2 years at RDP - 1 year at most universities
This program pathway is still offered at Red Deer Polytechnic through the new University Sciences diploma.
The Pre-Optometry program at RDP 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
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 RDP’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:
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.
Admission to the Pre-Optometry program at RDP 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.