Do you want to make a difference as a health professional? At the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), award-winning undergraduate programmes prepare scores of competent and confident health professionals.
At the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), biomedical science majors can earn a Doctor of Optometry degree in seven years. Through its 3+4 programme, you can apply to KYCO during your junior year, thus putting you in optometry school in your fourth year of undergraduate study. After completing your first year at KYCO, you are awarded a bachelor’s degree before continuing to study for three more years, culminating in your Doctor of Optometry degree.
Throughout your seven-year journey, you will be hands-on with advanced procedures like in-office laser eye treatments, medication injections, and minor surgical techniques. With a new 103,000-square-foot building housing state-of-the-art learning and teaching space exclusively for KYCO students, leading professionals will train you using advanced optometry equipment in an innovative learning environment.
At KYCO, you can hone your practical skills by participating in unique clinical experiences in the college’s system of satellite clinics strategically placed in rural areas in need. You can even apply what you have learned in class in a local hospital clinic where you will collaborate with other medical professionals examining actual patients.
International students from 30 countries are drawn to UPIKE’s pathways to health profession careers and award-winning student support. Source: University of Pikeville
The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) also produces leading health professionals. In fact, the college is ranked third in the nation for the number of graduates practising in rural areas, #12 for the number of graduates practising in primary care (U.S. News and World Report), and in tier two among the best medical schools for primary care.
KYCOM’s curriculum is designed to produce the nation’s best primary care physicians. Spanning four years of training, the first and second years cover basic science courses alongside more clinical courses like Principles of Osteopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Patient Care, and Biomedical Skills. The last two years will have you completing clinical rotations at sites in Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia – enhancing your practical skills while you apply knowledge in a real-world setting.
From June 2026, aspiring dentists seeking a seamless pathway to their profession, like those offered by KYCO and KYCOM, can join the Tanner College of Dental Medicine.
“The university’s reputation of being recognised nationwide in the states significantly impacted my decision to come here,” student Carly Crooks says. “Hearing about the future dental programme being founded, it was a no-brainer.” Crooks, from Toronto, Canada, is majoring in biomedical sciences and aspires to attend Tanner College. Here, future students will be trained to become national leaders in dental education by utilising the most contemporary dental materials, equipment, and techniques. Under the direction of dedicated and knowledgeable faculty, students will learn how to become dentists specifically for rural and underserved populations.
UPIKE is among the safest campuses in Kentucky and the whole of the US. Source: University of Pikeville
Superior support
Since its founding in 1889, UPIKE has been dedicated to meeting students’ individual needs. Student support is proven by its impressive retention rate of 84.6%, which outperforms the national average of 74% for private colleges and universities in the U.S.
This feat is due, in large part, to UPIKE’s various support initiatives that enhance the student experience. As a student here, you’ll receive personalised academic and parent/guardian advising, specialised first-generation support, and many opportunities to help you join the campus community.
A 13:1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll never be just another number at UPIKE. Small class sizes create a focused, tight-knit group where faculty and staff can give keen attention and truly guide you to achieve your dreams.
“I had the best professors and coaches who’ve supported me here,” says graduate Martin Lorenzo from Buenos Aires, Argentina. “UPIKE was the best fit for me, and it was a great decision.”
Ranked among the top 20 safest campuses in the U.S. and #1 in Kentucky with an A+ rating from Niche, the university prioritises providing a pathway towards higher education in a secure and supportive environment for its students, faculty, and staff.
“UPIKE is a special place that empowers us to pursue our dreams,” Crooks says. “No matter where we go in the future, we hope the UPIKE family knows we are happy to represent them.”
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