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Pre-Optometry

The biology/health sciences track and chemistry/health sciences track curriculums enable the preoptometry student to schedule this coursework along with other course requirements for the respective major.

What is pre-optometry?

Pre‑optometry is a curricular focus for students who plan to enter an optometry school program. Most pre‑optometry students are biology or chemistry majors; however, a pre-optometry student can major in virtually any discipline. Pre‑optometry students are advised by the pre-optometry advisors with regard to prerequisite courses required by optometry schools, Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) preparation, optometry school application procedures, and current trends in optometry school admissions. Pre‑optometry students are encouraged to participate in internship experiences with private and corporate practices, visit Pennsylvania College of Optometry (or other optometry programs), and attend on‑campus presentations by optometry school admissions personnel.

What is the pre-optometry curriculum?

The basic course prerequisites for the 17 optometry schools in the United States and the one program in Puerto Rico are 16 credits of biology (including microbiology), 16 credits of chemistry, 8 credits of physics, and 3 credits of statistics. Other courses might be required by certain programs so students are advised to examine the specific requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply early in their undergraduate program. The biology/health sciences track and chemistry/health sciences track curriculums enable the pre‑optometry student to schedule this coursework along with other course requirements for the respective major. Pre‑optometry students pursuing a non‑science major can include these science requirements as electives; however, optometry schools expect non‑science majors to perform very well in these science courses. A broad selection of courses is available within the biology and chemistry disciplines and pre‑optometry students are encouraged to include among their electives courses such as biochemistry, human physiology, cell biology, histology, pathogenic microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and immunology.

What are the characteristics of a successful pre-optometry student?

Competitive pre‑optometry students almost always have QPA’s of 3.2 or better, performed above average on the Optometry Admissions Test, and completed internships in optometry settings. Leadership, community/human service and a willingness to volunteer contribute to the personal qualities of a successful pre‑optometry student. Successful students plan a strategy early in their college career with regard to course sequences, preparing for and taking the OAT, internship experiences, and application to optometry schools. They also communicate frequently with their pre‑optometry advisor.

Is Shippensburg University affiliated with any optometry school?

Shippensburg University has been affiliated with Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) since 1990. Though most of our students pursue optometry school after completing a four‑year undergraduate degree, several have entered PCO as “3+4” students. Under this agreement, qualified students can apply to PCO early in their junior year. If they are accepted, they enter PCO after completing their junior year and credits will be transferred back from PCO to Shippensburg after these students complete their first year of optometry school. Shippensburg then awards the bachelor of science degree in biology or chemistry to the student.

Students who entered PCO via the accelerated “3+4” program usually had above‑average credentials and performed very well in PCO’s program. Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Shippensburg University have developed a high level of appreciation for one another’s program over the last several years as a result of this affiliation and the success of Shippensburg University students who have entered PCO.

What is the placement rate for Shippensburg University pre-optometry students?

Qualified Shippensburg University students have fared extremely well in the admissions process at various optometry programs throughout the United States. Perhaps because of the geographical proximity and the affiliation agreement, the majority of pre‑optometry students have entered Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Over recent years, Shippensburg University students have also been accepted to the University of Houston College of Optometry, Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Indiana University College of Optometry, New York College of Optometry, and Southern College of Optometry.

Why attend Shippensburg University as a pre-optometry student?

Science classes are small at Shippensburg University, usually having no more than 16 students per laboratory section. Lectures and labs are taught by seasoned professors; not by graduate students. State-of-the-art laboratory equipment is available to students, giving them hands-on experience with current techniques. Faculty-directed undergraduate research is highly encouraged at Shippensburg. Each year between 6 and 12 undergraduate science students present the results of their research at regional, state, or national conferences.

These experiences contribute to the excellent quality of education available at Shippensburg. As a result, Shippensburg University has a consistent record of placing qualified students into optometry programs. Pre‑optometry advisors maintain close ties with PCO by visiting their program during the summer months to stay current with admissions procedures and standards. They attend conferences for health professions advisors where they meet colleagues from other universities and share ideas on counseling. This ensures Shippensburg University pre‑optometry students receive accurate, current, and comprehensive information. Pre‑optometry students are given “mock interviews” prior to the time they apply to optometry schools. This experience provides students with interview practice and gives the Health Professions Committee information so a committee letter of reference can be written to support the student’s application. Practicing professionals and optometry school admissions personnel are routinely invited to speak to the Health Sciences Club. Additionally, the diverse health professional interests of Shippensburg University students and the variety of health professionals invited to speak at the university expose pre‑ optometry students to other areas of the health care field, making the student aware of alternative programs before they commit to the optometry profession.