The University of Vermont is proudly celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program. Over the past three decades, our program has been a beacon of success for aspiring medical professionals, boasting an impressive 83% medical school matriculation rate.
This milestone not only highlights our success but also our commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.
UVM’s innovative Post-Bacc Pre-Med program has transformed countless lives by providing rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experiences, and unwavering support from a dedicated faculty. As we reflect on our journey, we reaffirm our mission to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders.
“Our unique Post-Bacc Pre-Med program continues to impact the future of healthcare through transformative experiences, inspiring mentorship, and academic excellence. This milestone highlights the university’s Professional and Continuing Education division’s longstanding commitment to providing successful pathways for healthcare professionals. PACE prides itself as a critical higher education extension of the university, with a purpose-driven commitment to providing access for students at every stage of their journey. We remain dedicated to continuously innovating our Post-Bacc Pre-Med program as a vital catalyst for med school success, which to date has supported over 4,000 students becoming physicians, veterinarians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and more.”
— Maggie Lambert, MEd, UVM PACE, Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program Director
Charting the Course to Medical School Success
The Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program Supports Students and Prepares Them for Medical School
The University of Vermont’s Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program is designed to provide comprehensive support and preparation for students aspiring to enter medical school. Through a blend of rigorous academic coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and constant mentorship from UVM Larner College of Medicine faculty, the program ensures that students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of advanced medical education.
By the Numbers
UVM’s Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program
4,000… have entered the program since 1994
84%… to health professional schools (2022-24)
83%… matriculation to MD/DO schools (2022-24)
53%… accepted after interviewing at UVM Larner College of Medicine (2019-24)
Impacting the Healthcare Industry
Launching the Careers of Thousands of Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Our alumni represent a diverse range of talents and expertise, each with their unique journey shaped by the program. From successful medical school admissions to impactful careers in medicine, research, and public health, these individuals exemplify the spirit of dedication and resilience cultivated at UVM.
We celebrate their remarkable achievements and the lasting influence of their experiences within the Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program. Their stories not only inspire future students but also underscore the critical role that educational institutions play in advancing the healthcare field.
UVM Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program
Charting the Course to Medical School Success
Graduates of UVM’s esteemed Post-Bacc Pre-Med program have gone on to excel in various medical fields, including medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. By equipping students with essential skills and knowledge, we help them stand out in a competitive application process, ultimately paving the way for fulfilling careers in healthcare.
Alumni Success Stories
As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our alumni and the bright future that awaits the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Physician Track: Trevor McDonald
Post-bacc pre-med programs provide foundational coursework and preparation for the MCAT, essential for admission to medical schools and future practice in various medical specialties.
Trevor McDonald studied math in college and worked in digital marketing before realizing that practicing medicine was what he wanted all along. After graduating from college in 2015, he returned to school in 2017 when he enrolled in UVM’s Post-Bacc Pre-Med program, followed by attending medical school at UVM’s Larner College of Medicine.
Students in the UVM program are typically recent college graduates and individuals who have an established career and are now looking to change career paths or enhance their current credentials. The 12 to 24-month program offers specialized tracks to help students pursue a background in a specific medical field of interest.
McDonald enrolled in the program’s pre-medical track, which curriculum ranges from general chemistry and physics to medical biology and genetics.
“For me, the post-bacc program worked out great. There’s a medical center right on UVM’s campus, so that meant I could go straight from class to go volunteer at the hospital and get to know people —staff, medical students, patients, and doctors. It was such a positive experience.”
— Dr. Trevor McDonald, PBPM Class of 2018, Resident Physician, University of Utah Health
Read more about Trevor’s story, here.
Dentistry Track: Saloni Mehta
Aspiring dentists gain valuable knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics, which are critical for dental school curriculums and ultimately contribute to success in dental practices.
While she ended up majoring in environmental science in college, Saloni eventually enrolled in UVM’s Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program’s dental track. Taking courses in chemistry, biochemistry and physics at UVM helped Saloni fulfill the undergraduate science courses required for application to dental school. Coming to UVM also gave her a sense of belonging and community.
“The students here are motivated and competitive but they’re not cutthroat. We helped each other and stayed in touch since completing the program. The sense of community was amazing, and the way my UVM professors taught me was integrated and hands on. The program gave me such a good foundation on my goal towards becoming an oral surgeon.”
— Saloni Mehta, UVM PBPM Class of 2017, Orthodontic Resident, University of Florida
Read more about Saloni’s story, here.
Veterinary Track: Sarah Eaton
For those interested in veterinary medicine, post-bacc programs offer crucial preparatory courses and exposure to the veterinary field, increasing their competitiveness for veterinary school admissions.
Sarah Eaton took what she calls a “round about” way to get to a career in medicine. She jumped at the opportunity to train as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in a Philadelphia emergency room, but still needed some of the core sciences for medical school. While she enjoyed learning about human health, she pivoted her focus to animals and becoming a veterinarian.
