Student's perspective of success in a postbaccalaureate program.

Objective: To identify contributors to the success of students in medical school that graduate from a 1-year postbaccalaureate bridge program.

Method: In 2010, using rigorous qualitative methodology, the principal investigator interviewed a random sample of 15 (23%) of current and past graduates of The Florida State University College of Medicine Bridge program. The investigators recorded and transcribed the interviews, utilized consensual qualitative research methodology to analyze the data, and identified an overarching theoretical construct.

Results: Content analysis of all 15 interviews yielded 73 themes, which were grouped into 6 broad categories/domains: The Florida State University College of Medicine Bridge Program attributes, personal attributes, proof of competence, support systems, exposure to medical programs, and faith/religion.

Conclusion: Postbaccalaureate programs prepare students for success in medical school. The Florida State University College of Medicine Bridge Program has been particularly successful in identifying and educating students who demonstrated promise upon application, despite noncompetitive grades and Medical College Admission Test scores. The authors identify the characteristics and individual experiences of the students and program that relate to success.