2. Academics
3. Academic Partnerships
4. Salus University Partnerships
5. Doctor of Optometry (OD) 3 + 4 Program

Doctor of Optometry (OD) 3 + 4 Program

In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont College offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Optometry degree in seven years instead of the usual eight. The first three years are spent at Rosemont College, the next four at the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

The Traditional Program for the Doctor of Optometry degree at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry set the standard for all other institutions of optometry that exists today.

After the successful completion of your first professional year at Salus University, your bachelor's degree is awarded by Rosemont. At the conclusion of the Doctor of Optometry degree program, you'll receive your doctorate degree.

Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program for students who meet the then current 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program admission requirements and apply by the December 1st deadline.*

The Optometry Program at Salus University is noted for the following:

• Early hands-on clinical experience and 15 month externship program
• Small group learning experiences
• Program can be enhanced with advanced studies and elective courses and/or a residency program
• The Eye Institute (TEI) and its satellites serves as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s clinical teaching facilities
• Students collaborate with optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and optometric technicians

Offering PCO students a cohort curriculum, the Doctor of Optometry program at Salus University includes the robust and early clinical experience and extensive externships. It also includes small group learning experiences - what you learn in the classroom is practiced in the labs. Eventually, the skills are applied to actual patients under the guidance and supervision of faculty.

*Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of three Rosemont students per each Cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for the guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the general 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program application process.

 Eligibility

Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed the first three years from Rosemont College with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.