Post Bac programs for DO schools

[tobe101484]

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This is cross posted, I put this up in the post bac forum, but I figured I may be able to get some advice more geared for post bac programs connected to DO schools. Thanks.

Hi! After much "soul searching" and working for the past year I've come to the conclusion that I want to go to medical school, but I definitely need a post bacc program to make my application more competitive. After perusing the forums and reading about many of the different schools and options, I'm still confused about what may be the best program for my situation, hopefully I'm not too late in terms for the app cycle for 2010. Thank you in advance for your help and guidance

Here's my story

UCLA '08, BS in physiological sciences, took 5 years sorry mom and dad
2.687 GPA for science =/
3.012 in upper division courses for major
3.071 overall

3 years student athletic trainer (ate up all of my time 20 to 30 hrs/ week in retrospect probably not the best decision, sigh)
5 months orthopedic research April 08 to Sept 08
I have 4 potential LOR, one from a major course, one from non-science course, one from my supervising athletic trainer, and one from my boss who keeps asking me when I'm going to go back to school lol
I want to go to DO school.

Sept 08 to present, been working full time as an surgical recovery tech for an eye and tissue bank in los angeles and orange county for transplant and research, will hopefully work with the organ side soon.

I'm trying to get a research job on the side, but with the budget cuts, its soo bad. I'm hoping to shadow my own personal doc because he is an DO, but also going to contact the DO's I worked with through athletic training.

I took an MCAT class last spring but with my job demands didn't have enough time to honestly put into studying, and didn't feel ready for the mcat, I'm trying to bargain with Kaplan to let me take the class again. I'm looking at taking the MCAT in the spring of next year, but I'm flexible if you guys feel that I should take it sooner because I realize some post bac programs want a score. I'm looking for a more structured program because I need it, and if possible to maybe get a masters out of it. Cost isn't really an issue because I've been saving up a lot of $$ from work and there's always loans, and if I go to med school I'm planning on having the military probably pay for it. Location isn't much of an issue as well because a change of scenary from socal would probably be nice.

Also on side note, whats the average age of people entering med school, I'll be 25 soon and I feel like I'm quickly getting on the upper end of med school applicants.

Again thanks for your time and let me know if you need any other info.

 

[Siggy]

A handful of people in the original Tufts MBS class ended up at DO programs. Off the top of my head, my class mates and I ended up at UNE, KCUMB, Nova, and Western (x2) in terms of DO programs.

 

[ShyRem]

25 is not old. I was 38 when I started med school and I wasn't the oldest.

 

[pianoman511]

This is cross posted, I put this up in the post bac forum, but I figured I may be able to get some advice more geared for post bac programs connected to DO schools. Thanks.

Hi! After much "soul searching" and working for the past year I've come to the conclusion that I want to go to medical school, but I definitely need a post bacc program to make my application more competitive. After perusing the forums and reading about many of the different schools and options, I'm still confused about what may be the best program for my situation, hopefully I'm not too late in terms for the app cycle for 2010. Thank you in advance for your help and guidance

Here's my story

UCLA '08, BS in physiological sciences, took 5 years sorry mom and dad
2.687 GPA for science =/
3.012 in upper division courses for major
3.071 overall

3 years student athletic trainer (ate up all of my time 20 to 30 hrs/ week in retrospect probably not the best decision, sigh)
5 months orthopedic research April 08 to Sept 08
I have 4 potential LOR, one from a major course, one from non-science course, one from my supervising athletic trainer, and one from my boss who keeps asking me when I'm going to go back to school lol
I want to go to DO school.

Sept 08 to present, been working full time as an surgical recovery tech for an eye and tissue bank in los angeles and orange county for transplant and research, will hopefully work with the organ side soon.

I'm trying to get a research job on the side, but with the budget cuts, its soo bad. I'm hoping to shadow my own personal doc because he is an DO, but also going to contact the DO's I worked with through athletic training.

I took an MCAT class last spring but with my job demands didn't have enough time to honestly put into studying, and didn't feel ready for the mcat, I'm trying to bargain with Kaplan to let me take the class again. I'm looking at taking the MCAT in the spring of next year, but I'm flexible if you guys feel that I should take it sooner because I realize some post bac programs want a score. I'm looking for a more structured program because I need it, and if possible to maybe get a masters out of it. Cost isn't really an issue because I've been saving up a lot of $$ from work and there's always loans, and if I go to med school I'm planning on having the military probably pay for it. Location isn't much of an issue as well because a change of scenary from socal would probably be nice.

Also on side note, whats the average age of people entering med school, I'll be 25 soon and I feel like I'm quickly getting on the upper end of med school applicants.

Again thanks for your time and let me know if you need any other info.

There is LECOM's program which has two options, a one year option where you get a certificate and a two year masters program in biomedical sciences. Upon completion if you get at least a 3.0 you automatically are granted an interview (and as long as you do well you will probably get it).

And don't worry about age, I was 25 when I entered post-bac and trust me - my med school class has many who are older than I.

 

[wasvsdal]

couldn't op just retake the classes he/she did poorly on, instead of spending a boot load of money doing a post bac program. its one of the reasons i find DO program more appealing than MD schools. yeah we f'ed up in undergrad but that doesn't mean were not smart, hardworking, motivated, or fit to become doctors.

 

[droogdoc]

For actual programs at DO schools there are many that have them, such as LECOM. But there are also similar MBS programs in general aimed at individuals in your position. I live in Chicago and many of the univerisities here have a 1 or 2 year MBS program. Since you live in CA, there shouldnt be a problem finding one.

I dont know how much better a Masters (2 year) looks over a certificate (1 year) but since you are applying to med school and are just wanting to show you can handle the work load I wouldnt think a 1 year would be looked down upon. Hey.....this stuff costs lots of $$$!!! If you can save a year tuition, do it. That particular degree is not very useful anyway.