Admissions open for September 2010
Admission  
In evaluating individual applicant's credentials, the Admissions Committee looks for the applicant's capacity to do academic work for absorption of material, a pre-requisite for a sound foundation in the basic medical sciences. Evaluation is also based on Grade Point Average (GPA) from individual colleges and universities and letters of recommendation.

However, academic background is not the only criterion for selection; individual character and motivation to become a physician serve as essential determinants in the admission process.
 
Requirements for Admissions
The minimum requirement for admission is 90 semester credit hours of college or University level studies (3 years). However, a baccalaureate degree is preferred and it is required of students coming from countries other than the United States and Canada.
 
Required Courses
The Admissions Committee has no preferences for an undergraduate major.
However, college and university studies should include:
  • General Biology with Laboratory (1 year)
  • General Physics with Laboratory (1 year)
  • General Chemistry with Laboratory (1 year)
  • Organic Chemistry with Laboratory; (1 year)
    Or Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry sequence is acceptable
  • Mathematics (1 year)
The above courses must be taken at a minimum of freshman college or University level.
 
Requirements for St Lucian Students
Caribbean Examination Council Grade One & Two
  • English
  • Mathematics
Two years of Advanced Level
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
 
Admissions Package Information


Welcome to Spartan Health Sciences University

Welcome to the beginning of your medical career. As a Spartan student you have been chosen as a select few to pursue your goals of becoming a medical doctor. As a new student and resident in St. Lucia we feel that you should be informed about the school and the island. We hope that you arrive well prepared and focus on your studies while enjoying the beauty of living on a tropical island.

 
What to do after receiving the Offer of Admission

First, obtain your passport. You need to give the passport agency at least three to four weeks for processing and mailing. Then, book your flight. You should arrive few days in advance. Once you have a confirmed flight schedule, call the St. Lucia office at (758) 454-6128 and give your flight itinerary.

 
Flight Itinerary

Book your final destination to the Hewanorra Airport in Vieux Fort. The most common airlines that fly to Hewanorra Airport are: Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and US Airways. Transportation from the Airport to the Medical School or hotel is free.

If you have to fly into George F L Charles airport, it is about one hour and fifteen minutes away from the campus. You will have to pay for the trip from Castries to Vieux Fort.

 
Cost of Living in St. Lucia

The following are typical expenses incurred per trimester by students on the island of St. Lucia on the average, depending on your life style. Roommates may reduce expenses.

Tuition US $4,950.00
Student Fees
Spartan Student Association (SSA) Fee
(Dues payable upon registration every trimester)
US $40.00
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
(Dues payable upon registration every trimester)
US $15.00
Spartan Alumni Association (SAA)
(Dues payable upon registration one time fee)
US $40.00
Welcome (White Coat) ceremony, End of Basic
Sciences Ceremony, and other students events and services
(fees payable upon registration one time fee)
US $400.00
Program
Books & Supplies US $500.00
Living Expenses US $5,000.00
Incidentals US $500.00
 
TOTAL $11,445.00 (USD)
It is hoped the above will serve as a guideline to your living expectations.

Uses of SSA Dues
To finance students activities such as:
- Welcome BBQ party for new students
- Island tour
- Taste of Spartan (a major dinner and entertainment event on campus)
- Taste of Spartan (a major dinner and entertainment event on campus)
- Spartan Games
- Financing of SSA snack store

Uses of AMSA Dues
To run students extra curricular activities such as:
- Health fairs, where students are taught to take blood pressure, screen for diabetes mellitus, how to conduct eye examinations etc.
- Fundraising activities to help the needy in the local communities.
- Mentorship programs for local primary and secondary school students.
- All new students will be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This training will be conducted by a local CPR trainer from St. Judes hospital. The fee for the training is $40.00 EC or $15.00 US.
- A certificate will be issued to each student at the end of the training program.
 
Housing

All incoming students who arrive in St. Lucia during the day time are driven around by Mr. Maxwell along with a housing representative from the school to see the approved apartments that are available for rent. The students are also given information about the cost of rent, utility bills and also terms and conditions for the available apartments.

Students who arrive late in the evening are taken to Kimatri hotel or to Niles Guest House which is within walking distance from the school. The following morning the students are picked up from the hotel and driven by Mr. Maxwell to get an apartment.

Students will be permitted to stay in the apartment of their choice for a period of one week to enable them make a decision whether to sign a rent contract and continue living in that apartment. The fee for the one week’s rent will be the corresponding 30% of the monthly rent fee for that apartment. There will be no refund of the monthly rent once a contract is signed.

Student should also note that at the beginning of the contract they would be required to pay the monthly rent fee plus a security deposit, which is of the same amount.

This security deposit will be returned to the student upon termination of the contract if there is no breach of the contract on the part of the student. Also verify that your apartment has a water tank and burglar bars. Location is also a key element. Any apartment on St. Jude’s Highway, Cedar Heights or Hewanorra Orchard will be convenient.

