Many students are considering not directly enrolling in medical school and instead taking a post-bacc program to enhance their academic records and skills.
Also, these programs are known to strengthen one’s medical school application giving them a high chance of getting accepted.
This article will guide you about post-bacc programs, how they can help you with your medical school application, and many more.
In addition, we have listed the best post-bacc programs for medical schools and presented factors you need to consider in choosing such a program and others.
What is a Pre-Med Post-Bacc Program and its Benefits?
A pre-med post-baccalaureate program, commonly known as post-bacc, is for college graduate students who want to improve their credentials and meet the prerequisites for medical school applications.
It is also an excellent way for students to gear up themselves and prepare for intensive medical courses.
And it can increase the acceptance rate of aspiring medical students and help them transition to graduate-level education.
The length of Post-Bacc Programs highly differs per institution. However, it is usually offered in one-to-two years.
There are three types of Pre-Med Post-Bacc Programs:
Post-Bacc Career Changers Programs
It is also known as Start from Scratch Program, intended for students who could not take science courses or those who have only taken one or two science courses during their undergrad program.
It is designed to help students comply with their lack of essential science background and be eligible for medical school admission.
These Career Changers Programs may vary from one institution to another.
And it generally offers some or all of the following services:
Academic Record Enhancement Programs
It is intended for undergraduate students who have completed all the necessary coursework during their undergrad program.
The program is designed to improve students' academic records and skills and help increase their competitiveness in medical school.
For example, this post-bacc program will assist and provide additional support to students in preparation for MCAT, CASPer, and other medical school admission requirements.
These post-bacc programs give students additional credentials, such as advanced-level coursework, master's degree programs, and more.
Post-Bacc Programs for Underrepresented/Disadvantaged Groups in Medicine
This post-bacc program is designed for minority undergraduate students and those from underrepresented groups.
It intends to help such students gain acceptance into medical schools by helping them improve their academic skills and broaden their medical experiences.
For example, the lowest acceptance rate in medical school is 2.1%, and the acceptance rate for underrepresented groups in medical school is 11%. And it continued to increase to 17.8% for the academic year of 2021 to 2022.
What are the Benefits of Completing a Post-Bacc Program?
This section will explore the benefits of enrolling in a post-bacc program and how it can help you achieve your academic and career goals.
So, whether you're considering continuing your education or looking for new opportunities, read on to discover the benefits of completing a post-bacc program.
Academic Preparation for Medical School
The post-bacc program offers accelerated coursework that allows students to complete the program for a short period.
It also serves as an academic preparation that exposes students to the science courses usually encountered in a medical degree program.
Also, the program is focused and based on a pre-med curriculum that gives an advantage to students in enhancing their knowledge and skills essential for medical school.
Increase Medical School Acceptance
Most students that take post-bacc programs have a high chance of getting accepted into medical school.
The curriculum is designed to help undergraduate students be competitive enough for admission.
For example, at the University of Virginia, the acceptance rate for medical school is 95% for those who have taken a post-bacc program. And in Johns Hopkins Post-Bacc program, the success rate is 99.7%
Additional GPA and MCAT Support
Another benefit of taking a post-bacc program is that the courses offered can help boost the GPA of undergraduate students if, in some instances, it fails to meet the requirement for medical school admission.
Also, it is an advantage for students whose undergraduate program did not have any pre-med or introductory science courses.
The post-bacc program can also be a good preparation for MCAT, and some institutions include MCAT review sessions in their post-bacc program. And help students review for the admission exam.
Access to Extracurricular Experiences
Post-bacc programs focus on academic preparation and give importance to medical experiences and opportunities for students.
It usually offers and includes research activities, volunteering programs, mentorship, shadowing medical professionals, and more.
It also strengthens students' networking connections by allowing them to work closely with medical professionals as part of their exposure.
These experiences will help the student's med-school application appeal more to the medical school's admission committee.
