Career-changers
Students can enter a post-bacc program immediately after receiving their undergraduate degree or after years of work experience. The length of the program will vary but generally takes one to two years, which may include summer study. Students generally take 2-3 science courses per term and may supplement their studies with health-related electives, seminars, or additional courses. Oregon State's Post-bacc Premed program is particularly well-suited for career-changers.
Financial aid is generally available in the form of student loans.
Those seeking to enhance their academic record
Students can enter these programs immediately after receiving their undergraduate degree or after years of work experience. The length of the program length can vary but generally take one to two years. Students often take 3-4 science courses and may supplement with health-related electives, seminars or additional courses.
Programs may be highly structured with specific courses taken in a prescribed manner with little flexibility or may be more unstructured. The benefits to a formal post-bacc program include access to advising, a more structured academic environment.
Financial aid is generally available in the form of student loans.
Questions to consider about a post-bacc program
- What MCAT, LSAT or GRE support is available?
- How well do post-baccs fare on the MCAT, LSAT or GRE?
- How often do students meet with advisers? How available and supportive are the program staff?
- Can I take electives outside of the pre-med or pre-law core requirements?
- What academic support is available if I’m struggling in a class?
- What’s the cost of the program? How do students usually pay for it?
- What kinds of students tend to be successful in your program?
- What’s the timeline to apply? Is it best to apply early, or is it okay to apply at the deadline?
- How long will it take to complete the program, apply to and start health professions school, law school or graduate school?
