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Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University (2026): OAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University is one of the most established optometry programs in the United States. Located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, PCO has been training optometrists for over a century and is widely respected for its rigorous clinical training, research opportunities, and commitment to primary eye care. Note: PCO is affiliated with Salus University; students should verify current institutional affiliations including any Drexel University partnerships directly with the admissions office.

About the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

PCO at Salus University offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree with a strong emphasis on clinical excellence and patient care. The Elkins Park campus provides access to on-site clinics, specialty care rotations, and a collaborative academic environment. PCO graduates are well-prepared for licensure and practice across a wide range of optometric settings.

  • Location: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
  • Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Approximate Class Size: 100–120 students per year
  • Application System: OPTOMCAS

OAT Score Requirements

PCO does not publish a strict minimum OAT score, but competitive applicants typically present scores in the following ranges:

  • Academic Average (AA): 320 or higher (competitive range)
  • Total Science (TS): 315 or higher
  • Individual sections: Scores of 300+ in all sections strengthen your application

The OAT is scored on a scale of 200–400, with 300 representing the national average. Applicants with lower scores may consider strengthening their application before applying.

GPA Expectations

  • Overall GPA: 3.2 or higher recommended
  • Science GPA: 3.1 or higher recommended

PCO reviews applications holistically — strong clinical experience and letters of recommendation can strengthen a borderline application.

Prerequisite Coursework

Most applicants to PCO will need the following prerequisite courses completed before matriculation:

  • Biology with lab (2 semesters)
  • General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
  • Organic Chemistry with lab (1–2 semesters)
  • Physics with lab (2 semesters)
  • Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
  • English/Writing (1–2 semesters)
  • Microbiology (recommended)
  • Biochemistry (recommended)

Always verify current prerequisites directly with PCO's admissions office, as requirements may be updated.

Application Process

PCO participates in OPTOMCAS, the centralized application service for optometry schools. Key steps include:

  1. Submit your OPTOMCAS application (opens in July each year)
  2. Complete the Salus University supplemental application
  3. Submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation (typically 3), and your personal statement
  4. Optometry observation hours are strongly recommended (100+ hours)
  5. Competitive applicants are invited for an on-campus or virtual interview

The application cycle typically opens in July and the program uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly advised.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition at PCO is approximately $40,000–$48,000 per year (subject to change). Over four years, total tuition costs typically exceed $160,000. Students should budget for additional fees including equipment, clinical supplies, and living expenses in the greater Philadelphia area.

Financial aid, scholarships, and federal loan programs are available through Salus University's financial aid office.

How to Prepare for the OAT

The OAT tests Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Strong preparation in all sections is essential for a competitive score.

Dr. Jim Romano's OAT Destroyer series has helped students prepare for the OAT since 2006. The books used in his live and online courses include:

  1. OAT Destroyer — comprehensive OAT prep covering all science and math sections
  2. Math Destroyer — targeted quantitative reasoning prep
  3. General Chemistry Destroyer — deep-dive general chemistry review
  4. Organic Chemistry Odyssey — focused organic chemistry preparation
  5. Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — comprehensive biology review for OAT and DAT

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