University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS
About University of Mississippi Medical Center
UMMC: A century of Mississippi medical education, shaped by history and healing.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) stands as the state's premier academic health science institution, delivering cutting-edge healthcare, education, and research. While the comprehensive Medical Center opened its doors in Jackson in 1955, its origins trace back to 1903 with a two-year medical school in Oxford, showcasing a long-standing commitment to nurturing healthcare professionals for Mississippi and beyond. Today, UMMC is a vibrant hub where future doctors, nurses, dentists, and health scientists are trained across a diverse array of specialized schools.
UMMC's story is deeply intertwined with Mississippi's history, particularly during the Civil Rights era. It gained national attention when civil rights leader Medgar Evers was rushed to its emergency room in 1963. In 1964, UMMC became a crucial provider for injured Freedom Riders. Facing federal mandates, UMMC courageously desegregated its patient care facilities and hired its first Black faculty member in 1965, marking a pivotal moment in its institutional journey towards inclusivity and equality. This commitment to progress extended to its student body, welcoming its first African-American learner in 1965 and its first Black M.D. degree recipient in 1972.
Beyond its historical significance, UMMC offers a rich academic environment. Starting with the School of Medicine, it expanded to include the School of Nursing (1958), the School of Health Related Professions (1971), the School of Dentistry (1973), and the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences (2001). These schools provide a wide range of baccalaureate, graduate, and professional programs, ensuring students have access to comprehensive, interdisciplinary training. Prospective students will find a dynamic learning atmosphere committed to addressing the health needs of Mississippians, while also contributing to national advancements in medical research and patient care.
Studying at UMMC means becoming part of an institution that not only educates but also serves, innovates, and shapes the future of health. While acknowledging its complex past, including its location on the site of a former state asylum, UMMC is dedicated to fostering a diverse and supportive community where students can thrive and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established as a two-year medical school in Oxford in 1903, evolving into a comprehensive four-year medical center in Jackson by 1955.
- ✦Played a pivotal role during the Civil Rights era, providing care for Medgar Evers and injured Freedom Riders.
- ✦Led desegregation efforts in 1965, integrating patient facilities and hiring its first Black faculty member.
- ✦Welcomed its first African-American learner in 1965, first Black woman student in 1966, and first Black M.D. recipient in 1972.
- ✦Home to five distinct professional schools: Medicine, Nursing, Health Related Professions, Dentistry, and Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences.
- ✦Located on a site with historical significance, once housing the Mississippi Insane Asylum.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within University of Mississippi Medical Center
School of Medicine
The foundational medical school, initially established in Oxford in 1903 and opened as a four-year institution in Jackson in 1955.
School of Nursing
Moved to the Medical Center in 1956 and granted school status in 1958.
School of Health Related Professions (SHRP)
Added in 1971 and began offering baccalaureate curricula in 1973.
School of Dentistry
Authorized in 1973, with its first students admitted in 1975.
School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences
The graduate program was elevated to school status in 2001.
Find Scholarships at University of Mississippi Medical Center
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search