FAQ
Can I transfer credits from a previous institution into this program?
The transfer credit evaluation process is completed by聽our registrar鈥檚 office. For more information on that process and to see whether this program accepts transfer credits, please refer to the聽transfer credit evaluation form,聽which details the University鈥檚 policy on the transfer of credits. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the registrar directly at registrar@rm.edu.
Does your program practice rolling admissions?
Yes, we do have a rolling admissions cycle. This聽means the program reviews applications, interviews, and accepts applicants during the full course of the admissions cycle each year. Essentially, the earlier your application is submitted, the earlier it will be reviewed and possibly accepted. It鈥檚 important to remember that the most well-rounded, complete application is always preferred over a rushed application.
How do I apply to the program?
You can apply to the Doctor of Optometry Program at 黑料专区 through OptomCAS at聽.聽 The 2026 cycle begins June 26, 2025.聽 Applying early gives you the best chance of being accepted into the program.
When will I start doing clinical work?
You鈥檒l start gaining clinical experience in your first semester in our program and gradually build until you are a full-time clinician. In year three, around 25% of your learning will occur in clinical settings; and your fourth year will be fully devoted to clinical practice. 黑料专区 optometry students will experience a variety of patient encounters in both our onsite clinic and affiliated clinics both within our community and around the country that will prepare them for modern optometric practice.
Do you take a certain number of in-state or out-of-state students?
As a private institution, our program accepts students without regard to state residency status.聽 Our diverse student body reflects our equal consideration of a nationwide pool of candidates. Our tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Does earning this degree make me an optometrist?
In addition to a Doctor of Optometry degree, you will need to pass national boards to be licensed as an optometrist. Some states require additional qualifications, such as a law exam for that state.
Do the faculty continue to practice?
Yes, most of our faculty continue to practice on a weekly basis. This keeps their perspective and practice fresh, as they are always fine-tuning their own skills and gaining knowledge to increase their clinical expertise.
What can I expect the workload to look like?
We would like our students to be able to learn the material at a comfortable pace that is conducive to maximum learning.. While other programs may have as many as 25-credits per semester, our year-long program is paced so you鈥檒l complete a very reasonable 16-17 credit hours each semester.
Where can I expect my clinical rotations to be located?
We have a nationwide network of clinical affiliates along with our in-house clinic and outside providers within our community. We do have many local partnerships, but we want our students to get the best experience nationwide, so our nationwide network of clinical sites is always expanding.
Do I have input into where I complete my clinical rotations?
This is a great question, and we understand your interest in this process. Although rotations will ultimately be assigned by the clinical education team, student input is certainly considered. You can request clinical sites based on desired geographical location, area of interest, or specific clinical setting, and we鈥檒l do our best to consider your preferences as we determine clinical placements. You may also have the opportunity of starting your own clinical rotation site if it can match our educational requirements.
How many seats are available each year?
We run one cohort per year of roughly 60 students. Students come on campus to start their program in early May, at the beginning of our Summer semester.
What can be pending when I submit my application?
Letter of recommendations, test scores, and some prerequisites can be pending or in progress when you submit your application.
If you have sent out your Letter of Recommendation requests, you can submit your application. For the standardized test scores, use our school code so your scores are submitted directly to the university. Test scores and letters of recommendation get attached to your application once they are received. The program will allow up to 12 credits pending or in-progress when the application is submitted.聽 The more complete your application is at the time of submission, the better your chances of being accepted.
Can I take prerequisites online or at a community college?
Yes, as long as they satisfy our specific prerequisite requirements, you can take these courses at any regionally accredited institution. Both in-person and online courses are acceptable. Some prerequisites may require labs which may not be available online. For any questions regarding prerequisite courses, please fill out the Prereq Form.
Will a cadaver lab be included as part of the Medical Anatomy course?
You will have access to cadavers as part of lab learning experiences during the Medical Anatomy Course. We maintain a state-of-the-art on-campus cadaver laboratory curated by a full-time anatomist to ensure that our students receive the most effective training. We also offer an interactive 3-D and virtual anatomy training lab for all of our students. Any student may request an exemption from the cadaver lab for religious or personal reasons.
Is it advisable to have a job while in the program?
We understand that some of our students are interested in working while they move through the program. It鈥檚 important to understand that this is a rigorous program that will require your full-time attention. Therefore, we do not recommend full-time employment and suggest that, if you do get a job, it involves the optometry field and takes very little of your valuable time. Students who desire to work must request a waiver from the College of Optometric Medicine. Students may have opportunities for paid employment at the university in labs or as tutors.
How long is the program?
The program is eleven semesters long and stretches over a 4-year span. It is a year-round program with breaks of two to two-and-a-half weeks in between each semester. This year-round model allows students to graduate slightly faster than other optometry schools without getting overworked.
Technology Requirements
Will I need a new computer?
Do I have to have a laptop?
You are welcome to use a desktop computer at home. However, if you are in a program that includes onsite classes, you must have a laptop to bring with you.
What about a Chromebook?
Because software aside from apps available via an internet browser will be used, a Chromebook is not sufficient. Chromebook can be incompatible with some required software.
My brand new iPad will work fine, right?
Sorry, no. A hybrid/convertible laptop will be fine, but a tablet (including iPad) is not sufficient. Tablets can be incompatible with some required software.
I鈥檝e never taken a course online. How can I prepare?
Our 鈥淲elcome to 黑料专区!鈥� student resource course includes specific information about multiple resources available to incoming students. In addition, at 6 weeks before the start of your program (PA students at 8-10 weeks), you will be enrolled in our required New Student Orientation course, 鈥満诹献�区101鈥�. Participation in this course will give you practice with our systems and experience online.