5 Factors to Consider When Applying for a Post-Bacc Program for Medical Schools
There are many post-bacc programs offered by various institutions in the country. And to help you decide on what post-bacc program is suitable for you, there are some factors that you need to consider.
Depending on your preferences, it will help narrow your choices and give you a clear view.
Post-Bacc Linkage Programs
One of the factors you need to consider is the post-bacc linkage program. It is a program between a post-baccalaureate premedical program from a university or college and a medical school.
And this specific program allows students to apply directly to a medical school with only a one-year completed post-bacc program.
As a result, students who apply to the post-bacc linkage program have an excellent academic standing and are highly qualified to accelerate their medical school application through this program.
Some of these post-bacc linkage programs are affiliated with specific medical schools, especially those prominent universities that offer multiple schools, including one in medicine.
And the post-bacc linkage program specifications differ significantly between institutions.
Some medical schools offer a post-bacc program, including Johns Hopkins, University of Califonia - San Francisco, Columbia University, New York University, and more.
Checking out the linkage programs gives you an edge and familiarity with these institutions, such as the school’s culture, environment, medical school faculty, mission, and more.
It also gives you an idea of whether or not the institution fits your ideal learning environment and aligns with your goal.
Duration of Post-Bacc Program
The length of the post-bacc program significantly differs from one institution to another. It can range from one to two years, and other institutions may require additional months for summer coursework.
You need to carefully consider the program length if this fits with your timeline concerning your application to medical school.
Post-Bacc Program Curriculum
Also, each institution that offers a post-bacc program differs in its curriculum and training.
Therefore, consider if the curriculum of the post-bacc program that you choose fits your needs or offers the prerequisite courses for your medical school application.
Also, check if the institution provides a predetermined curriculum for its post-bacc program. Or can you choose what courses you can take for it?
Cost
The program's cost is another factor you must consider before enrolling in a post-bacc program.
Compare the tuition from one institution to another and check if it fits your budget. Also, check if the institution offers students scholarships, loans, or financial aid.
Post-Bacc Program Success Rate
The program's success rate is essential since it can determine whether or not you are on the right track.
It also helps you check whether the post-bacc program effectively increases your acceptance rate in medical school.
Requirements for Post-Bacc Programs for Medical Schools
Every educational institution offering a post-bacc program has its own standard application requirements.
And the standard requirements for Post-Bacc Program include the following:
What are the Best Post-Bacc Programs for Medical Schools?
The admission process to medical school is a challenging path to take for aspiring medical students.
The competition is incredibly high for every medical school, let alone if you wish to apply to those prestigious ones.
In addition, many undergraduate students find it challenging to pursue medicine because of their low academic scores, lack of prerequisite courses, low MCAT scores, and more.
If you are one of those students struggling to get admission to medical school, one of the best steps is to enroll in post-bacc programs.
These programs are designed to level up the academic standing of undergraduate students and prepare them before they take up a medical degree.
Below are the best post-bacc programs offered by various institutions that you can choose from.
Johns Hopkins - Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
The institution offers a Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program under the Kieger Schools of Arts and Sciences. The program is an integrated curriculum offering in-depth medical concepts.
It also includes vast research opportunities for students to work closely with doctors and medical professors at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
It prepares and equips students for a medical career through the program’s excellent science education, vast medical tutorial opportunities, and extensive advising given to its takers.
The post-bacc premedical program at Johns Hopkins is a full-time and on-site program. It is designed to prepare students to meet the admission requirements of medical schools and for the MCAT.
Also, it gives out an individual course study depending on one’s prior science coursework.
The program is highly customized for each student, allowing them to meet their needs.
In addition, all students are given access to the academic and research facilities of the school and also its other resources.
The program offers classes in Biology 1 and 2, General Chemistry 1 and 2, Organic Chemistry 1, Biochemistry, and Physics 1 and 2, with a specialized Introduction to Clinical Medicine course.
