Considering a career shift into healthcare after earning your biology degree? You’re not alone. Many biology graduates discover a passion for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or becoming a Physician Assistant later in their academic or professional journeys. If this resonates with you, post-baccalaureate (post bacc) career changer programs might be the perfect stepping stone. This guide explores whether these programs are a good fit for biology degree holders like you, and how they can pave your way to a fulfilling healthcare career.
Understanding Career Changer Post-Bacc Programs
Career changer post-bacc programs are specifically designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-science field, or in your case, a related science field like biology, but now need to complete the prerequisite coursework for health professional schools. These programs recognize that talented individuals come from diverse academic backgrounds and provide a structured pathway to gain the necessary scientific foundation.
For biology degree holders, you might be wondering why you would need such a program given your science background. While a biology degree provides a strong foundation, pre-health professional programs like medical, dental, or PA schools have very specific course requirements that might not be fully covered in a standard biology curriculum. Furthermore, some biology graduates might have a solid GPA but need to strengthen it to be competitive for these demanding professional programs.
Post-Baccalaureate Options at Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
At the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, several post-baccalaureate options are available to support your career change aspirations. Each program caters to different needs and academic profiles:
Career Changer Certificate Program
This certificate program is ideal if you are a graduate student who has not completed all the prerequisite coursework for your desired pre-health profession. Even with a biology degree, there might be specific chemistry, physics, or other science courses required that you haven’t taken. This program is tailored to fill those gaps and provide you with a strong application profile.
Benefits of the Career Changer Certificate:
- Flexibility: Study full-time or part-time to fit your schedule.
- Personalized Advising: Access dedicated pre-health advisors for tailored guidance.
- Experiential Learning: Optional volunteering and shadowing opportunities to gain real-world healthcare experience.
- Comprehensive Preparation: Includes interview preparation, committee interviews, and access to MCAT preparation resources (at an additional cost).
- Research Opportunities: Engage in research to boost your application and explore scientific inquiry.
- Pre-Health Community: Join pre-health clubs and workshops to network and learn.
- Recommendation Letter Service: Establish a pre-health file to store letters of recommendation for up to three years.
- Continuing Education: Access healthcare classes for ongoing learning.
Coursework for the Career Changer Certificate:
The certificate program includes a comprehensive list of core science courses, ensuring you meet the prerequisites for a wide range of health professional schools. These courses include:
| Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity + Lab (BSC1011+ BSC1011L) | 4 |
| Biological Principles + Lab (BSC1010 + BSC1010L) | 4 |
| General Chemistry 1+ Lab (CHM2045 + CHM2045L) | 4 |
| General Chemistry 2+ Lab (CHM2046 + CHM2046L) | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry 1 (CHM2210) | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry 2 (CHM2211) | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry Lab (CHM2211L) | 2 |
| Biochemistry 1 (BCH3033) | 3 |
| College Physics 1+ General Physics Lab (PHY2053 + PHY2048L) | 5 |
| College Physics 1+ General Physics Lab (PHY2054 + PHY2049L) | 5 |
| Statistics (choose one) | |
| Introductory Statistics (STA2023) | 3 |
| Introduction to Biostatistics (STA3173) | 3 |
| Experimental Design & Statistical Inference (PSY3234) | 3 |
| Calculus (choose one) | |
| Methods of Calculus (MAC2233) | 3 |
| Calculus w Analytic Geometry 1 (MAC2311) | 4 |
| Genetics | |
| Genetics (PCB3063) | 4 |
| Psychology | |
| General Psychology (PSY1012) | 3 |
| Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits required) | |
| Medical or Dental | |
| Human Morphology & Function 1 + Lab (PCB3073 + PCB3073L) | 4 |
| Human Morphology & Function 2 + Lab (PCB3074 + PCB3074L) | 4 |
| Veterinary | |
| Comparative Animal Physiology + Lab (PCB4723 + PCB4723L) | 4 |
| Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution + Lab (ZOO4690 + ZOO4690L) | 5 |
| Pharmacy or Physician Assistant | |
| Anatomy & Physiology 1+ Lab (BSC2085 + BSC2085L) | 4 |
| Anatomy & Physiology 2+ Lab (BSC2086 + BSC2086L) | 4 |
| Human Morphology & Function 1 + Lab (PCB3073+ PCB3073L) | 4 |
| Human Morphology & Function 2 + Lab (PCB3074 + PCB3074L) | 4 |
In addition to core courses, you will select two courses from a focused area, depending on your desired health profession:
| Select two courses from one area: | |
|---|---|
| Medical or Dental | |
| Introduction to Pre-Professional Studies + Lab (PCB3083 + PCB3083L) | 4 |
| Medical Shadowing Internship (IDS3940) | 1 |
| Sociological Perspectives (SYG1000) | 3 |
| Pharmacy | |
| Public Speaking (SPC2608) | 3 |
| Macroeconomics (ECO2013) | 3 |
| Microeconomics (ECO2023) | 3 |
| Medical Shadowing Internship (IDS3940) | 1 |
| Physician Assistant | |
| Health Care Medical Terminology (HSA3534) | 3 |
| Introduction to Pre-Professional Studies + Lab (PCB3083 + PCB3083L) | 4 |
| Veterinary | |
| Introduction to Animal Science (ANS3006C) | 4 |
| Medical Shadowing Internship (IDS3940) | 1 |
Admission Requirements for the Career Changer Certificate:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- FAU undergraduate application as a degree-seeking second bachelor’s student (select Biological Sciences or Neuroscience & Behavior as your major for application purposes). Application Link
- Career Changer Certificate application. Certificate Application Link (Ensure FAU application is completed first).
