2nd Bachelors Degree or Post-Bac Program?

[prepharmgirl09]

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I am 29 and have a bachelor's degree in a non-science field and want to become a pharmacist. I only took one math and one science class in college--they were required by my college to graduate. As you can tell, I have a VERY limited science and math background and need to go back to school and complete my prerequisites. I am trying to decided (and get some opinions) on the best way to go about this situation.

I am currently in the middle of deciding whether I should complete a 2nd bachelor's degree or a Post-Bac program. I can get a 2nd bachelors at the university near me in 2.5 years (thankfully they only require that I take all of the required courses in the major) and I will be eligible to receive financial aid to cover my books and tuition. The Post-Bac program near me is around the same amount of time to complete, but they do not offer any financial aid or help with books--it's considered a "certificate program."

Has anyone ever been faced with a similar situation as this? Right now I am leaning toward the 2nd bachelors because I will receive financial aid. I cannot afford to pay out of pocket for a Post-Bac program (even though it's a really great opportunity as well).

Your comments and help are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[PharMed2016]

I am 29 and have a bachelor’s degree in a non-science field and want to become a pharmacist. I only took one math and one science class in college--they were required by my college to graduate. As you can tell, I have a VERY limited science and math background and need to go back to school and complete my prerequisites. I am trying to decided (and get some opinions) on the best way to go about this situation.

I am currently in the middle of deciding whether I should complete a 2nd bachelor’s degree or a Post-Bac program. I can get a 2nd bachelors at the university near me in 2.5 years (thankfully they only require that I take all of the required courses in the major) and I will be eligible to receive financial aid to cover my books and tuition. The Post-Bac program near me is around the same amount of time to complete, but they do not offer any financial aid or help with books--it’s considered a "certificate program."

Has anyone ever been faced with a similar situation as this? Right now I am leaning toward the 2nd bachelors because I will receive financial aid. I cannot afford to pay out of pocket for a Post-Bac program (even though it’s a really great opportunity as well).

Your comments and help are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I would go with the 2nd Bachelors for the cost. Formal, post-bacc programs in my own opinion aren't worth the cost unless they are linked with the program you want to get into.

 

[prepharmgirl09]

Thats what I was thinking as well. 2nd Bachelors school actually is linked with LECOM, which is a definite plus! Thank you!

 

[fenixtnlfan]

Well you don't need to get another degree. You just need to complete the pre-reqs, so I wouldn't worry about getting a second degree unless you really want to. It would probably be good to declare a second degree so you can get the financial aid. Try picking something that will cover the pre-reqs, but you don't have to finish the degree if you get into pharm school before then.

 

[pharmboy316]

I would recommend just taking the pre-requisites at your local community college. If you load up on classes, you can probably get it done as fast as 1 year.

 

[sakigt]

Since time is money also consider the consequence of spending your time taking extra classes needed for the 2nd degree.

I took only the classes I needed at a community college and paid for it myself with my company paying it back.

 

[PharMed2016]

I would recommend just taking the pre-requisites at your local community college. If you load up on classes, you can probably get it done as fast as 1 year.

I took 14 credits at a CC this summer. It was cake. I'm sure you could do 18 np if you study a little.

 

[prepharmgirl09]

I did actually consider going the local community college route for the the pre-reqs, but I was advised not to. I was told (by several PharmD programs) that science and math courses taken at community colleges will significantly weaken your application, and that these courses should only be taken at traditional four-year college/universities.

I would love to save money and go the community college route, but that is not a risk that I am willing to take. Thank you for your response.

 

[prepharmgirl09]

Since time is money also consider the consequence of spending your time taking extra classes needed for the 2nd degree.

I took only the classes I needed at a community college and paid for it myself with my company paying it back.

Fexintlnfan: I am most likely going your route: take the classes needed and then apply to school.

Sakigt: I have to pay for this myself and don't have employer to reinburse me for the cost. If I did pursue the 2nd degree and finish it, I am only required to take the classes in the major...since I already have a college degree. So its actually not too bad.

 

[TTUMike]

Well you don't need to get another degree. You just need to complete the pre-reqs, so I wouldn't worry about getting a second degree unless you really want to. It would probably be good to declare a second degree so you can get the financial aid. Try picking something that will cover the pre-reqs, but you don't have to finish the degree if you get into pharm school before then.

