Post-Baccalaureate Medical Studies (PBMS)

This program provides an ideal balance of academic rigor and personal support to prepare students for success in professional or graduate school in the health sciences. Students earn a second bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Medical Science, or BMS

A flexible curriculum customized to each student

The Post-Baccalaureate Medical Studies (PBMS) Program is designed as an academic bridge for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and intend to pursue graduate study in the health sciences. The program offers all prerequisite coursework—as well as distinctive upper-level experiences—to assist students toward entering medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs or other master’s- and doctoral-level programs in the health sciences. Students work with expert faculty advisors to develop a course of study tailored to their professional and personal goals. In small classes, students work side-by-side with medical professionals with decades of experience as practitioners in a range of health care disciplines. This is the only program in the country that leads to the BMS degree.

The program is ideal for two types of students: career changers (who have most or all of the graduate school prerequisites to take) and career enhancers (who wish to reinforce their academic foundation prior to applying to graduate school). A minimum of 34 credit hours taken on campus is required. Each student is advised closely to support successful matriculation into graduate school.

More ways to learn, on campus and beyond

Practical experience is built into the curriculum. Our students are able to complete research projects with academic or clinical departments and present their findings at local symposia. They enjoy myriad service opportunities—not only in the Chicago area but also around the country, through our affiliation with the national Medicine, Education & Development for Low Income Families Everywhere (MEDLIFE) program. Our Clinical Preceptorship affords students the chance to shadow health care professionals in busy urban settings. Students have opportunities for leadership and service through our campus chapters of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS).

Dr. Jonathan Dompeling

Dominican University Graduate

"When I made the decision to apply to medical school, the Post-Baccalaureate Medical Studies Program helped me focus my interest on medical science. I was able to study what I thought would be relevant for medical school, becoming a doctor and using medical science in my job.”

Prepare for a life of meaning and achievement

Academic advising is the greatest strength of the PBMS program. Your advisors will be caring, experienced and dedicated physicians and clinicians who are expert at helping students achieve their professional goals. Our faculty maintain strong working relationships with many professional and graduate schools. More than 95% of our students either successfully matriculate into a professional school, such as medical or dental; enroll in a specialized master’s program; or achieve a high-level research or clinical position in their chosen field. Our graduates are highly trained, open to new ideas, skilled in health care and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. Many have also earned their way into leadership positions in the health sciences.

In addition to a variety of master’s-level programs, our students go on to earn professional degrees including:

  • MD: Doctor of Medicine
  • DO: Doctor of Osteopathy
  • OD: Doctor of Optometry
  • DVM: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  • DMD: Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry
  • PharmD: Doctor of Pharmacy
Olivia Mesdijian

Dominican University Graduate

“I came into the program as a career changer, and I was able to choose courses and pursue research opportunities that reflected my experiences and moved me efficiently toward meeting my goals. It was wonderful to have professors who were genuinely invested in my success.”