Post-baccalaureate Premedical Programs

postbacc pic

If you are thinking about medical school, you may have heard of post-baccalaureate premedical programs as a second chance option. If so, there are some things you should consider before fully accepting this as your back-up plan.

These programs are designed to help students transition from undergrad to a professional school, such as medical school. They are also helpful for those who are considering a career shift and need to complete the necessary science requirements. These programs can improve your chances of getting in to medical school, but only if you do well in the program. Even then, not all programs are created equally.

Some programs are well-known and have several affiliations with medical schools which may offer conditional acceptance into the medical school based on performance in the program. Programs can vary in length between 8 and 24 months. Some are degree-seeking, which grant a master’s degree, while others are non-degree-seeking that only grant certificates upon completion.  Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA for acceptance. You can look up programs using AAMC’s free Postbaccalaureate Premedical Programs database to learn more about the length, tuition, success rates for acceptance into medical school, and affiliations. Here are some other resources for more information about post-bacc programs:

https://www.aamc.org/students/aspiring/experience/357926/postbaccrightforme.html

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2011/12/19/is-a-postbaccalaureate-medical-program-right-for-you

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2011/07/25/an-expensive-alternative-route-to-medical-school

100 Healthcare Careers

CThis post was originally published on April 2, 2012.  Enjoy this oldie but goodie!

This marks our 100th post on the Mind Your Major blog!  While I wish I could say that we are giving away $100, that is not true.  Instead, we offer up what some of you might think is the next best thing…100 careers in healthcare.  How many of you, particularly those on a prehealthcare track, have been asked about your back-up plan?  How many of you have a solid back-up plan figured out?  Here are 100 ideas to get you started, with links to detailed information on each career path:

  1. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
  2. Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist
  3. Health Educator
  4. Cytotechnologist
  5. Genetic Counselor
  6. Art Therapist
  7. Medical Librarian
  8. Dentist
  9. Built Environment Specialist
  10. Environmental Health Advocate
  11. Environmental Health Practitioner
  12. Food Safety Specialist
  13. Occupational Health and Safety Expert
  14. Forensic Biologist
  15. Forensic Chemist
  16. Forensic Odontologist
  17. Forensic Pathologist
  18. Forensic Toxicologist
  19. Geriatric Pharmacist
  20. Geriatric Psychiatrist
  21. Geriatric Staff Nurse
  22. Geriatrician
  23. Health Administrator
  24. Dental Informatics
  25. Nursing Informatics
  26. Biogerontologist
  27. Clinical Ethicist
  28. Disaster Medical Specialist
  29. Emergency Medicine
  30. Family Medicine
  31. Palliative Care Doctor
  32. Pathologist
  33. Doctor of Osteopathy
  34. Medical Doctor
  35. Physician Assistant
  36. Medical Scientist
  37. Psychiatrist
  38. Psychologist
  39. Rehabilitation Counselor
  40. Social Worker
  41. Licensed Professional Counselor
  42. Child Life Specialist
  43. Marriage and Family Therapist
  44. Substance Abuse Counselor
  45. Athletic Trainer
  46. Clinical Nurse Specialist
  47. Nurse Anesthetist
  48. Nurse Educator
  49. Audiologist
  50. Nurse Midwife
  51. Occupational Therapist
  52. Nurse Practitioner
  53. Physical Therapist
  54. Nurse Researcher
  55. Speech-Language Pathologist
  56. Veterinarian
  57. Dietitian
  58. Occupational Health Nurse
  59. Pediatric Nurse
  60. Public Health Nurse
  61. Registered Nurse
  62. Bioinformatics
  63. Optometrist
  64. Pharmaceutical Scientist
  65. Pharmacist
  66. Podiatrist
  67. Public Health- Biomedical and Laboratory Practice
  68. Biostatistics
  69. Epidemiology
  70. Global Health
  71. Maternal and Child Health
  72. Public Health Practice and Program Management
  73. Exercise Physiologist
  74. Kinesiotherapist
  75. Primary Care Sports Medicine
  76. Animal Behaviorist
  77. Demographer
  78. Biomedical Engineer
  79. Biotechnologist
  80. Perfusionist
  81. Acupuncturist
  82. Acute Care Nurse
  83. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
  84. Allergist/Immunologist
  85. Anesthesiologist Assistant
  86. Anesthesiologist
  87. Chiropractor
  88. Critical Care Nurse
  89. Dermatologist
  90. Hospitalist
  91. Internist
  92. Low Vision Therapist, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
  93. Music Therapist
  94. Naturopathic Doctor
  95. Neurologist
  96. Nuclear Medicine Physician
  97. Obstetrician/Gynecologist
  98. Ophthalmologist
  99. Surgeon
  100. Orthodontist

For even more ideas, visit the following websites:

Tips for Successful Pre-Med Shadowing

Photo courtesy of Adrian Clark via Flickr
Photo courtesy of Adrian Clark via Flickr

If you are a pre-med student, you have probably already heard about the significance of job shadowing.  Yes, this will improve the likelihood of being accepted by a medical school.  More importantly, this may be your best opportunity to evaluate the pros and cons of a medical career, allowing you to make a more informed decision about your future.  If you are unsure about where to begin, check out the following articles for advice on how to arrange job shadowing and how to identify opportunities that will be most beneficial to you.

