For those select people wanting a rewarding career helping and caring for people then being an optometrist could be your ideal
career. We are here to help you find all the optometry schools available to you, so that you may further your
optometry career. According to the Jobs Rated Almanac (2002), optometry ranked 39th out of 250 jobs based on six key factors,
environment, income, employment growth, physical demands, security and stress. Optometry is also one of the top income earning
professions. Based on the 2001 American Optometric Association Economic Survey, the median average income for optometrists was
$138,846.
Optometry Schools Listings
Optometry schools are few in number and are very competitive to get into. There are 16 accredited schools in the US
and 1 in Puerto Rico where Doctors of Optometry can be obtained. Each has its own criteria on requirements for admission,
number of applicants accepted, and fees. Choosing an optometry school relies on student factors such as location, cost,
school size and much more. A listing of schools is provided
here. For general specific requirements
for all schools you can check out the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, or ASCO for short,
optometry schools requirements pages.
Preparation for Optometry Schools
There is a lot of preparation required for getting into optometry schools. Most optometry schools require completion
of an undergraduate degree before being accepted, however a few allow students who have completed all class requirements to apply.
Although each optometry school has its own specific requirements, undergraduate classes generally taken include biology,
microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, physics, calculus, english, social sciences and others.
It is best to check the specific requirements for the optometry school you wish to attend.
Applying to Optometry Schools
Optometry schools all have their own specific guidelines for admission and the application process. They are very
selective and getting in is very competitive. You should read the specific requirements of the school you wish to attend and
prepare all material needed. Generally, optometry schools require an application with a personal essay sometimes based on why
you want to be an optometrist, transcripts of your undergraduate work, some letters of recommendation, experience or extensive
knowledge in the field, and one of key factors, the Optometry Aptitude Test (OAT). Each optometry school has its own
deadlines when applications and all required materials are due. It is a good idea to collect all material need and have it sent
early to insure proper processing. The OAT test has deadlines for registration.
Learn more about the OAT test. After all materials have been received by the school, applicants are selected for interviews,
usually with the staff and senior students. Applicants are judged on all factors including OAT scores, GPA, leadership skills,
extra-curricular activities, and many more. Each optometry school also has its own cost, housing, and curriculum. It is best to
check out each one thoroughly to find the best one fit for you.
After Optometry Schools
Optometrists are required to pass a state licensing examination and continuing education requirements are needed for renewals
of licenses.
