When a student has produced inconsistent or poor grades, professional schools prefer to see at least two years (four long semesters) of heavy coursework with a cumulative and science GPA in line with acceptance rates. If this is an area of consideration for your bridge year, please make an appointment with a Pre-Health Professions Coach to discuss strategy. The following are some GPA options to consider:
- Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) Programs - these are programs already created to enhance a pre-health student's previous undergraduate GPA.
- Taking Courses at a Four-Year Institution - Post-Bacc work but on your own schedule, without using a structured program.
- Graduate School - attending an established Masters or Doctorate program.
Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) Programs
Post-bacc programs are specifically designed to increase readiness for professional school by providing students a second chance to show consistent and high-performing grades. These programs can have coursework at the undergraduate level, advanced undergraduate upper-level sciences, or graduate level science curriculum coursework. Some programs also offer additional prep or time for the potential retest of an admissions test (MCAT/DAT/GRE...etc.).
Selection criteria vary around the country. Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA and either an MCAT score of 20 or a DAT score of 16. Applications for the fall semester are usually due by March of that year. Check with individual programs so as not to miss deadlines.
What Different Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) Programs Are Available?
Basic Sciences: This type of program is for students who have not completed the basic
requirements for medical school. Generally this is for “career changers” who have decided to
pursue medicine. The coursework can be done in a formal post-bacc program or individually at a local university.
Advanced Sciences/GPA Boosters: This type of program is designed for students who were
science majors or have completed the basic science requirements. These are for students who:
- Want to stay academically engaged during a gap year while applying to medical or dental schools.
- Need to raise their GPA to become a more competitive medical school applicant.
Graduate Options: Designed for pre-health students for grade enhancement can be a year or two years in length and at times have names such as Master's of Medical Education or Master's of Biomedical Sciences. Although originally designed for pre-med students, many now accommodate other pre-health professions students such as pre-dent/physicians assistant/pharm...etc. These programs are often most beneficial for those students who need a pre-set structure to follow in an already established program to meet their academic goals.
Examples of Post-Bacc Programs
For more information about out of state, programs see: https://mec.aamc.org/postbac/#/index
Post-Bacc Programs in Texas
University of North Texas Health Science Center
-
One-year program
- Minimum overall GPA: 3.0
- Minimum MCAT: check with the school
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – El Paso
- Two-semester Post-Baccalaureate certificate program
- Official MCAT scores are required.
- Written essay
- Successful completion of this will assure an interview with the TTUHSC El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Texas Tech School of Allied Health Services
- Two-year program
- Min GPA: None – 3.4 recommended
- Average GPA: 3.34
- Average MCAT: check with the school
UT Dallas
- 4 Post-Bacc options
University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
- The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program is an innovative one-year program designed to enhance scientific knowledge and professional preparation for students seeking to attend medical school or other health professions training. The MBS Program will help to strengthen academic credentials to ensure success as students pursue advanced degrees.
Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training & Research (COE) Scholars Program - Baylor College of Medicine
- One-year program in Houston – July through June
- Coursework in the biological, physical and social sciences; academic and career preparedness including test prep; and research and clinical exposure opportunities
- Scholars who complete the program requirements will receive a $1,500 stipend
- Students must meet all of the eligibility requirements and submit the online application form and supplemental materials by the deadline
MD Anderson School of Health Professions
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions, in concert with the mission and visions of MD Anderson Cancer Center, is committed to the education of healthcare professionals, through formal academic programs that award institutional certificates and degrees in health sciences.
MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School
- MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School provides a unique opportunity to train within the Texas Medical Center, one of the foremost medical and research centers in the world. Students pursuing an M.S. degree at GSBS will receive access to top research programs and faculty, a curriculum that develops their potential while fostering leadership and mentoring skills and training that prepares them for top positions across the biomedical workforce.
Other Post-Bacc Program Options
Mississippi College - M.S in Biology (Medical Sciences)
-
The Master of Science in Biology (Medical Sciences) program is designed to prepare students for a career in medical sciences research or for those students wishing to enter medical, dental, optometry, physician assistant and pharmacy schools. This degree can be completed in one calendar year. Unlike many programs, most courses are offered both fall and spring, enabling the student to mix and match course loads each semester, giving him/her great flexibility in designing the class sequence
- This degree is a unique opportunity for students to take courses taught at the Medical School level as a way to prepare for Medical School. Typically, the first-year Medical School curriculum will include; Human Gross Anatomy, Medical Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Human Neuroanatomy and Human Embryology. Pharmacology is usually taught during the second year of Medical School.
Jefferson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
- The Postbaccalaureate Pre-Professional Program (P4) at JGSBS is designed for individuals seeking to complete their basic science requirements for entrance into medical/health professional schools
- One-year and two-year program options offered
Georgetown University
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program (CAM Program) One-Year Master's Program in Physiology & Biophysics, Complementary & Alternative Medicine choices
- Students strive to explore the science-based evidence of the most used complementary and integrative medicine modalities used in the United States
GeorgeSquared
- A post-baccalaureate graduate-level Advanced Biomedical Sciences Certificate program for individuals interested in careers in the health professions. Courses are taught by Georgetown and George Mason professors.
- This is a full-time 9-month, 20-credit, graduate-level certificate program that provides excellent advanced science preparation for health professions including medical, dental and other healthcare-related advanced studies. The program includes preparation for professional examinations (such as MCAT, DAT, or GRE), and outstanding advising and support towards your goals. The graduate certificate program follows a traditional semester system.
- Students who successfully complete the ABS certificate program are eligible to continue their coursework at Georgetown University and complete a traditional Masters in Physiology.
Keck Graduate Institute Post-baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program (PPC)
- Combines the benefits of an academic enhancement program (AP) and a Special Master's Program (SMP) by offering an opportunity for students to flourish in a rigorous graduate environment.
- Students learn unique knowledge in the areas of life science and biotechnology to enhance their future medical training, all while developing important interpersonal and inter-professional skills with biomedical professionals.
- The program is designed for students who have had some success but looking to further strengthen their credentials to become a more competitive candidate for medical schools.
Taking (Additional) Courses at a Four-Year Institution
Another option is to enroll at a four-year university as a non-degree seeker. The best approach is to enroll in 14-15 hours per semester, with 9 of those hours in upper-division science courses. This is a great option for students who need to demonstrate academic readiness but do not necessarily need the structure of a program to meet that goal. This approach is a way of creating a “Post-Bacc” without formally applying to a set program.
Graduate Options - Masters, PhD, etc.
A student may choose to instead enroll in a science based masters or doctorate level program that was not created for or affiliated with pre-health professional pathways.