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

Introduction Graduate school admissions are increasingly competitive and few studies have documented post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) training program outcomes. This paper describes a post-bacc training program 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. Methods Seventy-nine post-baccs have completed the Post-Baccalaureate Training Program since 2017. Data on publications were obtained via institution record-keeping and public resources (e.g., PubMed). Starting in 2021, new post-baccs ( n =29) completed entry and exit surveys (reporting demographics/academic history, awards/honors, publications/presentations, research skill confidence, and next steps) Results Of the 79 post-baccs, 89% ( n =70) matriculated to graduate or medical school (41% in 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. Discussion 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.