International Advanced Placement OD Degree Program

Salus University is now accepting applications through the GradCAS centralized application service. Please follow all instructions as indicated on the application portal.

The following application items are required for submission:

• Minimum Education Requirement:
  • International degree in a relevant health care field, beyond that of a 3 or 4 year BSc degree. Eligible applicants include: MSc, MD, PhD, etc.
• Submit a completed application through GradCAS: If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create a new account. Once your account is created:
  • Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.
  • Use the search filters to locate the Salus University, Advanced Placement Doctor of Optometry Degree (APOD) program.
  • Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
  • Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource.
  • A non-refundable fee of $124.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal.
  • Application and all required documentation must be submitted by December 15, 2020 for the August (Fall semester) 2021 start date.
• A course-by-course foreign credential evaluation is required in order to establish candidacy for the program. World Education Services (WES) is recommended. The credential evaluation may be waived for the following:
  • Graduates from Sun Yat-Sen University (2000-present) who have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Medicine (Major in Optometry), 5-year program. Transcripts from all academic institutions will be required.
  • Graduates from Salus University's Master of Science in Clinical Optometry degree program (2013 to present). Transcripts from all academic institutions will be required.
  • An official evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to the GradCAS application service.
  • You can request electronic WES evaluations directly through the GradCAS application. Click Order WES Evaluation after listing your foreign school in the Colleges Attended section. Once WES completes your evaluation, they will send it to GradCAS electronically.
  • GradCAS also accepts paper foreign credential evaluations sent via mail:
    • GradCAS Transcript Processing Center
      PO Box 9217
      Watertown, MA 02471
• Curriculum vitae or resume of work experience, submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
• Complete a Personal Goal Statement detailing your professional background, specific area of interest, reasons for choosing the Advanced Placement Optometry degree, and your post-OD career plans, submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
• Two letters of recommendation from a representative of a professional organization, professor or employer, submitted through the GradCAS application portal. The letter must be written in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation of the document.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting the Salus recommended levels, as indicated below:
  • A recommended score for the TOEFL iBT is 84. A score of 21 is recommended for the speaking section; 21 for the writing section; 21 for the listening section; and 21 for the reading section. Official scores from the Academic IELTS examination will be accepted in substitution for the TOEFL (recommended score of 6.5 or higher). The TOEFL (or Academic IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
  • Exceptions will be made for ESL applicants who hold degrees or diplomas from accredited post-secondary institutions in countries where English is the official language and in which English is the language of instruction (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand). The TOEFL (or IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
  • If submitting TOEFL scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
  • If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
• Individuals successfully meeting the required admissions selection criteria may receive an invitation to interview, on campus or via Skype, which provides further insight into the applicant’s character, communication skills and motivation, and allows an applicant the opportunity to speak with faculty members.
• Review and approval by PCO’s Advanced Placement OD Degree Admissions Committee.

Please note: Part 1 of NBEO is required for eligible candidates (no minimum score requirement). The results of this exam will be used solely as a diagnostic tool to help us create an individualized program of study and will not be used as a criterion for admission into the program. Eligible candidates will be sponsored by Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) to take the NBEO Part I.

Eligible applicants will be given a customized course of study that is designed based upon the applicant’s previous educational and clinical experience as well as their career goals. [BUILT OFF PCO TRADITIONAL]