Build a successful career
At the Arizona College of Optometry, our dedicated and caring faculty will challenge you to improve your technical skills as they encourage you to focus on your patients. Shared labs, rotations, and practice experiences help you and your classmates benefit from an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork. You will also learn on the job as you provide hands-on patient care at the Midwestern University Eye Institute. We will help you build your career as a member of tomorrow's healthcare team.
Program
Doctoral
Location
Glendale, AZ
Duration
4 Years
Intake
August
Class Size
60
AZCOPT awards the degree Doctor of Optometry upon successful completion of the requirements. The first and second years of the curriculum emphasize basic health sciences, optics and visual science and students are introduced to clinical practice in simulation laboratories and through introductory courses. Visual consequences of disease are introduced in the second year. The third year, divided between a didactic and clinical setting, emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of ocular dysfunction and disease. The fourth year is intensive clinical training that will include some on campus and off campus externship rotations. Clinical settings for external rotations include military facilities, veteran administration hospitals, public health service hospitals and specialty and/or private practices or clinics.
- Basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences
- Pre-clinical simulations
- Community clinical rotations
- Optometry business management courses
- Local and national external rotation sites
To view the AZCOPT curriculum in greater detail, follow this link to the curriculum table.
The Arizona College of Optometry's vision is to:
- Deliver the premier optometric educational experience utilizing our unique multi-health professions setting and cutting edge technology
- Provide our students with the knowledge and skills to deliver the highest level of professional, ethical and compassionate eye and vision care
- Promote life-long learning, community outreach, and innovative research
The 9 goals of the Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) are listed below:
- Ensure that students have a strong foundation in basic visual and clinical sciences by providing broad and innovative educational opportunities
- Plan and develop a diversity of clinical experiences to enable students to enter the practice of optometry
- Support and nurture an environment of intellectual inquiry and research activity by students, residents, and faculty
- Promote interprofessional educational programming to develop students' appreciation of other health care professions
- Promote student involvement in community service
- Maintain and advance high quality residency programs
- Perpetuate an Eye Institute that serves the eye/vision care needs of the community
- Provide lifelong learning activities and support services to the optometric profession and the public
- Maintain the financial viability of the College
The Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry has been granted the accreditation classification of ACCREDITED as of April 24, 2013 by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), of the American Optometric Association (AOA), 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7881; phone 314-991-4100. "Accredited" is the classification granted to a professional degree program that generally meets the standards for accreditation.
Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), located at 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413; 312-263-0456.
Optometrists practice in a wide variety of settings. Some of the positions included below require advanced education or training beyond the O.D. Degree.
- Private optometry, partnership or group practice
- Ophthalmology practice
- Federal government:
- Veterans Health Administration optometry service
- Public Health Service
- Indian Health Service
- Armed services (military)
- Hospitals
- Academia
- Research
- Health maintenance organizations
- Ophthalmic industry
- Franchise/retail office practices
- Graduate education and residencies:
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Visual Science, Physiological Optics, Neurophysiology, Public Health, Health Administration, Health Information and Communication, or Health Education
- Postgraduate clinical residency programs in Family Practice Optometry, Pediatrics Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Low-vision Rehabilitation, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Refractive and Ocular Surgery, Primary Eye Care Optometry, and Ocular Disease.
Students seeking admission to AZCOPT must submit the following documented evidence:
- Possess a minimum cumulative GPA and science coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A BA degree is acceptable, but a BS degree is preferred.
- Submit the results of one of the following entrance examinations: Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A competitive test score (at least at or above the mean score for each exam) is recommended of all applicants. In order to be considered for admittance to the class in the Fall of each academic year, the entrance examination must be taken and results submitted by April 30th of the year of matriculation. Entrance exam scores must be earned no more than five years prior to the planned enrollment year.
- Complete the necessary course prerequisites. All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better. Only courses designed for science majors or pre-professional students are acceptable for the science prerequisites.
- Provide two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a practicing optometrist. The other letter must be from a prehealth advisor, a science professor, an employer or extracurricular activity advisor.
- Have a good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a practicing optometrist in the clinical setting.
- Participate in extracurricular and/or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation.
- Embody interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
- Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- A commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
Prerequisite Courses
Course | Sem Hrs | Qtr Hrs |
Biology with lab | 8 | 12 |
General/Inorganic Chemistry with lab | 8 | 12 |
Organic Chemistry with lab | 4 | 6 |
Physics | 6 | 9 |
Calculus | 3 | 4 |
Microbiology | 3 | 4 |
Statistics | 3 | 4 |
Psychology | 3 | 4 |
English | 6 | 9 |
*AZCOPT strongly recommends Anatomy, Physiology, and Biocemistry.
The Doctor of Optometry degree program is rigorous and challenging. The Admissions Committee will therefore assess the quality and rigor of the pre-optometry academic records presented by applicants. When assessing an application, the Admissions Committee will view with concern applicants with:
- Cumulative and science grade point averages below 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Academic Average and Total Science OAT scores below 300.
- Prerequisite science coursework completed more than 10 years ago. More recent (within five years) math and science coursework is preferred.
