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:
- Enrolling in a Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) Program - A formal, academic program with a curriculum already created to enhance a pre-health student's previous undergraduate GPA.
- Taking Courses at a Four-Year Institution - Also known as a “DIY Post-Bacc,” where students can take courses on their own schedule, without using a structured, academic program.
- Pursuing Graduate School - Attending an established science-based Masters or Doctoral program.
Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Post-baccalaureate programs (or commonly known as “Post-Baccs”) are specifically designed to increase readiness for professional school by providing students a second chance to show consistent and/or high-performing grades. These programs can have coursework at the undergraduate level, advanced undergraduate upper-level sciences, or graduate level science curriculum coursework. Some last a few semesters to a few years and have virtual and/or in-person options. In-person is strongly encouraged by Health Professions Schools. 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 a minimum GPA, and some require a standardized exam score minimum (such as the MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc.) depending on the program.
What Types of 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.
Advanced Sciences or 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 their gap year(s) or while applying to professional school.
- Need to raise their GPA to become a more competitive health professions 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, pre-physicians assistant, and more. 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-Baccalaureate Programs
The following are some post-baccalaureate options in Texas, and some that are out-of-state. The Health Professions Office does not endorse one particular program over another, and the information provided is not an exhaustive list of post-baccalaureate programs.
Students are encouraged to do their own research for programs that meet their specific needs regarding program structure, location, and curriculum.
Post-Baccalaureate Programs in Texas
- Baylor College of Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
- Houston Christian University, Professional Science Master's in Health Professions
- MD Anderson School of Health Professions
- MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School
- Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Post-Baccalaureate Program
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock
- University of Houston, Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences
- University of Incarnate Word, School of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of North Texas Health Science Center
- University of St. Thomas, Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
- University of Texas at Dallas, Certificate in Biomedical Sciences
- UT Health San Antonio, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Out-of-State Post-Bacc Program Options
- Georgetown University, Masters of Science in Integrative Medicine & Health Sciences
- George Mason University, GeorgeSquared Advanced Biomedical Sciences Program
- Keck Graduate Institute Post-baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program (PPC)
- Mississippi College, Masters of Science in Biology-Medical Sciences
- Thomas Jefferson University, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Professional Program (P4)
Additional Resources
There are many programs across the country to pursue specialized master's or post-baccalaureate programs. Here are a few links to aid your search:
- AAMC Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Programs Search Function
- Information gathered by the AAMC from post-baccalaureate programs that request their information be added to this database. It is not an exhaustive list.
- AACOM Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Programs
- Information gathered by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) on post-baccalaureate programs at osteopathic medical schools in the US.
- Post-Baccalaureate Centralized Application Service Participating Programs
- Information on participating programs in PostBacCAS, an service that centralizes the post-baccalaureate program application process. Not all programs participate in PostBacCAS, and therefore, this is not an exhaustive list.
Taking Additional Courses at a Four-Year Institution
Another option is to enroll at a four-year university as a non-degree seeker and take additional science-based courses. 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 “DIY Post-Bacc” without formally applying to a set program.
Non-Degree Seeking at UT Austin
UT Austin does not have a formal post-baccalaureate program for students. Students can complete additional courses here at UT Austin as non-degree seeking students.
If you are a current UT Austin student, reach out to your academic advisor on the process for registering after graduation.
UT Austin alumni who have been away from the university for more than one semester or non-UT Austin affiliated students may reach out to the UT Austin Office of Admissions for more details on pursuing non-degree seeking opportunities at UT Austin.
Graduate School - Masters, Doctoral, etc.
A student may choose to instead enroll in a science-based masters or doctoral program that was not created for or affiliated with pre-health professional pathways. This route can be best for students who already have a stronger science background, but students may apply to programs they meet the admissions requirements for.
Depending on your needs, it may be best to engage in a heavy science-based program, rather than a non-science program. Success at the graduate level in science-based coursework can show readiness for the rigorous science curriculum of health professions school.