Finding Postbacc Programs
Postbacc (or postbaccalaureate premedical): In the world of health careers, it means that some people who already have bachelor's degrees come back to school to take prerequisite courses for dental school, medical school, or some other health profession.
Becoming a "postbacc" is a big commitment. Don't take the plunge until you are completely ready!
Keep the following questions in mind during your search to find the postbacc program that is right for you.
- Am I comfortable with the time frame? (Many programs require two years to complete. You might be able to complete some programs in a single calendar year.)
- How is the reputation of the school? Try to find a decent four-year college with solid science departments and a fair number of prehealth students. You are probably better off taking no (or as few as possible) postbacc courses at a community college. A school's track record or ranking can be of some use, but eventually it will not matter much in comparison to the reputation you build up as a postbacc!
- Is the location of the school convenient for me? Some people are more able than others to travel in pursuit of their education, and not everyone bears up under the stress of a commute in the same way. When looking for postbacc programs or applying to medical school, keep an open mind with regard to relocating if you can. Most people do better by avoiding long commutes--but you have to figure out what works for you.
- How is the tuition? Make sure you know what financial burdens you are taking on and what financial aid is available.
- What opportunities does the school have? You will have to do more than just earn good grades. Good health related experience (like being an EMT) and perhaps research work can be very important components of your future success.
Where should you look? Our postbaccalaureate advice page has links to a national database of postbaccalaureate premedical (and predental) programs. Remember that the database is extensive but not exhaustive. That is, some colleges not listed in the database might still have postbaccalaureate programs.