2 years at RDC - 1 year at most universities
The Pre-Optometry program at RDC is the first two years of the three year pre-professional program required for admission to Doctor of Optometry at University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Your third year of study will be completed at a university of your choice. You must make sure you meet admission and minimum course load requirements for the professional program as well as your alternate degree program.
Suggested Pattern Year 1
- BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
- CHEM 211/CHEM 351 (3 credits)
- MATH 202 or MATH 203 (3 credits)
- STAT 251 (3 credits)
- ENGL 219 (3 credits)
- PSYC 260 (3 credits
- PHIL 201 or PHIL 300 (3 credits)
- Free Electives (3 credits)
Suggested Pattern Year 2
Please contact the artscienceinfo [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advisors in the School of Arts and Sciences), or refer to the Academic Advising Planning Guides.
Visit RDC’s Course Catalogue/Timetable to read detailed course descriptions.
Please note that course work for pre-professional programs varies as per university. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are taking correct pre-professional coursework when applying the a University other than specified in the Calendar.
For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides.
International Students and Students applying outside of their home province are advised to consult the calendar of the institution to which you will be applying regarding its policy on admitting international and out-of-province students. This may vary between institutions.
Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- ELA 30-1
- Mathematics 30-1
- Physics 30
Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.
You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.
- Clinical Practice
- Private Clinics
- Partnerships
- Public Health Units
- Education Services
- Public or Industrial Consultants
- Research and Advanced Study
Admission to the Pre-Optometry program at RDC does not guarantee admission to Doctor of Optometry at University of Waterloo. You should meet the admission requirements of the professional school, and also design your program so that you can complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Competitive admission to professional programs requires a high grade point average. You should check with universities to be aware of specific admission requirements.