Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
General Information: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Overview
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM) is a private medical school located in Nutley, New Jersey, that opened its doors in 2015 and officially became independent from Seton Hall University in 2020. The school is affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest health care network in New Jersey, which provides students access to numerous hospitals and clinical facilities across the state for their clinical training. The campus occupies a renovated facility on the former Hoffman‑La Roche site in Nutley and Clifton, enabling a modern, purpose‑built environment for medical education.
The curriculum is designed to integrate basic science, clinical training, and public health in a holistic model. HMSOM emphasizes longitudinal themes such as social determinants of health, evidence‑based medicine, and health systems, and uniquely allows students to begin their residency or individualized study in their fourth year in what is called an “Individualization Phase.” In February 2023, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education granted it full accreditation, validating the institution’s quality of medical training.
Contact Information
Address: 340 Kingsland Street, Suite 3110, Nutley, New Jersey 07110
Phone Number: (973) 542‑6500
Email / General Contact: Administrative offices
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2015 |
| Motto / Vision | Emphasis on socially responsible, humanistic, evidence‑driven physician training |
| Type | Private (non‑profit) medical school |
| Accreditation | Full accreditation by LCME (2023) and recognized by MSCHE |
| Affiliations | Hackensack Meridian Health network including Hackensack University Medical Center, JFK Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center |
| Campus size / Location | Situated on approximately 20 acres of a larger 120‑acre site in Nutley/Clifton, in renovated biotech campus buildings |
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Rankings
| Ranking Body / Scope | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (Medical Schools: Research) | Ranked #79 (tied) in 2023‑2024 among research medical schools |
| Diversity | In 2023, ranked #65 in “Most Diverse Medical Schools” by U.S. News |
| Regional / State Reputation | Often cited as NJ’s first private medical school in decades; regarded among newer emerging medical schools |
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Academics
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Faculties / Departments
As a medical school, HMSOM is structured around core medical education and clinically integrated departments rather than a broad faculty‑college structure. Key areas include Department of Basic Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Public Health, Department of Research and Innovation, Department of Curriculum and Medical Education, Department of Student Affairs & Professional Development, and affiliative clinical departments in partner hospitals covering specialties such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Courses and Programs / Majors
HMSOM offers programs focused on the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Key offerings include the MD Program with first three years of core and clerkships and a fourth-year individualized track, longitudinal tracks or concentration electives in areas like research, population health, and global health, possible accelerated or combined tracks, and joint pathways or collaborations with allied health programs, nursing, or health sciences on the same campus.
Online Learning
HMSOM incorporates hybrid, remote, and digital elements such as lectures, modules, and assessments in its curriculum modernization. Hands-on clinical and lab training requires in-person presence, so full online degree delivery is not applicable. Technology-enhanced learning, simulation, remote modules, and virtual learning environments are part of the school’s educational approach.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Typical / Median Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPA (cumulative) | ~3.80 | |
| MCAT | ~514‑515 | Median for matriculants |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Detailed public data for retention and graduation rates are limited, but LCME accreditation implies compliance with standards of student progression, retention, and graduation.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Admissions
GPA Range and MCAT Range
Applicants typically present strong academic credentials with cumulative GPAs around 3.75–3.82 and average MCAT scores in the 514–515 range.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Acceptance Rate
| Stage | Rate / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall acceptance | ~4–5% | Typical for competitive allopathic medical schools |
| Post‑interview acceptance | ~86% | Acceptance rate after interview |
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Application Requirements
Prospective students must submit a completed AMCAS application, including coursework transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and MCAT scores. The school requires strong performance in foundational sciences and humanities, demonstrated extracurricular involvement, clinical exposure, leadership, and service. Selected applicants complete secondary materials with supplemental essays or responses. Evaluation is holistic, emphasizing academic metrics, interpersonal skills, professionalism, community commitment, and alignment with the school’s mission.
Application Process
- Submit primary application via AMCAS
- Receive invitation for secondary application
- Submit secondary essays and forms
- Participate in interview
- Receive admission decision
- Complete enrollment steps if accepted
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Stage | Typical Deadline / Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| AMCAS primary application | Early summer | Standard AMCAS timeline |
| Secondary / supplemental deadline | Several weeks after secondary invitation | Exact date varies |
| Interview invitations | Rolling | |
| Decision notification | Rolling |
Essay Prompt
Secondary essays often ask applicants to reflect on experiences with underserved communities, describe how social determinants influence health, and articulate future goals aligned with HMSOM’s mission.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Scholarships
HMSOM offers financial aid and scholarships based on merit, need, and institutional support. Many students also rely on federal loans and grants. The school emphasizes reducing student debt through scholarship and support models.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Tuition Fee (Costs)
Tuition and fees are aligned with U.S. private medical school norms. Exact figures are available through the school’s tuition schedule.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
HMSOM’s student body reflects diversity in race, ethnicity, and gender. Age distributions cluster in the early to mid-20s, with students from varied backgrounds contributing to a rich learning environment.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
HMSOM supports students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities through financial aid, accommodations, academic support, mentoring, and disability services, reflecting the school’s emphasis on equity and inclusion.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total enrolled students | ~567 | |
| Faculty to student ratio | ~3:1 | 1,563 faculty to 567 students |
| International students | Not published |
University Diversity
Diversity is central to HMSOM’s mission. The school recruits students from varied demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. Students benefit from interacting with peers with different perspectives, which prepares them to care for diverse patient populations. The school’s focus on social determinants of health and health equity reinforces its commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment where learners engage with a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
Average Earnings
Graduates typically enter residency programs with corresponding salaries. Physician compensation varies by specialty, location, and practice setting. HMSOM graduates benefit from robust clinical affiliations and accreditation, ensuring competitive residency placement and professional readiness. Early clinical exposure and rotations through the health network enhance future earning potential.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
HMSOM has a large roster of full-time faculty and staff relative to its student body, including basic science researchers, clinician-educators, curriculum designers, administrative staff, and student affairs professionals.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty expertise spans medical specialties, public health, biomedical research, and education innovation. Many hold clinical roles in partner hospitals, allowing integrated teaching and practice. Faculty are recognized in research areas such as infectious disease, regenerative medicine, oncology, and health systems.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
HMSOM is located on the Health Sciences Campus in Nutley/Clifton. Students typically arrange off-campus housing nearby. Campus facilities include simulation labs, research facilities, wellness spaces, student lounges, and academic areas. Student organizations, health track clubs, and community service groups form the core of student life.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via Route 3, with connections to the New York metropolitan area. Public transport options include regional buses and nearby rail services. On-campus mobility is supported with walkways and elevators. Clinical rotations involve travel to affiliated hospitals using shuttles or public transit.