Southern College of Optometry

Overview:

Southern College of Optometry (SCO) is a leading optometry school located in Memphis, Tennessee. It boasts a rich history spanning nearly 90 years, having graduated numerous top clinicians in the field, including 14 American Optometric Association Presidents.

Services Offered:

SCO offers a comprehensive range of services for prospective and current students, including:

Admissions:

Information on the application process, deadlines, prerequisite courses, and tips for becoming a competitive applicant.

Academic Information:

Details on the curriculum, college catalog, and interactive campus tours.

Student Life:

Information on living in Memphis, housing options, student organizations, and student testimonials.

Financial Aid:

Details on scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and resources for international students.

Externship Program:

Information on the externship program, preceptor spotlight, and resources for preceptors.

Residency Programs:

Information on admission to residency programs, online application, and a comprehensive list of residency programs offered at various locations.

Student Resources:

Access to tech support, communications, counseling services, disabilities services, library resources, and more.

Alumni Services:

Information on alumni events, services, and opportunities to stay connected with the SCO community.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

SCO provides a vibrant campus experience with a strong emphasis on student life. Students can expect:

Active Student Organizations:

Opportunities to join various student organizations, including the Student Ambassadors.

Housing Options:

Access to a housing virtual marketplace and a housing fair with optional apartment tours.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities to participate in service events and connect with the Memphis community.

Student Testimonials:

Insights from current students about their experiences at SCO.

Key Reasons to Study There:

SCO stands out as a top choice for optometry students due to:

High Board Passage Rate:

A 98% ultimate board passage rate, demonstrating the quality of education and preparation.

Extensive Residency Programs:

Over 31 residency programs with 56 residency positions, offering diverse career paths.

Exceptional Facilities:

A 55,575 square foot clinic, providing ample opportunities for hands-on experience.

Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio:

A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship.

Generous Scholarships:

Over 60 endowed scholarships awarded to each entering class, supporting financial needs.

Strong Financial Aid:

A 0% default rate for 25 out of the last 26 years, indicating a stable financial aid program.

Multiple Patient Care Clinics:

Three patient care clinics operated by SCO in Memphis, providing real-world experience.

Extensive Patient Encounters:

Students experience over 2,600 patient encounters by graduation, including externships.

Academic Programs:

SCO offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program, preparing students for a successful career in the field. The program emphasizes:

Comprehensive Curriculum:

Covering all aspects of optometry, including primary care, ocular disease, and vision therapy.

Clinical Experience:

Extensive hands-on experience in various clinical settings, including SCO's own clinics and externship programs.

Research Opportunities:

Opportunities to participate in research projects and attend conferences.

Other:

SCO is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The institution also offers a variety of continuing education courses for licensed optometrists.