Pre-Optometry The following information relates specifically to the Southern School of Optometry in Memphis. Students expecting to apply to other schools should consult with the MPA Director to seek appropriate information. (UT-Memphis does not offer a program in optometry.) ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS/CRITERIA Minimum of three (3) years undergraduate preparation (approximately 96 semester hours). BA/BS not required, but it should be noted that few students are admitted without a baccalaureate degree. Candidates must meet minimum technical standards regarding manual dexterity, visual acuity, eye-hand coordination, etc. Optometry Admission Test (OAT), usually administered in February and October of each year. The OAT should be taken not later than the October sitting for admission the following August. The OAT must have been taken within the last five (5) years. Practical experience in a clinical optometry setting is highly desirable. Evaluation of the student's undergraduate credentials by the MPA Committee is required. IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATE THE ADMISSION PROCESS IN A TIMELY FASHION. Students should allow sufficient time to complete the several steps in the process, including the evaluation of their credentials by the MPA Committee. Letter of recommendation from an optometrist. State of residence: several states, including Tennessee, have a contractual agreement with Southern which reserves a specific number of class positions for residents of that state, at the "in-state-tuition" rates. (GoTo top of page ) RECOMMENDED ETSU COURSES Prof. Biology I, II, III (with labs) 12 sem. hrs. General Chemistry I, II (with labs) 8 sem. hrs. Organic Chemistry I, II (with labs) 10 sem. hrs. General Physics I, II (with labs) or Technical Physics I, II 8-10 sem. hrs. English Composition I, II 6 sem. hrs. Probability and Statistics (Math 1080) 3 sem. hrs. Pre-Calculus (1040) 3 sem. hrs. Calculus I, II (1110-20) 8 sem. hrs. Microbiology, with Lab (3320-21) 4 sem. hrs. Comparative Anatomy (3220) strongly recommended 4 sem. hrs. General Physiology (3620) strongly recommended 4 sem. hrs. Introduction to Psychology (1310) 3 sem. hrs. Humanities (minimum) 9 sem. hrs. Social Sciences (minimum) 9 sem. hrs. Electives, including major/minor courses (minimum) 7 sem. hrs. Total (minimum) 96 sem. hrs. Introductory courses in business and/or computer science are encouraged. Students whose high school preparation is deficient-especially in English and mathematics-may find it necessary to take additional preparatory courses prior to enrolling in the recommended courses. (GoTo top of page ) MAJOR and MINOR While a baccalaureate degree is not required for admission to optometry school, it is recommended by the MPA Office. Pre-Optometry is a program, not a major. Pre-Optometry students who wish to complete a BA/BS must select a major and a minor just like any other ETSU student. Those students should consult with the MPA Director concerning choice of major/minor. The Humanities minor is especially recommended to strengthen the preprofessional student's background in general education. (GoTo top of page ) ADMISSION PROCEDURE Applications are accepted at any time, but must be received not later than March 31 of each year for the class beginning in August. Earlier application is encouraged. The OAT must be taken early enough to support the student's application; usually this means not later than the October sitting during the year prior to intended enrollment. Evaluation of the student's undergraduate credentials by the MPA Committee is required. IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATE THE ADMISSION PROCESS IN A TIMELY FASHION. Students should allow sufficient time to complete the several steps in the process, including the evaluation of their credentials by the MPA Committee. (GoTo top of page ) TYPICAL FRESHMAN YEAR PRE-OPTOMETRY CURRICULUM Fall Semester English Composition I (1110) 3 Pre-calculus/Trig or Calculus I 3-4 Gen. Chemistry I and Lab (1110-1111) or Prof. Biology I and Lab (1110-1111) 4 Humanities elective 3 Social Science elective* 3 Total: 17-19 hours Spring Semester English Composition II (1120) 3 Probability/Statistics or Calculus II 3-4 Gen. Chemistry II and Lab (1120-1121) or Prof. Biology II and Lab (1120-1121) 4 Humanities elective 3 Social Science elective* 3 Total: 17-19 hours * Strong students may wish to substitute a second science course. (GoTo top of page )

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