Is anyone planning on purchasing an otoscope before the program starts?

Wow. Haven't even thought of that!

I don't think this is necessary but there's nothing wrong with it. You can find good prices with allheart.com, miami medical, or you can go directly through Welch Allyn (ask for the medical student discount).

Purchasing your own otoscope is unnecessary, if anything I would recommend against it.

At my school (Salus), they gave each one of us an otoscope on our 1st day of classes.

Definitely check with your program and make sure they won't be providing one before you start. I would highly recommend Welch Allyn; the one I have is slightly smaller with the twist-on light (not the button) and certainly nothing fancy, but does the job just fine :)

If you just want one to practice with, Walgreens sells plastic ones for about $10!

You absolutely do not need one for your program.

But, here's another vote for the Welch-Allyn pocket otoscope...