Dr. Coon 👨‍⚕️

Becoming a doctor who can prescribe psychiatric medicine!

🥼 ⚕️🧠

 A post-baccalaureate pre-med program (often called a post-bacc pre-med) is a non-degree program designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree but need to complete or strengthen their prerequisites for medical school.

Since you already have a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a post-bacc could be an excellent bridge to help you transition into medicine—especially if your undergrad didn’t include all the core pre-med science courses.

✅ What Is a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program?

A post-bacc pre-med program is intended for people who:

• Didn’t major in a science-related field

• Are career-changers (like from counseling, psychology, teaching, etc.)

• Need to improve their GPA or take science courses required for med school

• Want structured support while preparing for the MCAT and applying to MD or DO programs

🧪 Common Coursework in a Post-Bacc:

You’ll typically take the core pre-med prerequisites:

• General Biology (with lab)

• General Chemistry (with lab)

• Organic Chemistry (with lab)

• Physics (with lab)

• Biochemistry

• Math (often Statistics + Calculus)

• Psychology & Sociology (often recommended for MCAT)
  
  

🕓 Program Length:

• Usually 12 to 24 months

• Can be full-time or part-time

• Some offer linkages (guaranteed interviews or admissions to partnering med schools)

🏫 Types of Programs:

1. Career-Changer Programs – For those who’ve never taken the required science courses.

2. Academic Enhancer Programs – For those who need to boost their GPA and re-take or strengthen their science background.

3. Formal vs. Informal:

   • Formal: Structured curriculum with advising, MCAT prep, and linkages.

   • Informal: DIY-style—taking individual classes at a local college or university without a set program.
     
     

📍Where Are These Offered?

Many schools in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan offer post-baccs. Examples:

• Columbia University (NY) – rigorous, well-known

• Temple University (PA)

• Rutgers (NJ)

• University of Michigan – Flint or Ann Arbor

• Goucher College (MD) – great med school linkage options

💰 Cost:

• Typically $15,000–$40,000, depending on the school and length

• Financial aid may be limited, but some programs qualify for federal loans

🎯 Is It Right for You?

Given your clinical background, master’s degree, and career goals, this path could:

• Strengthen your science foundation

• Help you prepare for the MCAT

• Open doors to MD or DO schools starting Fall 2026 (if applying during the 2025-26 cycle)