Western vs Nova

[Taya]

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Hi I know there are similar threads up, but I've been struggling with this decision for a while.

So I'm from CA and can see myself practicing here. I know Western is going to be accredited for sure after this year that's not the concern. But as a new program I dont know how Western holds up academically to Nova. I dont know enough about the programs (other than whats posted on their websites) to fairly compare them. What did people think about either schools? and is reputation something I should be concerned about?

 

[canyouseemenow]

I interviewed at both schools, so maybe I can give you some insight. Western is great and everything is new. They modeled themselves after Nova (in my opinion) in that it's an interdisciplinary learning environment.

However, Western is a new program and the curriculum could change as they are trying to work out the kinks. It seems like the faculty is great and the facilities are nice. They are really trying to get their accreditation.

Nova has been around for about 25 years, so the curriculum is established and the faculty are fantastic. Plenty of externship sites with some overseas (China) for students. Optometry students take some classes with dental, PT and OT students.

If you have been accepted to both programs, make a pros and cons list for each one. Starting with the most important things i.e. clinical experience, board passage rate (if avail for WU), tuition, cost of living etc. At the bottom, you can put less important things, weather, things to do outside of class (remember to focus more heavily on big factors though). This could help put things into perspective for you. Good luck.

 

[Taya]

Thanks for the reply. Yea I tried the whole pro/con list thing and it keeps coming down to the fact that Nova is an established school and western is newer. So obviously there isn't much info on WU and it's hard to get info from practicing optometrists about it because no one knows any graduates because there are none! It doesn't help that both are interdisciplinary and seem very similar... But western is near home and it would save me lots of money and stress having to be across the country...but hey Fl could be fun? I wish I knew more about Western haha! anyone know board passing rates for WU?!

 

[Blondiechick919]

There are no board passage rate stats for western since their current 3rd year class just took boards last week. And it takes a while for scores to come out.

 

[XIOTIS]

How long is the interview day?