Many students decide to take an additional year to apply to the health professions school of their choice. This is a great time to enhance application competitiveness and invest in personal growth. To begin this process, it is important to reflect on the following questions:
- Are there any weak areas of my application?
- Is there something I have yet to complete that I know will make me a stronger candidate?
- What skills/knowledge/experiences would I like to have before I start professional school?
Answering these questions can guide plans for the bridge year. Students are encouraged to utilize an appointment at HPO to reflect and make bridge-year plans. The following tabs address essential categories for application enhancement and competitiveness. Keep in mind that if you are applying within your bridge year, you will need to be available for potential interviews during that year.
GPA
When a student has produced inconsistent or poor grades, professional schools prefer to see at least two years (four long semesters) of heavy coursework with a cumulative and science GPA in line with acceptance rates. If this is an area of consideration for your bridge year, please make an appointment with a pre-Health Professions Coach to discuss strategy. The following are some GPA options to consider:
- Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) program
- (Post-Bacc) Programs in Texas
- Other (Post-Bacc) Program Options
- Taking courses at a 4-year institution
Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) program
Post-Bacc programs are specifically designed to increase readiness for professional school by providing students a second chance to show consistent and high-performing grades. These programs are at the undergraduate level and typically focus on upper-division science curriculum. Some programs also offer additional prep or time for the potential retest of an admissions test (MCAT/DAT/GRE...etc.)
Essentially there are two different types of programs for students hoping to attend med or dent school:
Basic Sciences: This type of program is for students who have not completed the basic requirements for medical school. Generally, this is for “career changers” who have decided to pursue medicine. The coursework can be done in a formal post-bacc program or individually at a local university.
Advanced Sciences/GPA Boosters: This type of program is designed for students who were science majors or have completed the basic science requirements. These are for students who:
- Want to stay academically engaged during a gap year while applying to medical or dental schools.
- Need to raise their GPA to become a more competitive medical school applicant.
Selection criteria vary around the country. Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA and either an MCAT score of 20 or a DAT score of 16. Applications for the fall semester are usually due by March of that year. Check with individual programs so as not to miss deadlines.
(Post-Bacc) Programs in Texas
University of North Texas Health Science Center
- One year program
- Minimum overall GPA: 3.0
- Minimum MCAT: check with the school
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center- El Paso
- Two-semester Post-baccalaureate certificate program
- Official MCAT scores are required.
- Written Essay
- Successful completion of this will assure an interview with the TTUHSC El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Texas Tech School of Allied Health Services
- Two-year program
- Min GPA: None – 3.4 recommended
- Average GPA: 3.34
- Average MCAT: check with the school
- 4 Post-Bacc options
University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
- The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program is an innovative one-year program designed to enhance scientific knowledge and professional preparation for students seeking to attend medical school or other health professions training. The MBS Program will help to strengthen academic credentials to ensure success as students pursue advanced degrees.
Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training & Research (COE) Scholars Program - Baylor College of Medicine
- One year program in Houston - July through June
- Coursework in the biological, physical, and social sciences; academic and career preparedness including test prep; and research and clinical exposure opportunities
- Scholars who complete the program requirements will receive a $1500 stipend
- Students must meet all of the eligibility requirements and submit the online application form and supplemental materials by the deadline
MD Anderson School of Health Professions
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions, in concert with the mission and visions of MD Anderson Cancer Center, is committed to the education of healthcare professionals, through formal academic programs that award institutional certificates and degrees in health sciences.
MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School
- MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School provides a unique opportunity to train within the Texas Medical Center, one of the foremost medical and research centers in the world. Students pursuing an M.S. degree at GSBS will receive access to top research programs and faculty, a curriculum that develops their potential while fostering leadership and mentoring skills, and training that prepares them for top positions across the biomedical workforce.
Other (Post-Bacc) Program Options
Mississippi College - M.S in Biology (Medical Sciences)
- The Master of Science in Biology (Medical Sciences) program is designed to prepare students for a career in medical sciences research or for those students wishing to enter medical, dental, optometry, physician assistant, and pharmacy schools. This degree can be completed in one calendar year. Unlike many programs, most courses are offered both fall and spring, enabling the student to mix and match course loads each semester, giving him/her great flexibility in designing the class sequence
- This degree is a unique opportunity for students to take courses taught at the Medical School level as a way to prepare for Medical School. Typically, the first-year Medical School curriculum will include; Human Gross Anatomy, Medical Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Human Neuroanatomy, and Human Embryology. Pharmacology is usually taught during the second year of Medical School.
Jefferson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
- The Postbaccalaureate Pre-Professional Program (P4) at JGSBS is designed for individuals seeking to complete their basic science requirements for entrance into medical/health professional schools
- They offer 1yr and 2yr program options
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program (CAM Program) One-Year Masters Program in Physiology & Biophysics, Complementary & Alternative Medicine choices
- Students strive to explore the science-based evidence of the most used complementary and integrative medicine modalities used in the United States
- A post-baccalaureate graduate-level Advanced Biomedical Sciences Certificate program for individuals interested in careers in the health professions. Courses are taught by Georgetown and George Mason professors.
- This is a full-time 9-month, 20 credit graduate-level certificate program that provides excellent advanced science preparation for health professions including medical, dental, and other healthcare-related advanced studies. The program includes preparation for professional examinations (such as MCAT, DAT, or GRE), and outstanding advising and support towards your goals. The graduate certificate program follows a traditional semester system.