Students under the post-bacc program can also take advanced-level and elective courses at the Bloomberg School of Public Health through the Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
Educational Institution | Johns Hopkins - Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 99.7% |
Year Founded: | 1876 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 42,756 |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 9 to 14 months |
Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine: Graduate Certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine offers a Graduate Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Certificate.
The program consists of six courses in Biomedical Sciences.
Also, it provides professional skills courses that will help increase the student’s chance for admission to medical school.
The curriculum comprises graduate-level courses for subjects in Medical Molecular Biology, Medical Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Genetics, and Medical Physiology.
It also includes Pathology, Medical Histology, and Professional Skills in Medical Sciences. These courses aim to prepare students and boost their qualifications and skills for medical school.
Educational Institution | Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine: Graduate Certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 83% |
Year Founded: | 2016 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 21,000 |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 2 Semesters |
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Department of Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences Master of Science Biomedical and Health Science
Location: Birmingham, Alabama, USA
The institution program in Master of Science Biomedical and Health Science focuses on providing excellent coursework for undergraduate students who intend to take up any medical degree program.
It helps transition students from an undergraduate degree to a medical degree through their various professional programs, including a Clinical Application and Simulation course.
The program is developed through the partnership of the University of Alabama School of Health Professions and the Heersink School of Medicine.
The medical-focused curriculum offers relevant courses and test preparation programs to help students ace medical admission examinations such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, and GRE.
Additional Reading:
It also enhances the students' social and professional skills and emphasizes developing their critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Educational Institution | The University of Alabama at Birmingham - Department of Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences Master of Science Biomedical and Health Science |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 92% |
Year Founded: | 1969 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 27,630 (In-State Students) USD 39,462 (Out-of-State Students) |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 11 Months to 1 Year |
Columbia University - Columbia Faculty of Arts & Sciences School of General Studies Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program
Location: New York City, New York
Columbia University is one of the top institutions in the country when it comes to medical school preparation.
The medical school’s Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program is designed to help students complete the prerequisite requirements for medical school admission.
The program centers on extensive medical courses, MCAT preparations, and giving students experience in the medical field, such as health care volunteer work. It also offers different coursework in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Psychology, and other placement exams.
The institution also offers the program in the summer. In addition, students who have completed the program may be eligible for a Certificate in Premedical/Prehealth Sciences.
They should have taken 20 points of sciences courses at Columbia University.
Educational Institution | Columbia University - Columbia Faculty of Arts & Sciences School of General Studies Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 90% |
Year Founded: | 1947 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 44,308 (22-Point Program) USD 34,238 (17 Credits and More) |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 2 Years |
University of San Francisco California - School of Medicine Post-Baccalaureate Program
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
The University of San Francisco California Post-Baccalaureate Program is intended to help undergraduate students with their medical school admission.
The program consists of science courses, intensive MCAT review sessions, MCAT practice tests, seminars on healthcare issues, academic skills workshops, and more.
It is a structured and comprehensive program with only limited slots of 15 individuals per academic year.
And the program is also designed for students from underserved communities and disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them more chances to land a spot in the medical school admission through the post-bacc program.
Educational Institution | University of San Francisco California - School of Medicine Post-Baccalaureate Program |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 90% |
Year Founded: | 1864 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 12,864 |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 11 Months |
University of Pennsylvania - College of Liberal & Professional Studies Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
The university offers an excellent Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program to students who want to pursue medical, dental, or veterinary medicine studies.
It is also committed to delivering incomparable student experiences, coursework, and resources.
It offers a personalized advising program to students regarding course study, career development, and boosting academic skills.
In addition, the students will take introductory science courses such as General Chemistry, Introductory Biology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics.
Also, the post-bacc program offers additional courses, including topics in Cell Biology, Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, Histology, Human Anatomy, History, and Sociology of Medicine.
It also offers workshop programs to train each student and familiarize them with relevant work ethics and the environment.
