2 Routes: Become an OptometristEveryone's pathway is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
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OSU Bachelor's + Optometry School
OSU bachelor's degree then attend a doctoral-level optometry school.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited doctoral-level optometry program.
- Apply to an accredited optometry program. If accepted, begin your doctoral-level optometry professional school program.
- Following your optometry program you will be eligible to sit for national boards and state licensure to begin practicing as an optometrist.
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OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + Optometry School
Taking additional time can be to your advantage as an optometry school applicant.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited doctoral-level optometry program.
- If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
- Unsure of what to do during a gap year? Explore resources from ASCO or visit with the Pre-Professional Academic Support Services Office to discuss your options.
- When holistically ready, apply to accredited optometry program. If accepted, begin your doctoral-level optometry professional school program.
- Following your optometry program you will be eligible to sit for national boards and state licensure to begin practicing as an optometrist.