The Health Professional Student Association (HPSA) recently published a new Student Doctor Network (SDN) guide aimed at students considering post-baccalaureate coursework on their path to becoming healthcare professionals. How to Choose a Postbaccalaureate or Special Masters Program (SMP) details the different options that students have.
“Colleges and universities have recently launched or expanded their Postbac and Special Masters Programs for various adult learners. Many target career changers who must take the prerequisite coursework for health professional programs, while others must consider record-enhancement Special Masters Programs develop stronger academic competencies,” said Dr. Emil Chuck, Director of Advising Services for HPSA and author of the new guide. “This new guide describes these options and what features they should look for in a formal program.”
“These programs can be quite expensive,” Dr. Chuck continued, “and prospective students should be savvy shoppers to find a supportive program that best fits their needs.”
Topics covered in the new guide include:
- – Defining your goal as a postbac student
- – Perks of the best programs
- – Factors, including costs and linkages to professional programs, that you should consider
- – How to research programs
- – Maximizing your chances of success in your postbac program
Postbac programs also provide opportunities for students to learn about other health professional careers. Predental, pre-vet, and pre-physician assistant students looking to improve their academic credentials have found success finding support and getting admitted to their respective professional programs.
“This new guide reflects the current reality about postbac opportunities and is a welcome addition to our library,” said Laura Turner, Executive Director of HPSA. “We now offer a range of guides to help students as they seek different types of healthcare careers.”
SDN offers the following guides: