Exploring the Optometry Program at Salus University

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus, part of Salus University, stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history in optometric education. Since 1919, PCO has been at the forefront of innovation, shaping the standards for training competent and compassionate Doctors of Optometry. PCO continues to offer more choices for our students.

Diverse Pathways to a Doctor of Optometry Degree

PCO students can choose from two pathways to earn their Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree: the Traditional Program and the Accelerated Scholars Program. Both programs are fully accredited, maintain the same credit value, and adhere to the highest educational standards for optometric education. Regardless of the chosen program, all PCO students receive an optometric education grounded in biomedical science with a primary care clinical focus.

The Traditional Program

The Traditional Program at PCO at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus offers students a cohort curriculum that integrates early clinical experience and extensive externships, for which the College is recognized. The program also incorporates small group learning experiences. The learning environment allows students to practice what they learn in the classroom in labs and apply it to actual patients under faculty guidance and supervision. PCO emphasizes an early and extensive clinical education program that allows students to attain more hours of clinical experience than most other optometry programs. Clinical concepts and skills training begin in the first semester of the first year, followed by an expedited entry into patient care experiences and a significantly expanded clinical training program. The Eye Institute is the clinical facility for our optometry students.

The Accelerated Scholars Program

The Accelerated Scholars Program at PCO at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus, is tailored for highly motivated and well-qualified applicants seeking to earn a Doctor of Optometry degree. This program allows students to complete the same optometry degree requirements as the Traditional Program but within an accredited 36-month, year-round, campus-based format. Each year, a new class begins in early July. Students enrolled in the Accelerated Scholars Program earn the same credit equivalency as those in the Traditional Program. The structured patient care experiences and small student-to-faculty ratio of this accelerated program provides close faculty mentorship, as students develop the critical thinking and clinical competencies necessary for optometric practitioners. To enhance this learning experience, the student cohort is immersed in patient care at the beginning of the program.

Advanced Placement Doctor of Optometry degree (APOD) program

The Advanced Placement Doctor of Optometry degree (APOD) program offers an additional pathway to the OD degree specifically for interested and qualified international practitioners. Eligible applicants will be given a customized course of study that is designed based upon the applicant’s previous educational and clinical experience as well as their career goals.

Comprehensive Optometric Education

An education at PCO is structured to provide students with the necessary knowledge, clinical experience, and professional education to enter the profession and practice anywhere in the country. PCO graduates are well prepared to complete a residency program or advanced degree upon graduation.

The Eye Institute

The Eye Institute (TEI) serves as the clinical facility for optometry students.

Additional Educational Programs and Initiatives

In addition to these pathways, Pennsylvania College of Optometry offers a variety of educational programs and initiatives in response to the needs of international students and ophthalmic practitioners. For nearly twenty years, PCO has delivered education around the world, which has resulted in the improvement of optometry practice standards and the advancement and improvement of optometric legislation and of the profession's role as a primary health care profession.

Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) program

The Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) program is designed to offer participants the opportunity to investigate the academic study associated with the Doctor of Optometry degree program, as well as the profession of optometry and the many career opportunities available. OLE consists of a multi-day, interactive on-campus experience and is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are considering applying to PCO in a future cycle. OLE is also open to students who may be undecided about their career direction. Students will have the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and current students, as well as tour our clinical skills lab and The Eye Institute (TEI), sit in on classes and observe lab demonstrations.

Residency Programs

PCO offers high-quality residency programs, including in-house residencies at The Eye Institute in Primary Eye Care; Pediatric Optometry/Vision Therapy; Low Vision Rehabilitation; Cornea and Contact Lenses; and Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease. Its affiliated residency programs offer challenging clinical education and training in Ocular Disease and/or Primary Care in various practice modalities.

Admissions Criteria

PCO at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus actively seeks applicants from every state in the nation as well as worldwide. Students currently attending represent many states, as well as Canada and several other countries. The Admissions Committee has established policies that include the selection of applicants best qualified to serve the public and the profession in the years to come. Many factors are considered in selecting students for our program, including:

Academic performance
Motivation
Extracurricular activities and interests
Related and unrelated work experience
Personal achievements
Essays
Letters of evaluation
Communication skills, including a demonstrated command of the English language, both written and oral

When evaluating academic performance, the applicant’s grade point average, performance in prerequisite courses, number of college credits completed, degree status and results of the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) are carefully considered (GRE, MCAT, or DAT exams are also accepted).

For the Traditional Program - It is recommended that applicants with less than a 2.5 (C+) overall grade point average should consult the Office of Admissions prior to applying.

For the Accelerated Scholars Program - Applicants are evaluated on a case by case basis. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and an OAT academic average score of 330 or higher are preferred.

Requirements for Canadian Applicants

For Canadian applicants, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information: A course-by-course credential review from an accredited agency, which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. These services are provided by various agencies including: World Education Services

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English Language Proficiency

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Drexel University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client/student safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or education team.

Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.

While we recommend that applicants submit one of the approved English proiciency exams, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria: successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s programNote: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion.

Cooperative Program with Seton Hill University

Through Seton Hill's unique cooperative program with Salus University, you'll be able to create a meaningful future in optometry in less time, at a reduced cost. Seton Hill University's cooperative degree program with the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry offers a combined undergraduate and graduate program leading to two degrees: the Bachelor of Science in biology from Seton Hill and the Doctor of Optometry from the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry. If you fulfill the requirements for Phase I of the cooperative degree program - which include maintaining a competitive GPA - you can then begin Phase II: four years of study at Salus University’s College of Optometry. Acceptance into Phase II is solely determined by Salus University. After your first year of successful study at Salus you will receive your Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Seton Hill.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Elizabethtown College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, possession of a general education development certificate as compared to a high school diploma, or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College administered programs.

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