Application Deadline
Students must apply for admission via OptomCAS by April 1st. Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of seats available, students are strongly encouraged to complete the application early in the cycle. AZCOPT will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.
15%
Above Nat'l Avg
NBEO Part I
March 2022
98%
Pass Rate on
NBEO Part II
December 2021
94%
Pass Rate on
NBEO Part III
July-June 2021-2022
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of course prerequisites with a grade of C or higher
- Minimum overall cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Submission of the results of one of the following entrance examinations: Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- A competitive test score (at least at or above the mean score for each exam) is recommended of all applicants.
- In order to be considered for the class to be admitted in the fall of each academic year, the entrance examination must be taken and results submitted by April 30th of the year of matriculation.
- Entrance exam scores must be earned no more than five years prior to the planned enrollment year.
- Additional information on the OAT may be found online at www.opted.org
- Two letters of recommendation
- One letter must be from a practicing optometrist
Student Demographics
Year | Matriculates | Sex | Non AZ Residents | Canadian | URM | Entering GPA | |
Female | Male | ||||||
2022 | 63 | 71% | 29% | 86% | 8% | 24% | 3.59 |
2021 | 63 | 59% | 41% | 86% | 10% | 21% | 3.52 |
2020 | 70 | 57% | 43% | 77% | 6% | 19% | 3.53 |
2019 | 57 | 54% | 46% | 84% | 9% | 19% | 3.41 |
2018 | 56 | 46% | 54% | 95% | 9% | 13% | 3.44 |
2017 | 56 | 50% | 50% | 80% | 9% | 21% | 3.39 |
Annual Institutional Pass Rates for National Board Exams
NBEO Exam Part I, Applied Basic Science | ||||||
Year | Total number of first time test takers (March and August) | Breakdown of total number of first time test takers by test administration date | AZCOPT Pass Rate (%) of first time test takers | National Pass Rate (%) of first time test takers | AZCOPT Advantage | |
March | August | |||||
2023 | 64 | 64 | TBD | 85.94% | 67.08% | 18.86% |
2022 | 56 | 55 | 1 | 78.57% | 63.66% | 14.91% |
2021 | 54 | 54 | 0 | 83.33% | 71.84% | 11.49% |
2020* | 46 | 44 | 2 | 82.61% | 78.58% | 4.03% |
2019 | 51 | 51 | 0 | 92.15% | 77.53% | 14.62% |
2018 | 54 | 53 | 1 | 85.19% | 75.86% | 9.33% |
*traditional administration dates were altered due to COVID |
NBEO Exam Part II, Patient Assessment and Management | ||||||
Year | Total Number of First time test takers (December and April) | Breakdown of total number of first time test takers by test administration date | AZCOPT Pass Rate (%) of first time test takers | National Pass Rate (%) of first time test takers | AZCOPT Advantage | |
December | April | |||||
2022-2023 | 56 | 55 | 1 | 82.14% | 72.69% | 9.45% |
2021-2022 | 53 | 52 | 1 | 96.23% | 84.65% | 11.58% |
2020*-2021 | 47 | 45 | 2 | 89.36% | 88.43% | 0.93% |
2019-2020 | 49 | 49 | 0 | 100.00% | 90.21% | 9.79% |
2018-2019 | 54 | 54 | 0 | 96.30% | 90.21% | 6.09% |
*traditional administration dates were altered due to COVID |
NBEO Exam Part III, Clinical Skills Examination | ||||
Year (July-June) | Total number of first time test takers | AZCOPT Pass Rate (%) of first time test takers | National Pass Rate (%) of first time test takers | AZCOPT Advantage |
2021-2022 | 52 | 94.23% | 79.65% | 14.58% |
2020-2021 | 49 | 93.30% | 80.88% | 12.42% |
2019-2020 | 48 | 87.50% | 85.12% | 2.38% |
2018-2019 | 53 | 90.57% | 87.03% | 3.54% |
Ultimate Pass Rates
At the time of graduation, students having attempted all three parts of the NBEO or OEBC portion and have passed all three parts or passed the OEBC.
Graduating Cohort Year |
AZCOPT Graduates passing all Parts | % of AZCOPT graduates | % of National graduates |
2021-2022 | 51 | 98.04% | 87.77% |
2020-2021 | 50 | 96.00% | 92.46% |
2019-2020 | 50 | 98.00% | 92.20% |
2018-2019 | 54 | 98.15% | 92.68% |
2017-2018 | 50 | 96.00% | 92.09% |
National Board of Examiners in Optometry Report
NBEO report: Comprised of students who met the graduation requirements of the program (completed courses, passed part I and took part II of NBEO) from October 1st - September 30th of the graduation year, regardless of initial matriculation date.
