The School of Medicine was established as an independent School of the University of Zambia in 1970. Pre-clinical teaching in Bachelor of science (Human Biology) and Clinical teaching in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgary, however, had started earlier in 1968. The first output of graduates with full medical qualifications was in 1973.

Since then, the School has presented over 1200 medical doctors for the award of its joint degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

In 1981 it commenced postgraduate programmes leading to higher degrees in a number of clinical areas. The Master of Medicine programme is now offered in Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology,

Paediatrics and Child Health, Medicine, and Orthopaedic Surgery. A similar programme is being actively developed in Anaesthesia. A Master of Public Health programme with two tracts, one for clinicians and the other for non-clinicians, is offered since the 1994/95 academic year.

In 2004 the school commenced postgraduate programmes in Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Parastology and Post Graduate Diploma in Health Education for Health professioanls. Master of Urology is under development. Also the school offers PhD subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor and appropriate research subject being agreed upon in the department hosting the degree. in general PhDs are offered in all the departments running masters degree programs.