Preparing the Psychology Workforce: Outcomes of a Novel Post-Baccalaureate Training Program at an Academic Medical...

Graduate school admissions are competitive, and few studies have documented post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) training program outcomes. This paper describes a post-bacc training program at an academic medical center and aims to (a) characterize participants and program recruitment, (b) examine productivity and graduate school matriculation, and (c) assess change in key outcomes (e.g., publications), demographic characteristics, and program reflections. Seventy-nine post-baccs have completed the post-bacc training program since 2017. Publication data were obtained via institution record-keeping and public resources (e.g., PubMed). Starting in 2021, new post-baccs (n = 28) completed entry and exit surveys (reporting demographics/academic history, awards/honors, publications/presentations, research skill confidence, and next steps). Of 79 post-baccs, 89% (n = 70) matriculated to graduate or medical school (41% clinical psychology). The median number of publications during training was three. Publications, presentations, and confidence were higher at exit vs. entry (p's < .05). There were no differences based on underrepresented group status (p > .05). Program satisfaction was high. Findings demonstrate success preparing post-baccs for admission into advanced degree programs, improving research productivity/skill (regardless of underrepresented group status), and garnering high satisfaction among post-baccs. This program model can serve as a bridge, offering rigorous clinical research training for the future workforce of clinical psychologists and related professionals.