A post-baccalaureate premedical program, or “post-bacc” program, is a great option for students who are interested in attending medical school and have taken off a year or two in between their undergraduate programs and professional school. Post-baccalaureate programs are specifically designed to help students transition from undergrad to professional school, as well as increase their chances of admission. Many post-bacc med programs are tailored to address specific student needs, such as a career change or enhancing an academic record.
There are many post-bacc program options to consider, each one with varying structure, course curriculum, cost and time investment.
Course Curriculum – Some programs offer academic credit with no degree (typically used for those students who need to complete prerequisites to apply to med school); others have tracks for Master’s degrees (these tracks are known to be the most challenging).
Structure – Some post-bacc programs are very demanding, requiring a full-time course load and attendance. Others are more flexible, offering night classes or weekend courses to accommodate for varying schedules.
Cost – The amount of money each program costs greatly varies, starting anywhere just under $20,000 to more than $40,000. Generally, state schools will be less expensive but funding can be available through loans and financial aid.
Time – The length of a post-bacc program can vary widely, starting from several weeks all the way to two years. Depending on where you are in your professional career, a shorter (or longer) program may suit your needs.
Post-bacc programs come in all shapes and sizes. Some programs include shadowing medical professionals, preparing for the MCAT, or working abroad in underserved countries.
Besides completing prerequisites, post-bacc programs offer a whole host of benefits. Here are just a few:
Understanding your own professional goals will help you decide which post-bacc program is right for you. Whatever medical degree program you choose, know that your program is an excellent choice that will benefit your professional career.