FAQ's
What are the advantages of joining a Post Baccalaureate Program versus taking classes through a Junior College?----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be eligible to apply to a Health Professions School, you must complete a number of prerequisite courses. Programs like the Pre-Health Professions Studies program are set up to assist students with prerequisites and preparation for a successful application to a professional school. The Post Baccalaureate Program at California State University, Fullerton has dedicated itself to a cohort structure. This structure allows a student to complete classes with his/her peers, giving support to one another. The pace and rigor of the program mimics the structure of a Health Professional School, which in turn makes an individual a more favorable candidate. Classes are guaranteed for all participants in the Pre-Health program and research opportunities are facilitated. Another advantage is the linkages with professional schools that are in place. Linkages eliminate the gap year that is in place after the prerequisites are completed and the need to go through the lengthy process of applying to schools.
Disadvantages of a Post Baccalaureate Program:
Cost: This is a big drawback. However, California State University, Fullerton’s certificate program has the lowest cost amongst institutions in California (currently, $450 per unit for Fall 2011).
Time: This can be a positive and negative aspect. Since the 50 units are completed in such a short period of time, this leaves very little time for other activities, such as holding a job. On the other hand, due to the intense pace of the class schedule, students are able to apply to a Health Profession Program earlier, start school sooner and graduate in a timely manner without incurring additional expenses.
What is the success rate of the Pre-Health Professions Studies Certificate Program?
Since 2004 we have had 50 students complete the certificate and 44 of those students have been accepted to professional schools, including allopathic, osteopathic, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, PA, and optometry. The average GPA of the graduate students was 3.57.
This is not designed as an academic remediation program. If you have previously completed science courses you would most likely be required to retake those courses under the auspices of the program.
If you're transferring from a College/University with a quarter system, you must convert your grades to the semester system equivalence: quarter units x .667= semester units Quarter units are converted to semester units by multiplying the quarter units by .667. The resulting figure is not rounded. Only the first two digits to the right of the decimal point are used. Example: 25 quarter units x .667 = 16.675 semester units = 16.67 semester units NOT 16.68 or 17.0. For more information, visit: http://www.fullerton.edu/aac/transfer_students/quartsemconversion.asp
What makes your post-bac program distinctive as compared to other post-bac programs?
Lower cost, quality of instruction, guaranteed classes and linkage agreements.
How hard is it to gain admittance?
There are a maximum of 24 slots available per year in the program. The ratio of admittance will depend on the number of applicants for these slots.
What is the cost of attending?
Currently, our program costs $450 per unit. However, this fee is subject to change.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Typically it takes 4 semesters. Any increase in length would have to be approved by the coordinator.
Yes.
Applications for Fall 2012 will be accepted beginning on Janurary 17, 2012 and the application window will close on April 2, 2012. Due to the rolling admissions process, we would strongly advise interested applicants to complete their application as soon as possible. Please note that the Fall 2012 cohort will be the only cohort accepted during the 2012-2013 academic year. We anticipate accepting 24 students for the Fall 2012-2014 cohort.
Are there any prerequisite classes needed before I enter the program?
Yes, there is one class that needs to be taken before entering the program. An Introductory into Chemistry class to be taken with a minimum grade of a “B” or above. If this class is taken at CSUF, Chem 115 fulfills this prerequisite. This course can also be taken at a community college (you can check if it is equivalent by going onto www.assist.org). The introductory into Chemistry course must be completed by June 15, 2012. Any Introductory Biology class is also highly recommended.
It would be strongly advised that you also prepare yourself for calculus by taking or refreshing with a pre-calculus class. Calculus can also be taken ahead of time at a Junior College or an accredited University (transferability needs to be predetermined and must be equivalent to Cal State Fullerton’s Math 130, Math 150A, or Math 150B by either visiting assist.org or contacting the Mathematics department at mathoffice@fullerton.edu ).
"Cal state fullerton's pre-health post-bacc certificate program helped me focus my interests and provided me with the necessary resources to succeed. Everyone is genuinely interested and invested in each student's needs. The program gave me direction."
Lauren Park, UC Davis, Class of 2015