College Degree Optometry
Type:
Doctor of Optometry
College:
Optometry
Career Pathway:
Health Sciences
The curriculum at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University is designed to produce doctors of optometry who are qualified to practice full-scope optometric care in any state and practice setting. The optometry degree curriculum includes clinical training in optometry and practice under the supervision of college faculty.
The college of Optometry, which meets the standards of the Association of Schools and College of Optometry and is accredited by the Council on Optometric Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, operates in modern, up-to-date classrooms and labs, including an on-campus clinic. Off-campus optometry degree and clinical lab facilities also are used to maximize clinical education.
Examples of the College's off-campus clinical affiliations in optometry include Veterans Administration hospitals, military medical facilities, optometric referral centers and prison health care facilities.
The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University was established in 1975 and remains the only institution in Michigan (one of only 17 nationally) to offer an optometry degree program. The profession is one of the top 5 income-earning professions in the country and is dedicated to maximizing the visual efficiency and quality of life of optometry patients.
The optometry degree program encompasses the prevention and remediation of disorders of the eyes and visual systems through the optometry examination, optometry diagnosis, eye care treatment and management of visual problems and eye diseases.
Doctors of Optometry are primary health care providers who enjoy favorable working conditions, regular hours and a minimum of emergency calls. The optometry profession offers many career options and great freedom in choosing a location to live and practice. Career options for graduates of the Michigan optometry degree program include private practice, group practice or institutional practice in hospitals, health centers, health maintenance organizations or corporate offices. Earn an Optometry degree at Ferris State an enjoy many career options that can include residency training and further optometry specialization. Graduates of the optometry degree program report a high level of satisfaction with the career choice, income and lifestyle. An optometry degree and doctorate degree optometry leads to a rewarding career in the optometry profession, rated as the number two career in the "excellent" category by the U.S. News & World Report website.
Regardless of the type of practice, optometry is counted as one of the top ten income-earning professions in the country. In 2004, the average net income for all optometrists was $136,898. The income of private practice ODs with a doctorate degree in optometry was slightly higher than average, at $148,923. For 2004, the employed corporate annual income was down to $85,000 and the independent contractor (corporate optometrist) was $106,083. In addition to the monetary rewards, and optometry degree leads to a career in a very satisfying profession since, by treating a patient's vision problems, one can improve the quality of the patient's life. Earn an optometry degree and doctorate degree in Optometry at Ferris State. The profession of optometry provides substantial financial security as the demand for quality eye care in America will only continue to grow as the population ages.
Applicants to the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) optometry degree program must complete a minimum of three years (90 semester hours or 135 quarter term hours) of college or university education or have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to admission. An application for the optometry degree program may be submitted while the minimum requirements are being completed. The baccalaureate degree is preferred for doctorate degree optometry applicants entering the Michigan College of Optometry - MCO.
Pre-professional college optometry courses must include the following: general biology (one year with lab); inorganic chemistry (one year with lab); organic chemistry (one year with lab); general physics (one year with lab); microbiology (one course with lab); calculus (one course); statistics (one course); speech (one course); general psychology (one course).
Additional required optometry degree courses for individuals entering without a baccalaureate degree include: English/composition (one year); humanities, 9 semester hours and behavioral science, 9 semester hours including the general psychology course above.
The following college courses are recommended but not required: business management or accounting, genetics, physiology, anatomy, embryology/developmental biology, and biochemistry.
All optometry degree applicants to the Michigan College of Optometry are required to sit for the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), which is designed to measure general academic ability and scientific knowledge. Optometry degree applications are received beginning August 15 and doctorate degree optometry applications must be completed by February 1.
The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University grants the doctor of optometry degree. Graduation requirements for the optometry degree program include completion of all courses outlined in the optometry curriculum, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and recommendations for the optometry degree by the dean and by the faculty based on academic performance and ethical and professional standards.
Michigan College of Optometry
Ferris State University
1310 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids, Michigan MI (USA) 49307-2738
Phone: 231-591-3703
About Ferris State University: College optometry classes including our Doctor of Optometry Degree Program, are taught at all levels by professional teachers, not graduate assistants. College students in Optometry at Ferris State University, including our Optometry Doctorate Degree students, study in more than 170 different college educational programs which include many doctorate degrees in optometry, masters degrees, bachelor's degrees and associate degree programs.
Seven of the Ferris' Michigan colleges are based in Big Rapids, Michigan - Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, College of Business, Education and Human Services, College of Optometry, Pharmacy and Technology. Ferris' College of Professional and Technological studies, and Kendall College of Art and Design are based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. College optometry degree courses are typically offered exclusively at the Big Rapids campus while many undergraduate degree courses are also offered at several Michigan College campus sites through the Ferris State University Center for Extended Learning.
Approximately 220 student organizations are active on our Michigan college campus, encompassing everything from Mathematics Education, the Accounting Club, Chess Club to Men's and Women's Rugby; Bulldog Radio to the Juggling Club; Peak SEO and the Dead Poet's Society to the Paintball Club.
The wide range of student organizations and academic support groups caters to support Doctor of Optometry Program students social, athletic, political, academic, performing arts, and additional interests. Ferris State University continues to be a top technical and professional academic institution, providing accredited college education to make its Optometry Degree students immediately employable upon graduation.
Ferris State Michigan
Campus Locations
Through our regional college campus locations across lower Michigan, Ferris State University and The University Center for Extended Learning are here to serve your educational needs.
Tel: 800 4-FERRIS
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