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Pre-Admission Scholarships


-Yvonne de Buda Memorial Admission Scholarship

-Fulford scholarship

-Harvey Harnick Scholarship

-Laszlo Miklos Kindler Scholarship

-John Wolfe McColl Memorial Awards

-Saul Raxlen Memorial Scholarship

-Dr. Robert L. Smith Award for Excellence in Advancing Healthy Childhood and Adolescent Development

-Drs. Ann and Carl Witus Awards (Medical Alumni Association Award)


Financial Aid (Federal and Provincial Student Assitance Programs)


Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)


Non-Ontario Residents


 Temerty Faculty of Medicine Student Grants Program


-MD Admission Bursaries

-Travel Stipend


Professional Student Line of Credit

-BMO Bank of Montreal

-CIBC Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

-RCBC Royal Bank of Canada

-Scotiabank

Scholars at Risk Program

Yale University

This prestigious university is part of the highly regarded Ivy League Schools in the US. Over the years, Yale University has been producing top graduates, which include some the U.S. presidents such as George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and more. 

The university is located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Because of Yale's reputation and quality of education, it is continuously among the top universities worldwide. 

Why Study Oncology at Yale University?

The Yale School of Medicine is highly recognized globally and belongs in the top 10 best medical schools. It is also the top choice of most students because the university offers top medical programs, including in oncology. 

The medical school is dedicated to nurturing its resident’s clinical skills and knowledge and transforming them into better and more committed medical professionals. 

Their medical programs are integrated with the field's basic concepts and latest innovations.

The department focuses on delivering medical advances through its research and innovative clinical trials. 

The Yale School of Medicine plays an important role in the breakthrough of cancer biology, therapy, and excellent patient care.

Educational Institution

Yale University

Oncology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

4.8%

Tuition Fee:

USD 64,864

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

521 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.83

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Yale-Based Aid


-Need-Based Aid amounting to USD 15,000 annual student loan.

-For PA Students (Eligible for Federal Loans)


Military & VA Benefits


-Military Benefits and Graduate Financial Aid (For Veterans and Active Service Members)

-Post-9/11 GI Bill

-Yellow Ribbon Program

-Montgomery GI Bill

-Vocational Rehabilitation


Some External Scholarship Resources


-Top 50 Scholarships for Medical & Health Students

-American Medical Association Physicians of Tomorrow Awards

-Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology Student Scholarships

-AvaCare Medical Scholarships

-Charles River District Medical Society (Residents from five Boston suburbs only)

-Chinese American Physician Society Scholarships

-Howard G. Lapsey Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education

-Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

-National Medical Fellowships

-PA Foundation

-Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards

-National Health Service Corps Scholarship

-Save A Life Scholarship


Loans


-Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

-Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan

-Loan for Disadvantaged Students (LDS)

-YALE Alumni Loan

-YALE Graduate & Professional International Loan

Summary Table: Best Medical Schools for Oncology


Educational Institution

Trauma Surgery Program/Institution Ranking

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fe

Average MCAT/BMAT Score Requirement

Average GPA Score Requirement


Harvard University 

5%

USD 67,610

519 to 520 Points

3.9


Johns Hopkins University

11%

USD 59,700

521 Points

3.94


Cornell University

3.4%

USD 64,650

513 to 524 Points

3.19


University of California - San Francisco

2.6%

USD 42,791 (California Residents)

USD 55,036 (California Nonresidents)

518 Points

2.94


University of Toronto

5.99%

CAD 25,061 (Ontario Domestic Applicants)

CAD 25,751 (Non-Ontario Domestic Applicants)

CAD 94,451 (International Applicants)

1.25 Points Per Test Section

3.6


Yale University

4.8%

USD 64,864

521 Points

3.83

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