Post-baccalaureate coursework

You can view our presentation on post-baccalaureate programs here.

If you decide to look into post-baccalaureate program options, the most comprehensive database of post-baccalaureate programs is available from the Association of American Medical Colleges. A smaller list, but more useful for looking only at programs housed at schools of osteopathic medicine, is available from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.

Taking courses as a non-degree student

Many institutions will allow individuals to register for individual courses even if the student is not enrolled full time or seeking a degree at that institution. This is an option whether you are taking prerequisite courses for the first time, repeating courses, or taking new, advanced courses to enhance your academic record.

Benefits of this approach

Significant flexibility in where, when, and how many courses you take
There is no application process beyond enrolling as a non-degree student

Disadvantages

As a non-degree student, you have low priority for getting into classes, so some may fill before you can register
Institutions provide no financial support to non-degree students
There are none of the additional benefits that a program might provide, such as advising, a cohort of peers, or support for entrance exam preparation.

Career changer programs

Career-changer programs are designed for students who have taken few to none of the prerequisite courses for their intended professional program. These are not graduate programs, but some offer a certificate of completion. Structured programs have a strong support system, with at least one pre-health advisor and access to professors. They are mostly designed for students who can be enrolled full-time and can complete the program within the required time frame. Unstructured programs may be more appropriate for students who cannot be enrolled full-time and need to take courses at their own pace.

Benefits of this approach

Structured career changer programs have a vested interest in your admission to professional school and will provide the support and guidance needed to help you towards your goal.
Successful completion of a full time program (e.g. 3 lab courses per semester) is strong evidence to many professional schools that a student will be able to handle the rigors of the professional academic program.

Disadvantages

A formal application process means there is no guarantee of admission to the post-baccalaureate program.
Typically there is no institutional financial support. Students attending a career changer post-baccalaureate program must secure all funds themselves, whether through loans, family support, and/or working to earn money for tuition and living expenses.
There is a cap on federal student loans for undergraduate studies. If you already received federal loans to help finance your Bachelor’s degree, you may find your options limited for federal loans for continued education at the undergraduate level.

Examples of career changer programs

This is not an exhaustive list.

Academic record enhancer programs

Enhancement programs provide an opportunity for students to strengthen their professional school qualifications by taking advanced science courses. These programs usually offer a certificate or a Master’s degree. Students should be cautious about science and health graduate programs that are not explicitly designed around enhancing the academic record of pre-health students, as such programs may not increase professional school qualifications as needed. Discuss options with the pre-health office.

Benefits of this approach:

Some programs have affiliation agreements with professional schools.
Some programs offer a graduate degree, which can be useful for career advancement if you decide not to pursue professional school, or if your professional school application is unsuccessful.
Many programs offer supports in addition to coursework, such as pre-health advising, entrance exam preparation, application support, and/or a supportive cohort of peers.

Disadvantages:

Most programs are competitive, and for applicants with very weak undergraduate records, additional coursework may be required simply to gain admission to the post-baccalaureate program.
Some programs require submission of an entrance exam.
Typically there is no institutional financial support. Students attending an academic record enhancer program must secure funds themselves, whether through loans, family support, and/or working to earn money for tuition and living expenses.

Examples of record enhancer programs

This is not an exhaustive list.

Not pre-med?

Most post-baccalaureate programs were designed with pre-medical student needs in mind, although many can effectively accommodate students preparing for entrance to schools of dentistry and veterinary medicine. Likewise, unstructured programs can often serve students interested in any health profession, provided they offer the courses that you need.

If you are interested in a program that is focused on your career of interest, there are a few that are intentionally designed with non-pre-medical students in mind.

Note: Even if you are not a pre-med student, be sure to read the information in the accordion paragraphs above, as it is applicable to all!

Pre-dental programs

Pre-nursing programs

Pre-PA programs

Pre-occupational therapy programs

Post-Baccalaureate Occupational Therapy Doctoral Degree at University of Vermont

Post-baccalaureate coursework

Taking courses as a non-degree student

Career changer programs

Academic record enhancer programs

Not pre-med?

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