In our full-time, on-site program, students complete science courses that meet the admission requirements of medical schools and prepare them for the MCAT. The courses you take depend on your prior science coursework. An individual course of study will be planned and discussed with you in detail during the interview. Postbac students are considered JHU students, and have access to the same academic, research, and social resources.
We prepare our students for medical school through an integrated curriculum that furthers students’ concepts of medicine. This includes research experience with doctors and professors in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, MCAT preparation, and personalized coaching with our staff to help students find the best medical school match for their interests and skills.
The curriculum is customized for each student, with all students completing the program within 9 to 14 months. Twelve months is the most common length of time.
Students who want to take full advantage of the vast resources at Johns Hopkins, including enrolling in courses at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, can adapt their schedules accordingly.
Science Courses
Students take renowned, core undergraduate science courses in the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. They also take a specialized course: Introduction to Clinical Medicine.
Seats within the classes are reserved for post-baccalaureate students who contribute to, and benefit from, the range of experience within the classroom. Post-baccalaureate students form a tight-knit cohort within the classes and university. Generally, students do not repeat science classes taken elsewhere, unless at least five years have elapsed since you enrolled in those courses.
Our students typically enroll in the following classes, with related labs:
- Biology 1 & 2
- General Chemistry 1 & 2
- Organic Chemistry 1
- Biochemistry
- Physics 1 & 2*
*Physics at Johns Hopkins is calculus based. Students must complete a calculus course prior to starting physics. This course may be taken through another institution and online. Students do not have to complete the calculus course prior to applying to the program.
Precalculus and Calculus I are offered online through JHU’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Introduction to Clinical Medicine is designed exclusively for our program. This course encourages students to make connections between their past experiences, what they learn in Medical Tutorials, and careers in medicine.
“It continually refreshed and deepened my interest in medicine and medical school. As the class progressed, I was able to ask better questions and gain more from my time in real medical situations.”
Introduction to Clinical Medicine student
Electives
Students may also take advanced-level and elective courses at the Bloomberg School of Public Health or through the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
Medical Tutorials
Students expand their understanding of the medical profession through clinical and research experience in Medical Tutorials with faculty members at the School of Medicine. Tutorials last at least a semester, and can pair students with faculty working in clinical research, lab research, community engagement, or other areas. Hopkins is known for innovative approaches to medicine, and tutorials allow students to take part in that innovation and build mentoring relationships with faculty who are leaders in their fields.
MCAT Preparation
MCAT preparation is provided at no additional cost, and is tailored to our students’ needs. Students enroll in a Kaplan MCAT course that offers robust resources, live online teaching, and personalization for individual timelines and backgrounds.
Customization
Our students acquire the strongest possible preparation for medical school because of the flexibility of the program and the vast array of courses at Johns Hopkins. We customize each student’s program of study to complement his or her background by taking their interests, completion of required science courses, relevant electives, and medical experience into consideration.
For example, students who majored in a science-related field, such as engineering, or have taken some of the required courses and earned strong grades, may take advanced science courses and electives.
The individual course of study appropriate for each applicant is discussed in detail during the interview process.