Affiliated External Clinic Sites

This page contains professional, and educational information for internal use. It is designed to be used by faculty, administrators, and optometry students of the Michigan College of Optometry.

Resource Materials

• Externship Manual 
• Absence Request Forms

Rotation 2025-2026

• Rotation Calendar dates

VA Rotations

Vaccination requirements vary by VA location, please contact MCO to verify the requirements before making your selection.

If vaccinations are required, it is the student's responsibility to submit an exemption prior to their rotation if they are not vaccinated. Failure to do so may result in being denied a rotation at the VA.

VA's require that you reach out at least 90 days prior to the start of your rotation to receive instructions on required documents and processes that must be completed at least 30 days before your start date. This is an example checklist, contact your VA for more information. 

• Checklist for Health Professions Trainees (HTPs) Training at VA Facilities

Planning on attending an AOA, MOA, SVOSH trip or other type of professional conference during your rotation? Contact your site Supervisor EARLY to make sure the time is available at the clinic.  It is up to the site Supervisor to allow time off. 

NOTE:  We are asking all students to please reach out to your next semester externship site early to determine any additional protocols and procedures that may be required due to COVID.  As many sites are out of state and the situation remains fluid we urge you to plan ahead and early.

This site is updated frequently. If you notice an error or have a comment or suggestion, please contact Michelle Balliet at 231-591-3706 Email: [email protected]