Pre-Med & Pre-Health
Pre-Optometry Program
About the Program
Optometry is the health care profession that involves examining the eyes for defects or abnormalities, as well as the prescription of corrective lenses and the diagnosis and management of eye disease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of optometrists is projected to grow 18% over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The strong foundation built as an undergraduate student at Westminster College includes demonstrating the knowledge, skills and personal growth attributes that contribute to a strong application and future success as a medical professional. Most often, Pre-Optometry students will choose a science major such as Biology, Biochemistry or Neuroscience since the curricula include most, if not all, required and recommended courses.
Admission requirements to optometry school include not just completing a bachelor's degree, but also preparing for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), gaining appropriate experiences in the field, and submitting a competitive application. As such, it is imperative for students to work closely with both their academic and health professions advisors to ensure completion of all requirements. Students will typically apply to optometry school between their junior and senior years, allowing for a direct transition following graduation, but some wait until after they graduate to apply in order to further their education and gain more relevant experience.
Typical Admission Requirements for Optometry School (and for OAT Preparation)
The academic and extracurricular experience at Westminster College, ranging from coursework to on- and off-campus service and experiential activities to international study and/or travel, contribute strongly to the appeal of the well-trained and well-rounded individuals who graduate from our school.
Prerequisite courses generally include:
- Biology with labs, two courses
- General/Inorganic Chemistry with labs, two courses
- Organic Chemistry with labs, two courses
- Physics with labs, two courses
- English and/or Writing, two courses
- Psychology, one course
- Sociology, one course
- Biochemistry, one course
- Statistics, one course
Additional course requirements may vary from one professional program to another, so it is the responsibility of the student to be aware of specifics regarding their schools of interest. Good planning and working closely with academic and health professions advisors are essential to maximize chances of success in the highly competitive optometry school application environment.
Sample Pre-Optometry Student Schedule
This is a sample schedule for a Biology major preparing to take the OAT exam between their junior and senior year and matriculating to medical school following graduation. Please note that an individual student's schedule will vary based on the major selected and the schedule of course offerings. First-Year Program (FYP) courses, Intellectual Perspectives (IP) courses, the Cluster Course (CC), which are Westminster graduation requirements, are indicated in italics.
Principles of Chemistry (CHE 117)
Inquiry (INQ 101; FYP)
Speech or Writing (SPE 111 or WRI 111; FYP)
Westminster 101 (WST 101; FYP)
Calculus I (MTH 150; QR IP)
Speech or Writing (SPE 111 or WRI 111; FYP)
Foreign Language at 201-level (FL IP)
Cell and Molecular Biology (BIO 302)
Organic Chemistry I (CHE 261)
Visual or Performing Arts Elective (VP IP)
Organic Chemistry II (CHE 262)
English Literature Elective (HC IP)
Religion or Philosophy Elective (RP IP)
Foundations of Physics I (PHY 141)
Biochemistry (CHE 381)
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101; ST IP)
Foundations of Physics II (PHY 142)
Biology Capstone I (BIO 601)
Principles of Sociology (SOC 101)
Biology Capstone II (BIO 602)
Cluster Course Elective (CC)
Cluster Course Elective (CC)
Chemistry Elective (CHE ---)
Elective Course
Elective Course
With the exception of the core requirements and courses strongly recommended ahead of the OAT exam, there is curricular flexibility within any chosen major and among the elective courses that are part of the liberal arts curriculum at Westminster College. It is, however, strongly suggested that students take both courses in Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 335/336), and Neurobiology (BIO 434) in order to be better prepared for the optometry curriculum.
Students planning to study abroad for a semester must also plan accordingly to meet all requirements and timelines. It is also advisable for students to budget time during the spring semester of their junior year to prepare for the OAT exam.
Extracurricular and Off-Campus Experiences
- Shadowing an optometrist (OD)
- Shadowing physicians (DO and MD) and other medical professionals in both office and hospital settings
- Clinical internships
- Volunteer experience with direct patient contact
- Any experience working with children (e.g. day camp, Science camp)
- Any experience working with people with disabilitie or special needs
Where have Westminster students matriculated recently?
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacology and Health Sciences (MCPHS) University School of Optometry
- The Ohio State University College of Optometry
- Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Web Resources
- www.optometriceducation.org - Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Information about the Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
- www.aoa.org - American Optometric Association
- www.aaopt.org - American Academy of Optometry
- www.optomcas.org - OptomCAS: Optometry Centralized Application Service
For More Information
Please contact the Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Joshua Corrette-Bennett.
Joshua C. Corrette-Bennett
