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North Carolina Optometry Scholarship Loan Program (OSL)
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| Program Type |
Grant
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| Description |
The North Carolina Optometry Scholarship Loan Program (OSL) provides financial support for North Carolinians studying optometry at one of three participating optometry schools located in other states. The program replaces the Contract Programs for Dentistry, Medicine and Optometry for new optometry students, and is now offered as a scholarship loan program to recipients.
Beginning Fall 2008, new students selected for optometry funding through the OSL will be awarded scholarship grants that must be repaid through service as optometrists in North Carolina. One year of service in North Carolina must be provided for each year funds are received. Students who do not complete their service obligation will be required to repay the balance of the loan at a 10% annual interest rate.
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| Eligibility |
Candidates must be North Carolina residents for tuition purposes enrolling in the doctor of optometry program at one of the following three institutions: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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| Value |
OSL recipients attending Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry will receive a tuition reduction of $13,100 for the 2008-09 academic year. OSL recipients attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham will have their tuition reduced to the in-state rate. For the 2009-10 academic year, the tuition reduction for Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry recipients will be $13,900.
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| Application Procedure |
To be considered for funding for the study of optometry, individuals must submit a North Carolina residency application and a Selective Service Registration/Exemption form. When completed, both forms should be returned to: Optometry Scholarship Loan Program, NCSEAA, P.O. Box 13663, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3663.
| | Repayment | For students receiving funds for the first time beginning Fall 2008 and thereafter: Upon completing the program and passing the North Carolina optometry licensing examination, recipients of these funds must work one year as optometrists in North Carolina for each year they receive funding. Individuals who do not perform the required service for whatever reason must repay the loan in cash at an annual interest rate of 10%.
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| Other Information |
Contact the Optometry Scholarship Loan Program, NCSEAA, P.O. Box 13663, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3663, (919) 248-4686 or 800/700-1775 ext. 4686 or robbie@ncseaa.edu.
For information about the participating campuses, the number of program slots available at each campus and additional program details, view The OSL brochure.
2009 Optometry Conferences
Each year, representatives of the participating campuses visit North Carolina to discuss optometry careers and optometry education programs with interested students. Representatives will be available in March 2009 at the following locations:
- Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 10 am - 12 noon
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, (Building location TBD)
- Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 9 am - 12 noon
Winston-Salem State University (Room 210, W.B. Atkinson Science Building)
- Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 4 pm - 6 pm
UNC-Charlotte (Building location TBD)
- Thursday, March 26, 2009, 10 am - 3 pm
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (Ballroom, Talley Student Center)
- Friday, March 27, 2009, 10 am - 3 pm
UNC-Chapel Hill, (Great Hall of the Frank Porter Graham Student Union Building)
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| Related Links |
North Carolina residency application
Selective Service Registration/Exemption form
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Health and Nursing Programs in North Carolina
The OSL brochure
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