Congratulations on your interest in becoming an Optometrist! As a pre-Optometry student at Radford University, you will have unique opportunities to engage in research, complete Pharmacy school course prerequisites, participate in STEM clubs, and so much more; all while learning in a community-based education environment. Radford’s small class sizes and demanding laboratory experiences will allow you to connect with faculty and study with classmates in a way that prepares you for the rigors of Optometry school.
While there is not a Pre-Optometry degree, most students choose to major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology and often minor in programs that celebrate their individual interest.
However, pre-Optometry students have the opportunity to select a major that reflects their primary interests, so long as the specific Optometry school’s prerequisite courses are complete. Optometry school prerequisites often include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, but all pre-Optometry students must investigate the specific requirements of each institution where an application will be sent. As a pre-Optometry student, you and your advisor will compose a degree path that suits your interests and best prepares you for Pharmacy school. The American Optometry Student Association (AOPA) website is also a valuable resource when considering Optometry school after graduating from Radford University.
Use AOPA’s website as a resource to investigate all things pre-Optometry, including information that will help you decide if optometry is the right career path for you.
Visit Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) to answer common questions like:
| ROLE | "DR." TITLE? | CAREER PATHS | AVERAGE HOURS/WEEK | TIME TO DEGREE COMPLETION | AVERAGE SALARY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTOMETRY | O.D., Vision and ocular health | Yes | Private practice, Hospital, Research, Academia, Industry, VA, Military, Retail practice. | 40 hours/week | 4 years of optometry school | $140K/year |
| OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE | D.O., Medical | Yes | Private practice, Hospital, Research, Academia, Industry, VA, Public health, Political advocacy | 50 hours/week | 4 years of osteopathic medical school plus 3-to-6-year residency | $188K/year |
| ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE | M.D., Medical | Yes | Private practice, Hospital, Research, Academia, Industry, VA, Public health, Political advocacy | 50 hours/week | 4 years of medical school plus 3-to-7-year residency | $208K/year |
| DENTISTRY | D.M.D, D.D.S, Teeth | Yes | Private practice, Academia, VA, Military, Partnership practice, Public health | 60 hours/week | 4 years of dental school | $164K/year |
| PHARMACY | PharmD, Pharmaceuticals | Yes | Academia,Retail pharmacy, Hospital pharmacy, Medical distribution, Ambulatory care, Specialty | 45 hours/week | 4 years of pharmacy school | $128K/year |
| PODIATRY | D.P.M, Feet | Yes | Academia, VA, Surgery, Orthopedics, Public health, Sports medicine | 50 hours/week | 4 years of podiatry school | $134K/year |
| PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT | PA, Medical | No | Hospitals, Clinics, Doctors' offices, Surgery, Specialty | 40 hours/week | 3-year master's degree program | $115K/year |