Admitted Students (OD-AS)
Congratulations And Welcome To The WesternU Family
We are excited for you to join the College of Optometry in Fall 2027. Use this page as your central guide for required next steps, important links, and contact information as you prepare to begin the program.
Important: Once assigned, check your WesternU email regularly. Financial aid, registration, orientation, and final admission requirement updates will be sent to that account.
Accepting Our Offer
Again, congratulations and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Office of Admissions
Western University of Health Sciences
Your Next Steps Before Orientation
1. Accept Your Offer and Pay Your Deposit
Sign in to your application status page and open your offer letter. Select Reply to Offer of Admission, review the terms, and submit your response by the deadline shown. After accepting, use the enrollment deposit link on your status page, if applicable, and submit payment by the listed deadline.
2. ODAS Placement Process
(FOR ADVANCED STANDING OD STUDENTS ONLY)
Your admission and curriculum placement are two separate processes. You will receive a preliminary placement with your admission offer. Your final curriculum placement will be determined after completion of the College of Optometry’s individualized placement process.
Your Final Placement May Consider
- Prior coursework
- Clinical experience
- Professional practice experience
- NBEO examination performance
- Placement interview
- On-campus clinical proficiency evaluation
- Applicable course test-outs
Official Placement Letter. Once the placement process is complete, the College of Optometry will provide an official Placement Letter outlining your advanced standing credit, year of entry into the curriculum, and required didactic and clinical coursework.
NBEO Examinations & Placement
NBEO examinations are not required for admission. However, results may be considered as part of your individualized curriculum placement.
After you have accepted your admission offer, accepted your preliminary placement, and submitted your enrollment deposit, WesternU may sponsor one attempt for each NBEO examination part to assist with determining your final placement.
IMPORTANT: Passing an NBEO examination does not guarantee advanced placement. Final placement is based on the College of Optometry’s overall evaluation of your academic and clinical preparation.
NBEO Deadlines for Placement Consideration
| Examination | Deadline Prior to August Matriculation |
| Part I | March test administration |
| Part II | April test administration |
| Part III | No later than the May 1 test administration |
Clinical Proficiency Evaluation
As part of the Advanced Standing placement process, you may be required to complete an on-campus clinical proficiency evaluation. Some students may also be invited to complete test-out assessments for selected didactic courses.
Advanced Standing Orientation
- WesternU systems and Canvas
- Clinical documentation software, including EPIC
- HIPAA compliance
- Clinical workflows
- Equipment requirements
- Externship preparation
Equipment & Clinical Training
Equipment requirements vary based on your final placement. Previously owned equipment may be permitted if it meets College specifications and is approved during onboarding. All Advanced Standing students must complete required clinical training and demonstrate competency before graduation.
Program Attendance
The Advanced Standing OD program is an on-campus program. Students are expected to attend required lectures, laboratory sessions, and clinical assignments in person.
3. Complete Your Required Next Steps
- Review the Admitted Student Important Dates and Next Steps.
- Complete your health clearance requirements and submit the required immunization, history, and physical examination forms.
- Complete the pre-matriculation background check.
- Be prepared to provide proof of active health insurance. Review the student health insurance requirements.
- Confirm that your laptop meets the minimum technical standards.
- Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
4. Resources and Contacts
| Academics & Welcome Week, Registration | Academic Calendar | Registration | Registrar | College of Optometry |
| Financial Aid & Housing | Financial Aid | Budgets/Tuition & Fees | FAFSA | Housing | Financial Aid | Student Affairs |
| Technology & Accounts | New Student Computing | Technical Support | Student Portal | Information Technology |
| Health & Wellness | Health Clearance | Health Insurance | Counseling | Fitness | Student-Employee Health Center | Student Affairs |
| Campus Life & Library | Clubs & Student Interest Groups | Library | Student Affairs | Library Reference |
5. Set Up Your WesternU Accounts and Register
After you accept your offer and pay your deposit, your WesternU email account information will be posted on your application status page. Your credentials will provide access to the Student Portal and Blackboard. Blackboard access is generally available approximately one week before classes begin.
Registration instructions and dates will be sent to your WesternU email before classes begin. All outstanding admission requirements must be completed before registration, and proof of active health insurance may be required.
Registration for incoming College of Optometry students typically takes place July 1 – July 31.
6. Circumstances That Could Prevent Enrollment
The College reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if:
- Information submitted in the application or supporting materials is materially inaccurate, false, or misleading.
- An event occurs after the offer that is inconsistent with the College’s standards of professional conduct, including academic dishonesty; conduct that would constitute a felony or misdemeanor, regardless of whether charges or a conviction result; or other conduct that adversely affects the applicant’s reputation or standing in the academic community.