Academics
Most optometry schools in the United States and Canada require similar prerequisite coursework for admissions. The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), taken before application, also covers various topics. Pre-optometry students should work with aPMHSCadvisor to include the courses that meet prerequisite requirements and teach OAT content into their work plan. The courses listed below do not constitute a major or minor. If you are looking for suggestions while choosing a major or minor, you might find this blog article, "Students: How do I pick a major?" or list of minors.
Biochemistry
One semester of biochemistry.
| BIO 3100 - Cellular Biochemistry | 3 cr. |
| CHM 5600 - Survey of Biochemistry | 3 cr. |
| CHM 6620 - Metabolism (biochem majors only) | 3 cr. |
Biology
One academic year with laboratory. One semester of microbiology. Additional upper-level courses, such as physiology, cellular biology, histology, immunology, and genetics, are recommended.
| BIO 1500/1501 Basic Life Diversity + Lab | 4 cr. |
| BIO 1510/1511 Basic Life Mechanisms + Lab | 4 cr. |
| BIO 2270/2271 Microbiology + Lab | 5 cr. |
Chemistry
Two semesters of general chemistry with lab; two semesters of organic chemistry with lab.
| CHM 1100/1130 - General Chemistry I + Lab | 5 cr. |
| CHM 1140/1150 General Chemistry II + Lab | 5 cr. |
| CHM 1240/1250 Organic Chemistry I + Lab | 5 cr. |
| CHM 2220/2230 Organic Chemistry II + Lab | 5 cr. |
English (Composition)
Two semesters, only one literature course can count towards this requirement.
| ENG 1020 - Basic Composition | 3 cr. |
| ENG 3010 - Intermediate Writing* | 3 cr. |
*Many Intermediate Composition (ICN) courses will satisfy this requirement but ENG 3010 is recommended.
Math
One semester of calculus.
| MAT 2010 - Calculus I | 4 cr. |
Physics
Two semesters of physics with lab.
| PHY 2130/2131 - Physics for the Life Sciences I + Lab | 5 cr. |
| PHY 2140/2141 - Physics for the Life Sciences II + Lab | 5 cr. |
*Please note: PHY 2170/71 and PHY 2180/81 are also acceptable
Psychology
One semester of psychology.
| PSY 1010/1030 - Introductory Psychology + Lab | 5 cr. |
| OR | |
| PSY 1020 - Elements of Psychology | 3 cr. |
Statistics
One semester of statistics.
| STA 1020 - Elementary Statistics | 3 cr. |
| OR | |
| STAT 2210 - Probability and Statistics | 4 cr. |
| OR | |
| PH 3200 - Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 cr. |
Additional recommended coursework
Depending on the particular optometry program, additional classes may be required. Please check with a Pre-Optometry advisor for more details on these classes.