Medicine Schools and Programs in Netherlands

Medicine Studies in Netherlands

The study of Medicine can lead to a number of rewarding and lucrative career opportunities, but individuals seeking a career such as this must first undergo a substantial period of education and training.  Fortunately, there are many avenues through which prospective students can now earn their various medical credentials, including many that allow them to study and live abroad for a time in a beautiful country such as the Netherlands.
 
Often referred to as Holland, the Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  The nation consists of twelve provinces in Western Europe and three islands in the Caribbean.  The mainland or European part of the Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east; and shares maritime borders with Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom.  Its territory Sint Maarten borders France via France’s territory Sint Martin.  The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy organized as a unitary state, and its capital city, as mandated by the constitution, is Amsterdam, even though the government seat is located in The Hague.
 
The Netherlands is a highly-developed country and a founding member of the European Union and NATO, among other organizations.  A wealthy country, part of the Netherland’s success can be attributed to its excellent universities that together comprise its system of higher education.
 
Medical Education in the Netherlands
 
The Netherlands offers Medical education at a select few of its excellent universities—programs that help prepare students for Medical school admission and advanced programs that lead to a degree in the medical sciences. 
 
In the Netherlands, medical students receive 6 years of university education prior to their graduation.  Students receive three years of preclinical training, followed by three years of clinical training (co-assistentschappen, or co-schappen for short) in hospitals. At one medical faculty, that of Utrecht University, clinical training already begins in the third year of medical school. After 6 years, students graduate as Basisartsen (the U.S. equivalent of a Doctor of Medicine).  As a result of the Bologna process, a recent educational reform measure aimed at standardizing the credit and degree structure at universities throughout the European Union, medical students in the Netherlands now receive a bachelor's degree after three years in medical school and a master's degree upon graduation. Prospective students can apply for medical education directly after finishing the highest level of secondary school, VWO; previous undergraduate education is not a precondition for admittance.
 
During the initial three years of Medical school, the preclinical stage, the coursework revolves around the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, medical terminology and pharmacology.  The final three years, or clinical stage, consists of courses in the various medical specialties, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and surgery. 
 
Upon earning their Doctor of Medicine, or Basisartsen, students are required to complete a 2-3 year residency or internship, in which they will work under the supervision of licensed medical staff, treating patients in a hospital setting.  This is required of all students who wish to become licensed in the Netherlands to practice medicine.
 
Why Study Abroad in the Netherlands
 
The Netherlands is a great nation in which to study and live for a time, especially for college-aged students.  Amsterdam, the country’s capital, offers entertainment options and attractions not found in other major cities, and is a consistent tourist draw for those visiting Western Europe.  Not only does the country host a number of internationally-ranked universities, it also possesses a warm and friendly culture and is home to some of Europe’s most amazing sites and attractions—fun and interesting things to do and see during those times when school is not in session.  Some of these attractions include:
 
Van Gogh Museum
 
Students of art and history will marvel at the Van Gogh Museum, a museum honoring the life and works of one of the greatest artists in modern history, Vincent Van Gogh.  Opened in Amsterdam in 1973 to house the collection of Van Gogh’s younger brother Theo, it consists of about 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Vincent Van Gogh, as well as the works of many his friends and contemporaries, such as Gauguin, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Bernard.

Begijnhof

Also located in Amsterdam, the Begijnhof is an enclosed former convent that dates back to the early 14th century.  Walking through the grounds of the Begijnhof, which include tiny houses, postage-stamp gardens and a brilliant, well-maintained courtyard; you might just feel a surreal oasis of peace surround you.  The Beguines were a Catholic order of unmarried or widowed women who cared for the elderly and lived a pious religious life at the complex without taking monastic vows. The last occupant of the facility, which is now open to the public on certain days, died in the 1970s.

Texel Dunes National Park

Texel Dunes National Park is located on the Frisian island of Texel in the Netherlands. For many nature lovers, this patchwork of dunes and beautiful landscapes, running along the entire western coast of the island, is the prime reason for visiting Texel. Salt fens and heath alternate with velvety, grass-covered dunes throughout the island, along with plant life endemic to this habitat, such as the dainty marsh orchid or sea buckthorn, a ragged shrub with bright orange berries.