Once the decision was made, with the help of UVM’s personalized advising, Sarah was able to quickly add a microbiology and genetics course to her Post-Bacc Pre-Med program plan. She made a list of veterinarian schools and checked-off the requirements needed to apply.
“I really wanted to confirm that I was moving in the right direction, so for one semester I actually paused my coursework to work fulltime at the Burlington Emergency Veterinary hospital. That solidified that I wanted to finish my coursework at UVM and apply to Vet School. UVM was a great program, and I liked the flexibility that UVM gave me.”
— Sarah Eaton, UVM PBPM Class of 2019
Read more about Sarah’s story, here.
Physician Assistant Track: Hadley Warner
Post-bacc pre-med programs help prospective PAs fulfill prerequisite courses and develop a strong science background, preparing them for rigorous PA programs. Students pursuing careers as Physician Assistants often find their niche during their post-bacc experience, homing in on specialties that resonate with their interests.
While receiving her EMT and wilderness certifications from the National Outdoor Leadership School, Warner wanted to dig deeper into the how and why of the human body. Her pursuit of more information led her to UVM’s Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program.
Warner, who studied political science and foreign affairs at the University of Virginia, enrolled in the Physician Assistant Track in UVM to help her complete the science prerequisites needed for PA school. Warner completed UVM’s Post-Bacc Premed program in June 2018 and enrolled in the University of New England’s two-year physician assistant program the following May.
“I was looking for a post-bac program that was well established and had the science requirements I needed. I didn’t just want to take online classes. I wanted that intensive PA track to prepare me. The rigor of the program and the amount of science you have to understand was overwhelming at the time. But I understood my anatomy and microbiology classes in PA school so much more because of UVM. The Post-Bacc program provided me with a good foundation.”
— Hadley Warner, UVM PBPM Class of 2018, Physician Assistant, University of New England
Read more about Hadley’s story, here.
Nurse Practitioner Track: Shane Phipps
Aspiring nurse practitioners benefit from the intensive science education and clinical exposure provided by post-bacc programs, paving the way for advanced nursing studies.
As a kid, Shane Phipps dreamed about working in medicine. Originally from Seattle, Phipps joined the Air Force and worked in Public Affairs in California for years, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and met his wife. As they prepared for their first child, a quick-thinking nurse practitioner jumped into action during an ER visit for chest pain and transported them to another hospital for an emergency delivery. “That first nurse practitioner essentially saved them,” Phipps said.
This life-altering moment inspired his wife to leave the Air Force and begin nursing school in New Hampshire, where she grew up. After Phipps completed his active duty in California, he joined her in New England and started his path toward medical school. Phipps initially thought he wanted to become a physician’s assistant, but decided on nurse practitioner after finding a job as a medical assistant at a rural clinic and receiving advice from a practicing physician.
“The most impressive aspect of the post bacc program was the other students. You have this melting pot from different backgrounds and different experiences, but they all care about the bigger picture. They all want to get into medicine because they all want to make the world a better place in some way. If it’s something that even a part of you wants to do or has dreamed of doing, now is as good of a time as any to do it.”
— Shane Phipps, UVM PBPM Class of 2021, Nurse Practitioner Student, UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS)
Read more about Shane’s story, here.
Stay Tuned for More Alumni Stories!
As we continue to celebrate the 30th Anniversary throughout the 2024-25 school year, we will share more amazing alumni success stories!!
Pharmacists
- These programs assist potential pharmacists in completing necessary prerequisite coursework, thereby strengthening their applications to pharmacy schools.
Clinical Researchers
- Individuals aiming for careers in clinical research gain a solid foundation in medical sciences and research methodologies, enhancing their qualifications for research roles in the healthcare industry.
Public Health Professionals
- For those focused on public health, post-bacc programs offer vital coursework and healthcare exposure, which are advantageous for graduate programs in public health.
Physical Therapists
- These programs help future physical therapists complete necessary prerequisites and develop a strong understanding of human movement and rehabilitation techniques, setting the stage for success in graduate physical therapy programs.
Occupational Therapists
- Post-bacc pre-med programs equip aspiring occupational therapists with essential coursework in psychology, anatomy, and rehabilitation sciences, preparing them for graduate studies in occupational therapy.
Medical Educators
- Educators in medical fields can deepen their understanding of medical sciences and enhance their teaching capabilities through the comprehensive curriculum of post-bacc programs.
Biomedical Engineers
- Post-bacc education provides essential medical knowledge that complements engineering skills, fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and healthcare.
Medical Administrators and Healthcare Managers
- Understanding medical terminology and healthcare systems from a post-bacc program can be invaluable for those pursuing leadership roles in healthcare administration.
Share Your Post-Bacc Pre-Med Success Story
We want to hear from you!
If you’re an alumni of UVM’s Post-Bacc Pre-Med program, we’d love to consider your story as part of our 30th Anniversary celebration. Visit our Post-Bacc Pre-Med submission form and share your stories with our communications team for consideration.
