A post-baccalaureate (“post-bac”) program is a course of study undertaken after you have completed your bachelor’s degree. For pre-health students, these programs are specifically designed to strengthen your application for graduate school. They generally serve two main purposes:
- To provide a path for "career changers" who need to complete the prerequisite science courses they did not take as undergraduates.
- To help "academic enhancers" who need to improve their grades and demonstrate a stronger academic capacity for the rigors of a health professions program.
Find the right program for you.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) maintains the primary tool for finding and comparing programs. We highly recommend using their site as you start your research.
AAMC Post-Baccalaureate Program Database
Taking your prerequisite courses at a community college or through online platforms is generally not recommended by health professions schools. Before enrolling in any courses to enhance your application, please contact a pre-health advisor to discuss your options and ensure you are on the right track.
California Postbaccalaureate Consortium
These comprehensive, pre-medical, postbaccalaureate programs are designed for students who are committed to practicing medicine in medically underserved communities in California.
Program Mission
To help students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds gain admission to medical school.
What the Programs Provides
- An intensive Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation and learning skills component.
- Enrollment in upper-division science courses during the academic year.
- Guidance throughout the medical school application process.
Participating Schools
This consortium is a partnership between the Schools of Medicine at:
- Charles R. Drew University
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UCLA
- UC San Francisco
- Tribal Health - Cal Poly Humboldt