Finally, students are required to notify their landlord of their intention to end the contract at least one month in advance and make sure all furniture or items belonging to the apartment are in place. Note that cost of damages to items in the apartment will be deducted from the deposit.

Apartment Rental Rate (depending on the conditions of the apartment)

1 bedroom apartment   280 – 300 USD
2 bedroom apartment   350 – 500 USD
3 bedroom apartment   550 – 600 USD

 
Conditions Of Apartments

The school requires that all apartments rented by our students have burglar bars on all windows and doors, a water tank, and a telephone (students may have to install their own telephone line from LIME if there is no connection in place). Many of the apartments have other conditions such as cable television, air conditions, microwave ovens etc.

 
Transportation

The school provides transportation (bus) for all students from their homes to school and back, free of charge. However, most students prefer to have their own transportation and therefore rent or buy cars. Please consult with the Director of Student Affairs for advice.

Driving is on the left side of the road in St. Lucia. Students are required to get a drivers permit with their driver’s licenses at the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort before driving any vehicle on the island. Students who buy vehicles must get the ownership changed and get registered at the Ministry of Communications, Works, Transport and public utilities at Union, Castries, St. Lucia.

Students who do not have any means of transport and wish to stay in the school’s library until night are provided with transportation back to their homes every night at 10.00 pm. Students should avoid walking home at night even though most apartments are at walking distance from the school. This is for your own safety.

 
What to Pack

Along with certain books on the list, many students bring along review books such as BRS, NMS, and Pre-test. These may come in handy during the courses, as well as for preparation for the USMLE. Since there is no medical bookstore on the island, it will be more beneficial to you if you bring as many books as possible, in advance. Make sure that you bring your dissecting kit, gloves, and lab coats for Anatomy. (Long sleeve white coat for lab)

Scrubs and white coats are worn during dissection so bring some along. For Physiology, bring a stethoscope, ophthalmoscope and a sphygmomanometer.

Office supplies can cost up to two times more than in the United States. Bring as much stationery as you can. Include supplies that make you comfortable during study.

The school has established a dress code. White coats must be worn at all times. Because of the hot weather, lighter and short sleeve coats are advisable for class. It is recommended that you bring along professional wear. Flip-flops, cut-offs, tank tops, t-shirts, and anything that resembles beachwear will not be permitted. Men will be expected to wear comfortable pants and shirts with a collar or shirt with a tie. Women are asked to refrain from wearing tights, and halters. You should dress in clothing indicative of a professional student.

Bring clothes that can be washed easily and hung to dry. Remember that clothes that hung in the sun may fade. Also, bring semi-formal and formal outfits, a traditional/cultural outfit for the trimester functions.

Any toiletry item that is a favorite should be well stocked in your suitcase at least enough to last one trimester. Items such as toothpaste and deodorant are expensive. Hair dryers, irons, curling irons, and anything electric are more expensive than in the U.S.

If you decide to bring electronics, they should be at least a year old or you will have to pay duty on them. Furthermore, when you come through the airport, your chance of being inspected by customs is less than when you are sent items from the U.S., so try to bring as much as possible and avoid paying duty later. Also, buy a transformer (not a travel transformer) from Radio Shack or an electronic store that converts 110 v items to 220 v or vice versa. If possible, buy items that have a switch on the back for voltage. St. Lucia uses 220 v electricity.

 
When you arrive in St. Lucia

Hewanorra International Airport:
Location - Vieux-Fort
10 minutes drive from the Medical school.
Mr. Maxwell the school driver will meet you at the airport with a school sign. No fee attached.

George F L Charles Airport:
Location: 1 hour fifteen minutes drive from Castries to Vieux-Fort.

Mr. Gregory who is not appointed by Spartan but arranged through the school, will pick you up from the airport. A fee of $65US has to be paid to the driver.

Skyway Inn (758) 454-3330 Rate per night – 59US + 18% tax - $184.49 EC
Kimatri Hotel: (758) 454-6328 Rate per night – 50US - $125.00 EC
Juliette’s Lodge (758) 454-5300 Rate per night – 65US - $175.50 EC
Kabran Hotel (758) 454-3331 Rate per night – 55US + 18% tax - $171.99 EC

They all have cable, telephone, restaurant and bar. The hotel that has a wonderful ocean view is Kimatri Hotel. It is located in the town of Vieux Fort and is relatively close to the market and plaza.

Mr. Maxwell the bus driver will pick you up from the hotel the next morning and drive you around to get an apartment. Ask the landlord to give you all costs up front.

 
About the school

The school has spacious classrooms, a colossal auditorium, an open-air cafeteria and a library. There is a recreational area that includes tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Indoor games (pool table, ping-pong table, foosball game, chess etc) are placed in a section of the auditorium.

