What Are Post-Baccalaureate Programs?
“Postbaccs” is a broad term covering both bachelor-level and master’s-level academic programs taken after you complete your undergraduate degree. These programs can help:
- Enhance your academic record if you need to strengthen your credentials before applying to medical or other health profession schools, or if you need to address academic gaps after an unsuccessful application.
- Allow career changers to efficiently complete essential pre-medical requirements if you discovered your interest in medicine later in your academic path.
- Support students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds: some programs are designed to expand diversity in health professions and may provide guaranteed admission if completed successfully.
Types and Purposes of Post-Bacc Programs
- Academic record enhancement programs: For applicants needing to improve their GPAs or address coursework deficiencies.
- Career changer programs: For students who decided on medicine after college and still need to complete core requirements.
- Societal/bridge/minority-focused programs: For individuals from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds. Some may require a referral from a previous medical school application and can offer direct pathways to admission.
- Master’s degree programs: Provide advanced study in medical or related sciences and enhance both knowledge and credentials.
Choosing a Post-Bacc Program: Key Factors
These programs differ in format, mission, duration, structure, and more. As you consider your options, work with a pre-medical advisor and admissions counselors, and keep these key questions in mind:
- Program duration and timing (1–2 years; how this fits your application goals)
- Focus: Career changer, academic enrichment, or societal/bridge program?
- Eligibility: Academic background, residency, demographics, MCAT, prior applications, etc.
- Curriculum structure: Offered courses, MCAT prep, research/clinical opportunities, required vs. elective experiences
- Reputation and outcomes: Bridge programs, relationships with medical schools, admission success rates
- Pre-med advising and support services: Are advisors or committee letter services available?
- Mentoring and alumni networks: Opportunities for shadowing, networking, and support post-program
- Marketability and outcomes: Especially for master’s programs—what support exists for alternate careers?
- Class size and composition: Diversity, schedule flexibility, atmosphere
- Cost and financial aid
- Location and proximity to your own support system
Some students choose to take necessary prerequisites individually (not in a formal program), but many benefit from the support, structure, and advising of an established post-bacc.
Resources
- AAMC list of post-baccalaureate programs: Search by state and type
- Programs sponsored by DO Medical Schools: See this directory
- Postbacc Information from NAAHP: Glossary, Q&A, articles
Advisor Tip
While there are many options for graduate work in a variety of disciplines, if your primary goal is to augment your science academic record (and raise your science GPA for AMCAS/AACOMAS applications), focus on programs that allow robust enrollment in basic sciences coursework.