The program is also centered on giving life-science research opportunities, diverse healthcare practice, pre-health education coursework, and
Educational Institution | University of Pennsylvania Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 73% |
Year Founded: | 1740 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 17,478 |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 1 Year and 6 Months |
Washington University in St. Louis Post-Bacc Pre-Medical Program
Location: St.Louis, Missouri, USA
The Washington University Department of Arts and Sciences offers a robust Post-Bacc Pre-Medical (PBPM) Program to provide additional preparation for students who want to enter medical school.
The program focuses on academic support and clinical opportunities. It is a flexible curriculum tailored to fit the needs of the students.
And each student program includes core courses and electives based on the student’s goal and academic record.
The core courses of the PBPM Program include Biology, Organic Chemistry with Laboratory, Physics, Math, General Chemistry, and other sciences.
It also offers additional coursework to help build the foundation of students’ basic science knowledge, enhance their MCAT preparation, and improve their competitiveness for medical school.
The additional coursework includes subjects in Advanced Physiology, Introduction to Medical Histology, Fundamentals of Parasitology, Introduction to Molecular Biology, Basic Cancer Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and more.
It also offers electives such as Psychology, Biomedical Ethics, and Health and Society.
Educational Institution | Washington University in St. Louis Post-Bacc Pre-Medical Program |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 85% to 95% |
Year Founded: | 1853 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 895 per Credit for Courses (Fall/Winter Semesters) USD 665 to USD 1,180 per Credit (Summer Semesters) |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 2 to 3 years |
New York University Post-Bacc Pre-Health Studies Program
Location: New York City, New York, USA
The College of Arts and Sciences at New York University offers a Post-Bacc Pre-Health Studies Program for aspiring medical students.
The program is known for its student-centered teaching techniques, supportive learning environment, advising for academic support, and extensive coursework.
Students will be exposed to different clinical and research opportunities. The curriculum is based on the standard admission prerequisite requirements of accredited medical schools in the US.
Also, the institution’s program is filled with hands-on clinical and research experiences that enhance the student’s knowledge and skills needed for medical school admission.
Educational Institution | New York University - College of Arts and Sciences Post-Bacc Pre-Health Studies Program |
|---|---|
Program/Institution Ranking: | |
Program Success Rate: | 90% |
Year Founded: | 1831 |
Tuition Fee: | USD 80,000 |
Duration of Post-Bacc Program: | 18 to 24 Months |
Summary Table: Best Post-Bacc Programs for Medical Schools
Educational Institution | Post-Bacc Program/Institution Ranking | Program Success Rate | Year Founded | Tuition Fee | Post-Bacc Program Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Johns Hopkins - Krieger School Arts & Sciences Post-Bacc Premedical Program | 99.7% | 1876 | USD 42,756 | 9 to 14 months | |
Florida International University - Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine: Graduate Certificate in Molecular & Biomedical Sciences | 83% | 2016 | USD 21,000 | 2 Semesters | |
University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences: Master of Science Biomedical and Health Science | 92% | 1969 | USD 27,630 (In-State Students) USD 39,462 (Out-of-State Students) | 11 Months to 1 Year | |
Columbia University - Columbia Faculty of Arts & Sciences School of General Studies Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program | 90% | 1947 | USD 44,308 (22-Point Program) USD 34,238 (17 Credits and More) | 2 Years | |
University of San Francisco California - School of Medicine Post-Baccalaureate Program | 90% | 1864 | USD 12,864 | 11 Months | |
University of Pennsylvania - College of Liberal & Professional Studies Pre-Health Post-Bacc Program | 73% | 1740 | USD 17,478 | 1 Year & 6 Months | |
Washington University in St. Louis Post-Bacc Pre-Medical Program | 85% to 95% | 1853 | USD 895 per Credit for Courses (Fall/Winter Semesters) USD 665 to USD 1,180 per Credit (Summer Semesters) | 2 to 3 Years | |
New York University Post-Bacc Pre-Health Studies Program | 90% | 1831 | USD 80,000 | 18 to 24 Months |