Pass Rates by Graduating Class year for first time test takers:
AZCOPT Graduates from October 2021 - September 2022 | ||
AZCOPT Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | |
Part I | 86.27% | 73.19% |
Part II | 98.04% | 86.01% |
Part III | 94.12% | 79.89% |
Ultimate Pass Rate | 98.04% | 87.77% |
AZCOPT Graduates from October 2020 - September 2021 | ||
AZCOPT Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | |
Part I | 76.00% | 77.67% |
Part II | 94.00% | 89.65% |
Part III | 90.00% | 79.87% |
Ultimate Pass Rate | 96.00% | 92.46% |
AZCOPT Graduates from October 2019 - September 2020 | ||
AZCOPT Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | |
Part I | 96.00% | 81.77% |
Part II | 100.00% | 93.21% |
Part III | 88.00% | 85.75% |
Ultimate Pass Rate | 98.00% | 92.11% |
AZCOPT Graduates from October 2018 - September 2019 | ||
AZCOPT Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | |
Part I | 85.19% | 74.66% |
Part II | 94.44% | 87.63% |
Part III | 92.59% | 83.88% |
Ultimate Pass Rate | 98.15% | 92.68% |
AZCOPT Graduates from October 2017 - September 2018 | ||
AZCOPT Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | |
Part I | 84.00% | 72.93% |
Part II | 94.00% | 89.96% |
Part III | 88.00% | 75.97% |
Ultimate Pass Rate | 96.00% | 92.09% |
Attrition Rates for Classes Entering in 2019-2022
|
Class Entering in |
Class Entering in |
Class Entering in |
Class Entering in |
Number of students enrolled |
63 |
63 |
70 |
57 |
Attrition rate of students for academic reasons |
0.00 (0) |
0.00% (0) |
2.86% (2) |
3.51% (2) |
Attrition rate of students for other reasons |
1.59% (1) |
0.00% (0) |
2.86% (2) |
1.75% (1) |
Students still enrolled or on an extended program* |
98.41% (62) |
100.00% (63) |
94.29% (66) |
94.74% (54) |
*Extended program students scheduled to graduate in 5 or more years from initial matriculation
Graduation and Attrition Rates
Year of Matriculation | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||
Number of Students Matriculated | 54 | 54 | 56 | 56 | ||||
Graduated in 4 years* | 48 | 88.89% | 46 | 85.19% | 41 | 73.21% | 49 | 87.50% |
Graduated in 5 years | 4 | 7.41% | 3 | 5.56% | 3 | 5.36% | TBD | |
Graduated at any time | 54 | 100.00% | 50 | 92.59% | 44 | 78.57% | 49 | 87.50% |
Still enrolled or on a leave of absence | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | 3 | 5.36% |
Completed all curricular requirements but not met other graduation requirements^ | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | 3 | 5.36% | 0 | 0.00% |
Attrition for Academic Reasons | 0 | 0.00% | 1 | 1.85% | 1 | 1.79% | 0 | 0.00% |
Attrition for Other Reasons | 0 | 0.00% | 3 | 5.56% | 8 | 14.23% | 4 | 7.14% |
*A student who graduates within the same calendar year as the end of their fourth academic year is included in the 4 year graduation rate
^Students are required to pass NBEO Part I and take NBEO Part II or the Written Exam of the Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OBEC) to satisfy the college graduation requirements.
Statistics As of 2/8/2023.
Percentage of graduates that pursued residency post graduation
Graduating Class |
Percentage of Graduates Matched to Postdoctoral Residency Programs |
Class of 2013 | 34.10% |
Class of 2014 | 36.40% |
Class of 2015 | 28.90% |
Class of 2016 | 21.60% |
Class of 2017 | 28.90% |
Class of 2018 | 19.60% |
Class of 2019 | 26.40% |
Class of 2020 | 41.50% |
Class of 2021 | 32.00% |
Class of 2022 | 19.00% |
Career and Educational Opportunities
Optometrists practice in a wide variety of settings. Some of the positions included below require advanced education or training beyond the O.D. Degree.
- Private optometry, partnership or group practice
- Ophthalmology practice
- Federal government:
- Veterans Health Administration optometry service
- Public Health Service
- Indian Health Service
- Armed services (military)
- Hospitals
- Academia
- Research
- Health maintenance organizations
- Ophthalmic industry
- Franchise/retail office practices
- Graduate education and residencies:
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Visual Science, Physiological Optics, Neurophysiology, Public Health, Health Administration, Health Information and Communication, or Health Education
- Postgraduate clinical residency programs in Family Practice Optometry, Pediatrics Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Low-vision Rehabilitation, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Refractive and Ocular Surgery, Primary Eye Care Optometry, and Ocular Disease.
US Employment Projections and Median Salary
Employment of optometrists is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for optometrists. As people age, they become more susceptible to conditions that impair vision, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
The number of people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, has grown in recent years. Diabetes has been linked to increased rates of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye and may lead to loss of vision. More optometrists will be needed to monitor, treat, and refer individuals with chronic conditions stemming from diabetes.
In addition, nearly all health plans cover medical eye care and many cover preventive eye exams. Furthermore, the number of individuals, particularly children, who have access to vision or eye care insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. More optometrists will be needed to provide services to patients.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Healthcare, Optometrists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm#tab-6 (accessed 01/27/2022)
Median Annual Salary: $141,400*
*Source: Eyes on Eyecare, updated January 7, 2022 - eyesoneyecare.com
The starting salary new OD graduates earn is dependent on the professional practice site they enter.