In the library there are computer facilities, a reference section with a reading area, a vast study section and a group discussion section. The open-air cafeteria sits to the back of the school and is illuminated not only by the beaming lights but also by the moon and stars at night.

Here at Spartan you will enjoy the closeness of small classes, and find that this makes the professors much more accessible to you.

 
Discipline

A professional demeanor and attire is expected of all students and professors. Neither firearm, nor illegal drugs are permitted in the school. These are considered serious offenses to school and may lead to your dismissal. The school consists of students from many countries with multiple religious and cultural backgrounds. Students are therefore required to have this in mind and should maintain respect for each other regardless of the differences. This is part of your training as future medical doctors.

 
Miscellaneous

Weather is usually warm and ranges from the low 70 Fs to the high 80 F year round.

There are two local TV stations and cablevision.

There is a KFC, and Dominoes pizza which serve food similar to that in the U.S.

There are different denominations on this island, and churches are scattered throughout. If you have particular religious needs, be sure to address them with someone on the island.

The currency rate is 2.67 EC dollars to every $1.00 U.S.

You can receive mail at the school using the following address.
Your Name
S.H.S.U.
P. O. Box 324
Vieux Fort, St. Lucia
West Indies

Regular mail to St. Lucia takes about three to four weeks. Upon receipt of a package through regular mail, you will be issued with a slip from the post office. To claim your package you have to take the slip to the customs officer at the post office in Vieux - Fort between the hours of 10.00 am to 11.30 am Monday to Friday. A small fee is charged for duty.

 
Living in St. Lucia

Overall, you will find your stay in St. Lucia very rewarding, especially if you keep focus on your reasons for being here. There is plenty to do for relaxation and recreation. If you have any questions or problems, the Staff and faculty will be in the position to help. You need to come mentally and physically ready for the challenges that lie ahead. No other school in the United States or Caribbean will be able to beat the good experiences you will encounter here.

Also, it will be an ideal time to visit other islands while in close proximity. Have relatives visit and plan to look forward to vacations. Ask your friends and family to write often, it is always a treat to have something in your mailbox.

It is necessary that all new students attend the orientation program during the first week of school. The school’s administration and the student leadership do the orientation exercise collectively on the first day of school. This orientation gives students all necessary information to enable them settle down quickly.

We look forward to having you as a student of Spartan Health Sciences University, School of Medicine.

Applicants from Countries other than the United States of America and Canada
Applicants from the United Kingdom, European Union and/or countries with similar educational standards must possess a baccalaureate degree and have completed courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

However, applicants with excellent grades in the General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) Examination advanced level with courses in the sciences may be considered. Prospective students from other countries with educational systems different from the UK, Canada or United States will be evaluated on their own merits.
 
Application Procedure

To apply, mail the following items to:
Spartan Health Sciences University
School of Medicine
P.O. Box 324
Vieux Fort
St. Lucia, West Indies
Tel. (758) 454-6128
Fax (758) 454-6811

or contact our US based information centers:
New York Information Office
418, Stanhope Street
Brooklyn, NY 11237
Ph: (718) 456 6446
Fax: (718) 425 9878
Email: info@spartanmed.org

or in order to expedite the mail service to St. Lucia, forward to:
P.O. Box 989
Santa Teresa, New Mexico 88008, U.S.A.
Tel. (575)-589-1372
Fax (575) 589-1487


1. A completed Application form.
2. Four 2" x 2" photographs (front view). One must be adhered to the application.
3. A non-refundable application fee of US$60.00.*
4. Two (2) original letters of recommendation.
5. A signed brief autobiography and personal essay on medical career expectations (typed).
6. Official transcripts from ALL undergraduate and/or graduate college(s)and universities sent directly from the registrar.
7. Physical Examination and Immunization Form
* Canadian checks are not accepted. International Postal Money Orders or a Certified check drawn on a U.S. Bank are accepted

 
Transfer Students
Students from recognized medical schools may be admitted as transfer students upon evaluation of their credentials. However, evidence of non-monetary commitment to their previous medical schools must be demonstrated.

The Admissions Committee of the University shall review all candidates' applications before admission. Applicants may be required to appear for personal interview before final acceptance.

Transfer students may be affected in terms of class time, availability of space and special scheduling. Based on these parameters, the University encourage admissions to first trimester.

Students can be considered for the fourth trimester of the program with/without the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1. Students should provide proof of passage of USMLE Step 1 for a favorable admission consideration.

The following special case is applicable to all transferring students who would like to apply for GMC registration in United Kingdom. They have to spend one year and 8 months (1.8) of basic science and preclinical studies in our St. Lucia campus in order to qualify for GMC registration as our regular students. In the case when the transfer students will not be able to complete the one year and 8 months by the end of the 5th trisemester, they should make-up the remaining time with clinical observership in St. Lucia in order to qualify for GMC registration.

