ACOE_Self-Study

• Advanced-level courses that demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge expected from the prerequisites may be taken instead if approved by the Director of Admissions.

The required prerequisite courses are: •

One year of general biology with lab

• One year of general chemistry with lab • One year of general physics with lab • One year of organic chemistry with lab • One semester or quarter of calculus • One year of English composition and literature • One semester or quarter of psychology • One year of social sciences • One semester or quarter of statistics

In addition, the College recommends that students complete the following courses: • One semester or quarter of microbiology • One semester or quarter of biochemistry • One semester or quarter of physiology and anatomy The SUNY College of Optometry offers a joint degree program as an alternative to the traditional route of entry into the professional OD program. Highly qualified undergraduate students from 25 affiliated colleges and universities work to complete both their undergraduate degrees as well as their doctor of optometry degrees within a seven-year period — instead of the usual eight — thus saving one year of expenses. Successful candidates must complete all the required prerequisites (listed above) as well as meet the additional requirements given in Appendix VI-5c and posted on the College’s website (https://www.sunyopt.edu/education/admissions/od_program/joint_degree). In recent years, about 7% of entering students followed this route. Although most students who enter through the joint degree programmajor in biology, chemistry, or psychology, additional majors are accepted as long as prerequisites for the optometry program are met. Students who are accepted into the program receive guidance from their undergraduate institutions as well as from SUNY College of Optometry Student Affairs staff. The College also offers Advanced Standing status to students who have completed medical training overseas. This program in which credit is awarded for prior academic work is discussed in more detail under Standard 2.2. 6.3 The program must provide information to incoming students regarding pre-matriculation health standards, access to health care, personal counseling, and standards for immunization against infectious disease. Information regarding these standards and services are published in the online Student Handbook (http://www.sunyopt.edu/handbook or Appendix VI-7 ) as follows:

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