How Do I…Shadow a Doctor? (Association of American Medical Colleges)

5 Ways for Premed Students to Maximize Physician Shadowing (U.S. News & World Report)

What to Expect on a Pre-Med Job Shadow (Chron.com)

Best Websites for Graduate and Professional School Planning

While you are probably looking forward to some time to relax this summer, do not pass up prime time to work on your graduate school plans.  Whether you expect to be on a college campus, the beach, or your couch this summer, here are a few websites to help you get to the bottom of what you really need to know about graduate and professional school:

1.  University websites

The best way for you to learn about a graduate program is to go straight to the source.  A university’s website will provide information about admission criteria, degree plans, financial aid, and faculty research interests.  Click here for a list of graduate programs at Baylor.

2.  Graduate School Directories

Maybe you just read my first piece of advice and thought it was a great idea…if only you knew which schools interested you.  Though I have not found a single website that provides a comprehensive look at all graduate programs, Gradschools.com and Peterson’s are two that I use most frequently when assisting students.  These sites allow you to search by location, subject, and degree type.  If you are interested in reviewing program rankings, U.S. News and World Report rankings are probably the best known.  Students interested in doctoral study might also want to check out PhDs.org.

3.  Professional Association and Accrediting Body Websites

Though many institutions offer graduate and professional school programs, they are not all created equal.  Reviewing websites of accrediting bodies will help you to know if your prospective school meets certain standards.  Completing an accredited program often increases your job prospects, as compared to non-accredited programs.  Several professional associations also list related graduate programs on their websites.  Here are a few examples to get you started:

Association of American Medical Colleges

Law School Admission Council

American Psychological Association

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Sophas.org- The Centralized Application Service for Public Health

American Dental Association

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

4. Entrance Exam Websites

Chances are good that your program will require you to submit a score from a standardized test.  Make sure to review the websites of your prospective programs to find out what, if any, scores they require.  Like my remarks on #1 in this list, you really want to go straight to the source for this information.  The following websites will provide you with detail on how to sign up and prepare for your standardized test.

GRE

MCAT

GMAT

DAT

PCAT

OAT

5.  Financial Aid Information

Graduate and professional school is a huge investment.  You can never have too much information on your options for financing your education.  Here are a few websites to get you started:

StudentAid.gov

StudenLoans.gov

CareerOneStop Scholarship Search

 

If you are feeling confused or overwhelmed at any stage of your graduate school planning process, please reach out to the Career and Professional Development staff to help.  We want to help you succeed!

Pre-Health Opportunities!

Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gaining valuable experience through internships is critical in just about every facet of the working world and no less in the competitive field of healthcare.  Did you know that applications for research and internship opportunities are due on March 1st for a variety of programs?  Click here to explore the options and apply.

Career Spotlight: Physician Assistant

The demand for primary care practitioners is high, due in large part to the aging baby boomer population.  Physician assistants are key players in the field of health care.  If you are interested in primary care, this occupation could be worth your time to explore.  Under the supervision of a physician, physician assistants are able to diagnose and treat illnesses.  They are also able to prescribe medication.

Many people are attracted to this profession due to the amount of independence in working with patients, as well as a good job market.  The path to become a physician assistant is not easy, however.  In fact, physician assistant programs have become more competitive than medical schools for admission.  Students must exhibit excellent grades, and many applicants have health care experience as a registered nurse or emergency medical technician.  Physician assistant programs take between two and three years to complete.

For more information, the American Academy of Physician Assistants offers an article entitled, “Becoming a PA.”

Exercise Physiology Major

If you enjoy learning about fitness and nutrition, you might find a nice fit with the Exercise Physiology major.  The program has a built-in internship and can prepare students for working in a wide variety of settings.  Consider if you would enjoy taking classes like:

  • Principles of Health Fitness Instruction
  • Exercise and Sport Nutrition
  • Techniques of Strength Training and Conditioning
  • Sports Psychology
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Exercise Programming for Individuals with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities

For more information on the major courses, check out the Major Academic Planner for Exercise Physiology.  To learn more about becoming an exercise physiologist, you can visit ExploreHealthCareers.org.

Career Spotlight: Anesthesiologist Assistant

This may be a new one to you.  Anesthesiologist assistants must hold a Master’s degree from an approved training program.  There are only eight anesthesiologist assistant programs available at this time, and they do require an undergraduate science background.  Explorehealthcareers.org provides more information on this high-paying career with a good outlook.

Athletic Training Major

Trying to avoid cubicle jobs?  Sports fan?  Athletic training just might be for you.  Active, hard-working students should explore this field.  First off, visit Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about the career itself.  Second, you can read online about Baylor’s Athletic Training major.  Athletic training requires long hours, including early mornings and working outside.  It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with an active population.

Baylor’s program is quite structured compared to some other majors.  If it appears that you are too far behind to complete the degree on time, you could also consider an entry-level Master’s degree program in athletic training.  The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredits such programs and maintains a database.  These programs could be good options for prehealth students looking for a “Plan B.”

Are You Serious About Medical School Admissions?

Any prehealth student at Baylor should be utilizing one of the most valuable resources that you have available on campus:  the Prehealth Programs office.  The sooner you connect with a prehealth advisor, the better.  Current prehealth students can view announcements in Blackboard, attend information sessions, or enroll in courses to become more informed.  You can also contact the Prehealth Programs office with your questions about the medical school admissions process.  The advisors have expertise in guiding students through this process and helping them understand what it will take to be successful.  Visit the website for Prehealth Programs to get started.