If the transfer student fulfills all admission requirements and is accepted, it is mandatory that the transfer student attend all assigned classes and abide by the same rules and regulations as non-transfer students.

A transfer student on financial aid who wants to continue receiving those funds must re-apply upon matriculation into the University.

All transfering applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. submit application for admission and pay application fee with the required documentation
2. meet admission requirements as individuals applying for admission into the medical program for the first time
3. must be transfering from an acceptable institution
4. submit official transcript from an acceptable institution

Any applicant who has been detached from the medical education program for more than five years will not be allowed any credit for coursework done previously. Such applicants will be considered for admission to the First Trimester only. A one-time revalidation fee of US$500.00 will be charged to transfer students together with regular tuition and other applicable fees

 

Acceptance to the program
Successful applicants, following notification of acceptance by mail, are expected to sign an offer of acceptance form and return it to the University within 15 days along with tuition deposit.

Conditional Acceptance
Conditional acceptance into the program is granted only to those individuals who show academic promise on an individual basis.

Non-Discriminatory Policy
Admission is granted without regard to race, religion, color, gender or national origin. The University does not discriminate on the basis of age or marital status.
 
Prospective Applicants
Registered Nurses, X-Ray Technicians, Emergency Medical Technicians, Dieticians, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, Physician's Assistants, Ph.D. degree holders along with the more traditionally qualified applicants can become excellent physicians and are encouraged to apply if they believe that the University can help them fulfill their ambition.

It is the responsibility of the Admissions Office of this University to form a class of students that are emotionally mature, possess the capacity to do academic work that will represent the high standard of the University and are dedicated to provide quality patient care in any part of the globe.
 
Travel Formalities to St. Lucia
All students traveling to St. Lucia are required to have a passport and must be in possession of a return ticket to their respective country of origin.
 
Visa Information
- List of Countries Whose Nationals Require Visa to Enter St. Lucia
- List of Countries Whose Nationals Do Not Require Visa to Enter St. Lucia
- List of Embassies for Obtaining a St. Lucian Visa
- To find a list of U.K. Embassies to obtain a U.K. Transit Visa, please visit their website at www.fco.gov.uk and click on "UK Embassies Overseas".
 
Student Visa Extension
In order to obtain Student Visa of Student Visa Extension while enrolled at Spartan Health Sciences University, the following guidelines are to be met:
 
For new students (first trimester and/or transfer students):
1. Registration forms has to be completed on the first day of school.
2. Passports should be submitted within first or second week of school. The passports are usually required for identification purposes to open bank accounts and for telephone connection. This should be done during the first two weeks of school.
3. Student Visa process is approximately 3- 4 weeks. The students will be given a six (6) months Visa extension which has to be renewed when it expires.
 
For students who are already enrolled:
1. All financial obligations to the school have to be met in order to obtain a visa extension after the first six months.

2. A student must be in possession of a valid student visa to attend the school (any short term entry visas are unacceptable).
 
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
For all immigration issues, you may please contact
 
Smith White Sharma Yakshi Halpern & Ishar, LLP Attorney At Law
 
Atlanta Office
Dr. Paddy Sharma - paddy@chandlersharma.com
3006 Clairmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404) 329-1444
Fax: (404) 329-0777
 
New Jersey Office
Rajan Ramaswamy - rrajan@chandlersharma.com
1080 Amboy Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: (732) 512-9305
(732) 512-9307
(732) 512-9308
Fax: (732) 516-9306
 
Mumbai
Anuradha Nathan - anuradha@chandlersharma.com
Raheja Centre Point,
294 CST Road, REGUS,
Near Mumbai University,
Off Bandra Kurla Complex,
Santa Cruz (East), Mumbai - 400 098
Telephone No: +91 22 6707 8871
Fax: +91 22 6707 8711
Mobile: +919967877800
 
Chennai
Bharathi Seshan -bharathi@chandlersharma.com
New No. 6, (old No 11),
Chander Bagh Avenue, 1st Street.
Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004.
Phone number: 91-44-28470401
 
Ahmedabad
Rita Brahmbhatt:ritab@chandlersharma.com
B2 Preksha Bhumi, Swastik Soc Plot no 51/52
B/H Vodafone Zonal Office, Stadium Six Roads,
Off C.G.Road, Navrangpura Ahmedabad -380028
TeleFax # +91 79 26464022
Cell # +91 9824033481
   
Requirements for Admissions
   
Required Courses
   
Requirements for St Lucian Students
   
Admission Package Information
   
Applicants from Countries other than the United States of America and Canada
   
Application Procedure
   
Transfer Students
   
Advanced Standing
   
Prospective Applicants
   
Travel Formalities to St. Lucia
   
Visa Information
   
Student Visa Extension
   
Immigration Services
 
 
 
 
 
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