- Non-refundable application fee of $50. Application Fee Payment Link (Search for “POST-BAC Program – Application Fee”).
- Schedule an appointment with a Pre-Health Advisor (Ana Botero) after admission.
Second Bachelor’s Degree Program
If your GPA needs improvement, a second bachelor’s degree might be a suitable path. This option allows you to take additional coursework to raise your GPA and strengthen your academic record. To pursue a second bachelor’s degree, you need to complete at least 30 new credits at FAU, with 75 percent of the coursework done at the university. Initially, you will work with a regular academic advisor until your GPA reaches a minimum of 3.0, at which point you can access Pre-Health Advising services.
Admission Requirements for the Second Bachelor’s Degree:
- FAU undergraduate application as a degree-seeking student selecting the second bachelor’s option.
- Choose a major different from your first bachelor’s degree (recommended majors: Biological Sciences, Neuroscience & Behavior, or Chemistry). Undergraduate Application Link
Pre-requisites or Missing Courses Option
For biology graduates who only need to complete a few specific prerequisite courses, this option allows you to enroll as a second bachelor’s degree-seeking student and take only the necessary courses. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to access Pre-Health Professions Office services under this option.
Admission Requirements for Pre-requisites or Missing Courses:
- FAU undergraduate application as a degree-seeking student selecting the second bachelor’s option.
- Choose a major different from your first bachelor’s degree (recommended majors: Biological Sciences, Neuroscience & Behavior, or Chemistry). Undergraduate Application Link
Are Career Changer Post Bacc Programs Good for Biology Degree Holders?
Absolutely. Career changer post-bacc programs are highly beneficial for biology degree holders aiming for a career change into healthcare. Here’s why:
- Targeted Prerequisite Completion: Even with a biology background, you might need specific prerequisite courses in chemistry, physics, or biochemistry. These programs ensure you take exactly what you need.
- GPA Enhancement: If you need to boost your GPA, these programs provide structured coursework and advising to help you achieve your academic goals.
- Specialized Support: Pre-health advising, MCAT prep resources, shadowing, and research opportunities are invaluable for strengthening your application to professional schools.
- Career Transition Focus: These programs are designed for career changers, understanding the unique needs and challenges you face when shifting career paths.
- Strong Foundation for Advanced Studies: They solidify your scientific knowledge, ensuring you are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum of health professional programs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Career Change
Choosing the right post-bacc program depends on your individual needs:
- Career Changer Certificate: Best if you need to complete prerequisite courses and want comprehensive support for your application.
- Second Bachelor’s Degree: Ideal if GPA improvement is a primary goal alongside prerequisite completion.
- Pre-requisites or Missing Courses: Suitable if you only need a few specific courses and have a strong GPA.
If you are a biology degree holder considering a career change to a health profession, exploring post-baccalaureate programs at institutions like the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science is a strategic move. These programs are tailored to bridge the gap between your biology background and the specific requirements of your chosen healthcare field, setting you on a path towards a successful and rewarding career. Contact the Pre-Health Professions Office at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science to discuss your specific situation and determine the best program to achieve your career goals.