- Students who successfully complete the ABS certificate program are eligible to continue their coursework at Georgetown University and complete a traditional Masters in Physiology.
Keck Graduate Institute Post-baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program (PPC)
- Combines the benefits of an academic enhancement program (AP) and a Special Master's Program (SMP) by offering an opportunity for students to flourish in a rigorous graduate environment.
- Students learn unique knowledge in the areas of life science and biotechnology to enhance their future medical training, all while developing important interpersonal and inter-professional skills with biomedical professionals.
- The program is designed for students who have had some success but looking to further strengthen their credentials to become a more competitive candidate for medical schools.
For more information about out of state, programs see: https://apps.aamc.org/postbac/#/index
Taking courses at a 4-year institution
Another option is to enroll at a 4-year university as a non-degree seeker. The best approach is to enroll in 14-15 hours per semester, with 9 of those hours in upper-division science courses. This is a great option for students who need to demonstrate academic readiness but do not necessarily need the structure of a program to meet that goal. This approach is a way of creating a “Post-Bacc” without formally applying to a set program. Graduate Options
These programs can be a year or two years in length and at times have names such as Masters of Medical Education or Masters of Biomedical Sciences. Although originally designed for pre-med students, many now accommodate other pre-health professions students such as pre-dent/physicians assistant/pharm...etc. These programs are often most beneficial for those students who need a pre-set structure to follow in an already established program to meet their academic goals.
Test Score (MCAT/DAT/PCAT/OAT/GRE)
Many students need to retake the standardized admissions test. It is important to identify which test subject areas need improvement. In order to reach those goals, what study methods can help reach those goals that weren’t used before? The standard recommendation is to have a solid and consistent study plan over three months. Focused studying with minimal distractions and taking many practice tests can be very helpful. There are two main ways students broach studying for the MCAT/DAT/OAT/PCAT/GRE. They are the following:Formal approach
This may be a good option for anyone needing structure and accountability during test preparation. The depth of content covered on tests can be daunting. Some students benefit from having a structured course to understand course material with an instructor available to answer questions. Others prefer to work at their own pace in self-directed programs. Many companies offer fee-based test preparation courses both online and in person. These courses tend to be expensive. Research the options to determine the best fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about how the course will help you based on your individual learning style. Many students also find it helpful to review concepts before and/or after test preparation courses.
Informal approach
This may be a good option for students with strong discipline and focus or those who are unable to afford a formal course. The key to success is creating - and being accountable - to a study plan. One example of a study plan can be found here. It may also be beneficial to utilize a test-taking and content-review guide. One example of this can be found here.
Exploration of Interests
Some students are interested in further study in areas related to healthcare. A master’s degree in disciplines such as Public Health, Nutrition, Public Policy, or Business could enhance an already outstanding application. Please note: these should not be used for demonstrating academic readiness as they do not provide the focus on a rigorous science curriculum. Some examples of these include the following:- Master’s degree in Nutrition at Columbia University
- Master’s degree in Public Health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Master’s in Bioethics and Science Policy at Duke University
- Master’s in Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University
- Master's of Science in Nutritional Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
Service Focus
Some students prefer to participate in community or health-focused service. Volunteering through local agencies/non-profits and/or traveling abroad are great ways students can exhibit dedicated service to others. Two-year options like Peace Corps and TeachforAmerica, or one-year options like AmeriCorps and Project Horseshoe Farm, can significantly enhance an application. There are also many established organizations and religious entities that provide medical and dental care. Some specific health-related volunteering options can be found under the pathway pages and on the summer and abroad programs page.
Hands-on Patient Care/Health Care Experience
Gaining hands-on patient care experience can be a great way to prepare for a future in healthcare. Some examples include the following:- EMT Training - Longhorn EMS
- EMT-Basic
- Medical Assisting
- American Association of Medical Assistants
- Explore Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant- Online CMA programs
- Explore Medical Assistant Career Choices
- Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Certified Nurses Aid
- Certified Nursing Assistant Training Providers
- Certified Nursing Assistant Credentialing FAQ
- Spanish/English Medical Interpreter Certificate Program
- Medical Interpreter Certificate 5 Day Bootcamp
- Phlebotomy
- Physical Therapy Technician
- Optician
These positions can foster an understanding of what it means to provide direct medical care and treatment. Medical scribing, while not hands-on care, can be a great way to learn more about the diagnostic process, the significance of accurate coding in electronic health records, and the rapport-building strategies of physicians. As these positions do not require an undergraduate degree, they typically pay low, hourly wages. Specifically, for medical assisting jobs, a physician’s office can sometimes provide on-the-job training. These positions can happen organically through shadowing or volunteering connections.
Research
Research is often a popular choice for students who participated actively in research as undergraduates. Positions can be found at universities or health care centers. Although not a requirement for most health professions, research can add to your application. Eureka and Handshake are good options for finding researchers at UT and current lab job openings, respectively.
Personal Time
Students sometimes use part of a bridge year to travel (e.g. backpacking through Europe for 2 months) or to spend extended time with family. These experiences should be supplemented with activities connected to healthcare (e.g. shadowing, hospital volunteering). These often unique healthcare experiences can be highlighted in your professional school interviews. (e.g. While backpacking in Europe, volunteering in a healthcare setting, and learning about universal healthcare). This choice provides an opportunity for personal time while still showing dedication to the profession.
