Health Professions Advising

There is no single “correct” path to medical, dental, or veterinary school. To address situations where students require additional academic preparation after graduation, post-baccalaureate (“post-bac”) pre-health programs and courses have emerged as a viable option for many pre-health students. 

There are three main types of programs: career changers, academic record enhancers, and programs specifically focused on increasing the success of students who are underrepresented in medicine in terms of their race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

For students make the decision to pursue a health professions career later in their undergraduate years, or even beyond, shifting gears from other arenas that may not have been health or science-focused, basic science preparation is required. For these students, a “career changer” post-bac program is an excellent option. For a detailed description of this type of program, see our handout Post-Bac Paths: Career Changers (pdf). We also maintain a list of career changer programs in which Princeton alums have found success.

Some pre-health students require an additional “boost” from courses taken after graduation. There are numerous programs that cater to all students in this situation, and some that are geared particularly to students from underrepresented backgrounds. For a detailed description of these types of program, see our handout Post-Bac Paths: Record Enhancers. (pdf). We also maintain an online list of programs in which our graduates have found success.

The Association of American Medical Colleges' Post-baccalaureate Premedical Programs is a searchable database that enables you to search according to program type and other program characteristics.  This is the most comprehensive list of programs available.

Post-Bac Night Audio File • November 28, 2011
Featuring:  University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Bryn Mawr, & University of Pennsylvania