Enrolling in a postbac premed program is a fast track to switching careers.
Postbaccalaureate premedical programs are designed for people who wish to attend medical school but have graduated from college in an unrelated subject or have failed in a previous application. Postbac programs enable such individuals to complete the necessary academic courses in science and mathematics, improve their GPAs and get help with the medical school application process. Postbac premed programs typically last between one and two years; they're offered by a range of institutions.
Research
Research the programs. The quality of postbac premed courses can vary. Gather as much information as possible about the programs you are thinking of applying for. Look at their success rate in getting graduates into medical school. John Hopkins University, for example, boasts that almost all of their graduates receive placement at medical, nursing, dentistry or osteopathic schools. If possible, choose a postbac premed course at an institution that has direct links with a medical school, if possible. This will not guarantee you a place at the school, but the postbac course is likely to prepare you well for the specific requirements of that medial school.
Education
Hold a bachelor's degree. Medical school is a postgraduate education, and candidates are expected to have completed undergraduate study. As the purpose of the postbac premed is to prepare candidates for medical school, the undergraduate degree you hold does not have to be in a relevant subject, such as science.
You'll need good undergraduate grades. The eligibility criteria for postbac premed programs will vary between courses, but most require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, the rigor of the curriculum studied at bachelor's level may be taken into account, and students with less that a 3.0 GPA may thus be admitted.
Other Routes
Check whether the program you're considering has any specified accessibility routes. These may be designed to assist candidates from groups underrepresented in the field of medicine or who are from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. These routes may be useful for candidates who fit the criteria and don't quite make the GPA requirement.
Volunteer
Volunteer at a medical facility. Postbac premed programs look very favorably on applicants who can demonstrate their dedication to the subject. Volunteering is a way to do this.
Documentation
Prepare your application well before the deadline. You will need to source official documents to send with your application. Typically these include documentation confirming the date you graduated from high school, confirmation of your bachelor's degree, and transcripts from any other tertiary education your have undertaken.
Apply
Apply to your chosen program before the deadline date. For September intakes, the deadline is usually around March. You will usually be able to apply online or by post.
Extras
Submit any material that may improve your chances of acceptance. The application may not explicitly ask for letters of recommendation, but you should include them if you feel they strengthen your application. Also, detail any extracurricular activities you have undertaken that demonstrate your commitment to the field of medicine.
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