I agree with fenixtnlfan. I too have a bachelor degree and am working on my prerequisites. To receive financial aid you have to declare yourself as a post-bacc with the intentions of working on your second degree. I was able to finish my prereqs within 3 semesters but it was not without taking a ridiculous amount of courses (all science and math) at once. Make sure you have a game plan before you start registering for classes so that you can have everything done as soon as possible. I spent a lot of time begging my counselor to put me in classes that I was not allowed to take. I can only hope that it pays off for next year.

 

[prepharmgirl09]

I agree with fenixtnlfan. I too have a bachelor degree and am working on my prerequisites. To receive financial aid you have to declare yourself as a post-bacc with the intentions of working on your second degree. I was able to finish my prereqs within 3 semesters but it was not without taking a ridiculous amount of courses (all science and math) at once. Make sure you have a game plan before you start registering for classes so that you can have everything done as soon as possible. I spent a lot of time begging my counselor to put me in classes that I was not allowed to take. I can only hope that it pays off for next year.

I see what you both mean. I may run into a bit of trouble though...I have to work while taking these classes 🙁 Hopefully that doesn't coincide with my labs, etc. And I hope that I don't have to beg an advisor to let me take certain classes...I had a friend that was in your situation at community college and they totally messed with her--even though she was smart enough to be in them (she had an undergrad from an Ivy). I don't really see why they do that...it's your money and time--not theirs. Thanks again.

 

[pdeco1]

A question for the OP. I was told by USF admissions department that 2nd degree seekers were not eligible for financial aid. What aid are you eligible for as a 2nd degree seeker?

 

[JJVmom]

I did actually consider going the local community college route for the the pre-reqs, but I was advised not to. I was told (by several PharmD programs) that science and math courses taken at community colleges will significantly weaken your application, and that these courses should only be taken at traditional four-year college/universities.

I would love to save money and go the community college route, but that is not a risk that I am willing to take. Thank you for your response.

Will you post what schools advised you not to take the classes at a CC? I will be applying to Creighton in a couple yrs, and they told me that doing the prereqs at a CC is perfectly acceptable. In southern CA, it's $20/credit, and I get my books from half.com. CC vs. university is a constant source of debate on this site.

I've been taking my math/science prereqs 2 classes/semester, and will finish in 3 semesters. Since I have to take the 4 chem classes, I'll end up w/an AA in chemistry. CAn you choose that as a post-bac?

Good luck!

 

[prepharmgirl09]

A question for the OP. I was told by USF admissions department that 2nd degree seekers were not eligible for financial aid. What aid are you eligible for as a 2nd degree seeker?

I would speak to financial aid directly--not admissions at your school. 2nd Bachelors Degree students are eligible for loans--federal stafford loans. Good luck 🙂

 

[prepharmgirl09]

Will you post what schools advised you not to take the classes at a CC? I will be applying to Creighton in a couple yrs, and they told me that doing the prereqs at a CC is perfectly acceptable. In southern CA, it's $20/credit, and I get my books from half.com. CC vs. university is a constant source of debate on this site.

I've been taking my math/science prereqs 2 classes/semester, and will finish in 3 semesters. Since I have to take the 4 chem classes, I'll end up w/an AA in chemistry. CAn you choose that as a post-bac?

Good luck!

I will be doing a 2nd bachelors degree (physics) at a 4-year university, so I don't really know how an associates program would work.

Yes, community college vs. 4-year university is a constant debate on this site. Everyone has to do what is right for them and I am choosing to go the 4-year university route. I am not willing to risk weakening my app with CC credits. Good luck.

 

[Ross434]

I would recommend just taking the pre-requisites at your local community college. If you load up on classes, you can probably get it done as fast as 1 year.

👍 What he said.

Community colleges are very flexible for your schedule and extremely cheap, and honestly, if you get a good GPA they're not going to hold you back. I had biochem and gen bio at a CC and it did not prevent me from getting in early decision to a well known school.

 

[prepharmgirl09]

👍 What he said.

Community colleges are very flexible for your schedule and extremely cheap, and honestly, if you get a good GPA they're not going to hold you back. I had biochem and gen bio at a CC and it did not prevent me from getting in early decision to a well known school.

I still advise being weary of taking the community college route. I was advised not to by well-known schools, current PharmD students and Licensed RPh's. In the end, it's up to you.