I HIGHLY suggest LECOM's Post Bac!!! I'm currently starting the second semester of it and find it well worth my investment in time and money. I, too, am an older student, changing careers (except for the last 7 in more sub-clinical positions in the medical field, in addition to 3 years clinical research experience), who had MORE than a full life of experiences and distractions prior to now.
For $6000 a semester (and you are not required to finish the program if you get accepted to a med school anytime after first semester) and between $375-$650/month in rent in Erie, the level of education and support is excellent. There are a few rules, but as an older student, SO WHAT! Dress code and attandance is NOTHING to demand when it comes to the real world expectations of a professional. These guys are offering you a serious chance at changing your life! The Post Bac Staff get to know you and support you as if they expect to see you next year as MSIs. They offer Post Bacs every opportunity, save wearing jeans, to feel comfortable in the educational environment, attempting to provide access to information and professors as much as they can afford (considering they are also teaching the MSI and MSII students). You should also know that LECOM is one of the fewer programs that have the same med school professors teach the post bacs, so if you impress them, they will not only write your recommendation, but you may even interview with them later....The coordinator and director are the BEST!!! Hands down, I find myself thanking them everyday for this opportunity, and for their dedication to give us such a quality program with such honest and supportive staff.
As far as for med school....Even though LECOM is less than 15 years old, they've already established a solid professional reputation. In fact, last year the number one highest score on the COMLEX (I or II, I've forgotten) graduated from LECOM and will be going into neurosurgery. If you want flexibility and opportunity, LECOM has a huge affiliate program for clinical rotations, and offers four pathways to study as MSI/MSII. Not that Erie is a bad place to be, or has less to offer (I'm just one of those people with personal obligations and goals which 'demand' more flexibility).
Furthermore, if you have 'any clinical experience', LECOM really appreciates this. They are very clinically-driven (especially in oncology and HIV/AIDS), including clinical learning and application to all of their classes--including Post Bac. I would say that they really want us to learn how this information will be incorporated, not just that we have to memorize a list of bacteria and bones. Often professors offer clinical scenarios as part of learning objectives. We have small group discussion to evaluate and solve, and then they have us offer our opinion on the cases. If you are confident and proactive, this is a GREAT way to shine! LECOM uses this method to reinforce the principles and build our confidence. It is also the basis for their Problem-based Learning Pathway, small group sessions which meet 3 days a week (only) where each person contributes in evaluating, diagnosing and attending to clinical problems. Some say it is like 'playing doctor'. Except for the first 12 weeks of CORE courses, this, in addition to weekly clinical shadowing (CODA), is the most involved program (that I've read about) in getting the students actively 'thinking and acting like doctors'. I've also heard that these participants board scores are a bit higher, as well. For an older student who has a life outside of school, is used to being productive, and who is used to/or likes to contribute in a team-based approach, THIS IS THE WAY TO GO!
The POST BAC program also offers a Pre-SOMA group and several other opportunities to network and get some experience and/or opportunities to bolster your CV, maybe even recommendations. Everyone here really does want you to succeed and be accepted--somewhere. There is even an 'enrichment' section for those who are have a little more difficulty in achieving the highest grades. If you join the SNMA (one of the med stud clubs who participate in community outreach and allow Post Bacs to join), they offer notes, sample tests, review sessions, mock interviews, and lots of advice. Furthermore, previous year Post Bacs on campus offer insight and often tutoring (I believe that LECOM pays for that, too).
FYI--if you PUT IN THE WORK, we've had more than a couple of higher up administration people 'guarantee' entrance to at least one of their two schools (Erie, PA or Bradenton, FL) if you achieve at least all Bs and higher than a 23 MCAT. Like the saying goes, it's not just luck and hard work, sometimes it's time, place and who you know. Frankly, LECOM is all about business, because they know that you will eventually be representing them.
Good luck, wherever you decide to go.
