Pre-Optometry Affiliation Programs
3+4 Doctor of Optometry Program with Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus at Drexel University
Elizabethtown College has an agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus at Drexel University that allows students to apply to the Doctor of Optometry Program in their second year. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and complete the required chemistry, physics, and biology courses, earning a grade of C or higher. If accepted, students start the program after their third year, with a minimum of 90 semester hours. After completing their first year at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus at Drexel University, transfer credits are applied towards Etown's Biology - Health Professions B.S. degree. Core requirements should be completed during the three years at Elizabethtown College before starting courses at Salus. For program details and admissions requirements, contact the Elizabethtown College Health Professions Advising Committee at hpac@etown.edu. Current Etown students can apply in their second year by contacting the Health Professions Advisory Committee. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus at Drexel University will inform Elizabethtown College's HPAC and the student of their provisional acceptance status following an interview.
Optometry Suggested Coursework
| Minimum Requirement | Etown Recommended | Typical Semester Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Biology (16 hours including microbiology, physiology, and anatomy) | BIO 111 | Fall, First Year |
| BIO 112 | Spring, First Year | |
| BIO 235* | Spring, Second Year or later | |
| BIO 324* | Spring, Third Year | |
| BIO 324L* | Spring, Third Year | |
| 3–4 additional biology credits in 200- or above courses | Any Semester | |
| English (8 hours) | EN 100 | Fall, First Year |
| 2nd EN Course | Prior to the End of Third Year | |
| Chemistry (12 hours, including organic chemistry) | CH 105 | Fall, First Year |
| CH 113* | Spring, First Year | |
| CH 213* | Fall, Second Year | |
| CH 216* or CH 201* | Spring, Second Year or Later | |
| CH 242* | Spring, Second Year or Later | |
| Mathematics (4 hours of statistics) | MA 251 | Fall, Second Year or Later |
| MA 121 | Any Semester | |
| Physics (8 hours) | PHY 101 | Fall, Third Year |
| PHY 102* | Spring, Third Year | |
| Psychology (3–4 hours) | PSY 105 | Any Semester |
* Pre-requisite exists. Consult most recent Etown College Catalog for details.
Note: To find school-specific requirements for each U.S. and Canadian optometry school, see an optometry school's website.