Certificate in Pre-Optometry at Portland State University

Portland State University

United States of America, Aberdeen

University Rank:#1201

The Pre-Optometry at Portland State University is a Certificate program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 26, 2027.

About Certificate in Pre-Optometry

Optometrists are the primary providers of vision care. They are concerned with eye health; general health problems that affect the eyes; how well a person sees; and how the eyes work together: color vision, depth perception, and visual performance. Optometrists are primary health professionals. Optometry programs require that applicants complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment.

Portland State offers a strong pre-optometry program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance with the optometry school preparation and application process.

Pre-Optometry is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-optometry students include Science, Health Studies: Health Science, Biology, & Chemistry.

Prospective students to PSU can meet with a pre-optometry advisor to learn about PSU's pre-optometry program. Admission into optometry programs is limited and competitive. Pre-optometry students would apply to optometry programs after completing coursework and experiences to help them prepare for the program. In recent years, Pacific University's average cumulative GPA for students admitted students to the Doctor of Optometry degree program has been 3.42.

Pre-Optometry is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Optometry Pre-Professional Program: Why

Disciplines

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Pre-Optometry at Portland State University

Entry Requirements

General Secondary Education Certificate/Exam (Tawjihi), Overall average greater than 80%

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 71

Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Pre-Optometry

Students in the Pre-Optometry track at PSU go on to a Doctor of Optometry (OD) or go on to earn an MD or DO to become an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist provides eye care services and performs medical and surgical eye procedures. Ophthalmologists must first earn an MD or DO and then complete a residency in ophthalmology. Pacific University offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry program preparing tomorrow's optometrists for licensure and practice.

Schools in which Portland State students and alumni were recently admitted include:

Arizona College of Optometry at Midwestern University
Illinois College of Optometry
New England College of Optometry
Pacific University
Southern Calif. College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University
University of California, Berkeley
Western University of Health Sciences

Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Pre-Optometry at Portland State University

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for Certificate in Pre-Optometry at Portland State University

Submit Your Application and $60 Application Fee

Go to Portland State University's online application system and select Create Account. If you have already started an application, or created one for a past term, select Log In.

Submit Academic Records

You are required to submit complete academic records. We accept high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with your graduation certificate, diploma or exam results or certificates. If you have taken any college or university classes, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You can submit unofficial transcripts from non-U.S. institutions for review of your application and to receive an admission decision. Official transcripts are required for enrollment, see our official records policy for details.

Electronic Submission: Transcripts may be submitted via Parchment or sent directly from a school official to [email protected].

In Person Submission: You can bring these directly to our office upon arrival to Portland State.

Mail Submission: Submit official transcripts in their original sealed envelopes from all schools attended and mail them to PSU at the address below.

Portland State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 751
Portland OR 97207-0751

Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Request official test results to be sent directly to Portland State University by ETS (TOEFL), PTE, or IELTS. Students who meet the academic requirements for admission to PSU, but have not yet met English proficiency requirements, will be admitted to PSU and placed into one of our ESL programs. Review PSU’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more details.

TOEFL Code: 4610, department code 00
SAT Code: 4610

Check Your Application Status

If you have submitted an application to Portland State University, you can log in to PSU's application portal to review the status of your application. You will be notified via email for each document you submit and your admission decision.

If you are not receiving email communications from Portland State University, be sure to check your @pdx.edu email account. Once you set up your student account all communications will be sent to that email address. If you are not receiving information from us in any email inboxes, please contact us at [email protected].

Certificate in Pre-Optometry at Portland State University

Portland State University

United States of America, Aberdeen