Reserved Student Placement Available
Articulation Agreement between KYCO and SWCC paves the way for SWCC Science students’ admission to the Kentucky College of Optometry
Southwest students who graduate with an AA&S degree in science with a specialization in pre-medical, and Advanced Studies in Science and meet all of the requirements listed in the articulation agreement with SWCC & the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), will be eligible to attain one of three reserved seats at KYCO. The University of Pikeville will provide to three students preferential admission to UPike’s Doctor of Optometry program through the Reserved Student Placement Program.
The purpose of the program is to provide highly motivated and intellectually capable undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to secure their seats at the University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry.
Students interested in being considered for a reserved seat at UPike KYCO must first earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Science with a specialization in pre-medical and an Advanced Studies in Science Certificate and meet the requirements at Southwest Virginia Community College. This is a 90-credit-hour Science/Pre-medical specialization with a Pre-Optometry Track.
To be considered for a reserved seat the SWCC student applicant will:
- Successfully complete a minimum of 90 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited institution of higher learning (SWCC)
*Note: The minimum prerequisite courses obtained at an accredited institution of higher education (SWCC) must be completed by the time of matriculation. - Apply to the program via the centralized application system, OptomCas by January 31st of the academic year in which they wish to be considered
- Maintenance of an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher with a science GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application
- Achieve an OAT® score with a minimum of 310 Academic Average and a 300 Science Average
- Submit a 500-word personal essay indicating how the applicant fulfills the mission of the program and intends to contribute to the Kentucky College of Optometry Community and the profession of Optometry
- Demonstrate service to the community as indicated by volunteering and participation for 20 or more hours in service projects that consider the role of community engagement in healthcare
- Shadowing experience of 20 or more hours in an Optometric practice
- Letters of recommendation from a faculty advisor or science faculty member who is the health professions advisor, an optometrist, and a community member with whom the applicant has worked closely
- Have the certifying official of the partner institution notify the Kentucky College of Optometry that the applicant is one of the individuals designated as a priority applicant.
- Complete a successful interview by members of the admissions committee of the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry
*These requirements are subject to change for each admissions cycle.
Download the program application requirements and the Pre-Optometry track course list. (pdf)
You may also visit the UPike Kentucky College of Optometry website for more information.
Pre-Optometry Track
Science Pre-Optometry Curriculum – SUMMER SEMESTER YEAR ONE
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101 | Biology I | 4 credits |
| BIO 102 | Biology II | 4 credits |
| MTH 161 | Pre-Calculus I | 3 credits |
| Total 11 credits |
Science Pre-Optometry Curriculum – FIRST SEMESTER
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 credits |
| PHY 201 | College Physics I | 4 credits |
| CHM 111 | College Chemistry I | 4 credits |
| MTH 261 | Calculus I | 3 credits |
| HLT 143 | Medical Terminology | 3 credits |
| SDV 101 | Orientation to Science | 1 credits |
| Total 18 credits |
Science Pre-Optometry Curriculum – SECOND SEMESTER
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 112 | College Composition II | 3 credits |
| PHY 202 | College Physics II | 4 credits |
| CHM 112 | College Chemistry II | 4 credits |
| HIS | History | 3 credits |
| CST 100 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 credits |
| Total 17 credits |
Science Pre-Optometry Curriculum – SUMMER SEMESTER YEAR TWO
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 241 | Literature | 3 credits |
| MTH 245 | Statistics | 3 credits |
| CHM 260 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| Total 9 credits |
Science Pre-Optometry Curriculum – THIRD SEMESTER
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY | Psychology | 3 credits |
| CHM 241/243 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 credits |
| BIO 141 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits |
| Elective | Math/Science/Humanities/Social Science | 3 credits |
| Elective | Humanities | 3 credits |
| Total 17 credits |
Science Pre-Optometry Curriculum – FOURTH SEMESTER
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Math/Science/Humanities/Social Science | 3 credits |
| CHM 242/244 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 credits |
| BIO 142 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits |
| BIO 205 | General Microbiology | 4 credits |
| ITE 115 | Intro to Computer Applications and Concepts or approved elective | 3 credits |
| Total 18 credits |
Total Minimum Credits for the AA&S in Science Pre-Optometry Track … 90 Credits
*Social science electives include ECO 201-202; PLS 211-212; PSY 200; PSY 231-232; PSY 255; PSY 266; SOC 200; SOC 235; SOC 268; HIS 101-102; HIS 266; HIS 269; HIS 277; GEO 200; GEO 210
** Determine the transfer institution’s requirements before selection.
Humanities Electives: ENG 241-242, ENG 243-244, ENG 251-252, ENG 257, ENG 279, HUM 256, PHI 101-102, ART 101-102, MUS 121-122, SPA 101-102, 201-201, FRE 101-102, 201-202, REL 200, REL 210, REL 230, REL 246
Students are encouraged to meet with the pre-optometry Track advisor.