Optometry Students

Student Support

Optometry students have access to resources and services in the Student Support Office within the College of Optometry. These services are part of what makes Pacific University a great place to complete your education!

One of the things we do is organize different programs and events that assist and support students. Some examples are scheduling and registration of all students, acting as the liaison between students and University offices, and working with the student government (Student Optometric Association). Events that we plan include New Student Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, and Practice Opportunity Fairs, among others.

Another main part of our purpose is to assist students with issues that may not be academic in nature, but affect academic performance. This can include personal/family stress, medical emergencies, financial hardships, etc. We also serve as advocates for students if they need help working out concerns or issues with faculty members or administrators. Our doors are always open, and we encourage students to stop in at any time.

Student Support is where you begin when you’re not sure what to do or where to go!

    Student Accolades

    Our students continue to excel academically. The National Board exams, which represent a national standard of entry-level competence to practice optometry, shows how our students scored in national comparisons.

    NBEO Pass Rates - updated 11/05/19

    Class of 2017

     

    PUCO - First Time Test Takers

    		 National - First Time Test Takers
    (From NBEO website)

    Part I: ABS

    90.22%

    77%

    Part II: PAM

    97.80%

    92%

    Part III: CSE

    80.22%

    81%

    Ultimate Pass Rate 

    97.75%

    91.06%
    Class of 2018

     

    PUCO - First Time Test Takers

    National - First Time Test Takers
    (From NBEO website)

    Part I: ABS

    83.33%

    72%

    Part II: PAM

    95.24%

    89%

    Part III: CSE

    75.90%

    76.00%
    Ultimate Pass Rate   93.75% 92.09%
    Class of 2019

     

    PUCO - First Time Test Takers

    National - First Time Test Takers
    (From NBEO website)

    Part I: ABS

    87.36%

    76.28%

    Part II: PAM

    97.7%

    90.25%

    Part III: CSE

    89.66%

    84.01%
    Ultimate Pass Rate   96.55% 92.62%
    Class of 2020

     

    PUCO - First Time Test Takers

    National - First Time Test Takers
    (From NBEO website)

    Part I: ABS

    80.22%

    79.15%

    Part II: PAM

    N/A

    N/A

    Part III: CSE

    N/A

    N/A
    Ultimate Pass Rate   N/A N/A

    Graduation Rates

       4-Year  Ultimate Grad Rate
    2019 89% 95%
    2018 91% 93%
    2017 96% 96%
    2016 91% 97%

    Attrition Rates

    Class of  Original Cohort/Graduated Attrition % Rate
    2019 93/86 7 8%
    2018 92/86 6 7%
    2017 91/89 2 2%
    2016 91/87 4 4%

    Number of Pacific Students Who Matched with Residency Programs 

       2020:   12
       2019:   13
       2018:   16
       2017:   19

    Mandatory Licensure Requirements Disclosure - updated 7/1/20

    The United States Department of Education delivered a final rule and in compliance with Federal Regulation, 34 CFR §668.43, the Pacific University College of Optometry (PUCO) provides the following disclosure related to the educational requirements for professional licensure in Optometry. 

    The determination of meeting the educational requirements for certification or licensure does assume than an individual successfully completes the program and is awarded the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.  This determination is unrelated to state specific requirements that is outside of PUCO's control, such as, but not limited to, National Board of Examiners in Optometry completion, state jurisprudence exams, and courses only offered by a State board.

    This disclosure is only based off of the published requirements from each state and is does not guarantee approval or denial of an application.  This disclosure is based off of the information as of the date of the publication and does not account for any changes in state law or regulation.  It is strongly encouraged to contact the State’s licensing entity to review licensure requirements by state.  A list of the state boards can be found on the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry’s website.

    All states do require graduation from an Accredited Optometry Program. Pacific University College of Optometry’s Optometry Degree Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. 

    Pacific University College of Optometry does meet the minimum educational standards for a Doctor of Optometry licensure or certification in the following States / Territories:

    Pacific University College of Optometry does NOT meet the educational standards for the following states/territories:

    • N/A

    Pacific University College of Optometry has not determined if it meets the educational standards for the following states/territories:

    • Guam
    • Puerto Rico
    • Virgin Islands