2 answers
allison
Student
Tiffin, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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What is it like starting out in the Optometry field right out of school?
I am getting my bachelors degree in health sciences, and i am hoping to go into optometry school after.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1877
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Allison, there are currently only 23 Optometry Programs in the United States that accept optometry school applications through the Optometry Centralized Application Service.
That means there are 23 unique programs complete with their own experiences and curriculum. Look for optometry programs with demonstrated experience putting students in the workplace. No amount of classroom instruction can replace hands-on training alongside skilled professionals.
CHOOSING YOUR OPTOMETRY SCHOOL
Every optometry program is unique, but many share a few key application requirements and the strongest applications are those that demonstrate interest in the profession both in and outside of the classroom. Here’s what I recommended to make your application stand out.
• STRONG GPA — Optometry schools generally require a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher, and some may also have specific science GPA requirements. While a minimum GPA is often specified, competitive applicants typically have GPAs well above the minimum, with national averages often exceeding 3.5.
• TAKE THE OAT — The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a national test that gauges how comfortable an applicant is with the kind of material that will be covered in optometry school.
• SHADOWING — While not required by all optometry programs, some amount of time spent in a clinical environment shadowing optometrists demonstrates a passion for optometry that can make the difference between acceptance and the waitlist.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION — Strong letters of recommendation from professors and those who have supervised you during your experience can significantly boost your chances of getting into optometry school.
CONCLUSION
Getting into optometry school requires a combination of strong academics, relevant experience, and a well-crafted application. Preparing for the OAT, gaining experience, and showcasing your qualities through your application and interview are crucial for success.
That means there are 23 unique programs complete with their own experiences and curriculum. Look for optometry programs with demonstrated experience putting students in the workplace. No amount of classroom instruction can replace hands-on training alongside skilled professionals.
CHOOSING YOUR OPTOMETRY SCHOOL
Every optometry program is unique, but many share a few key application requirements and the strongest applications are those that demonstrate interest in the profession both in and outside of the classroom. Here’s what I recommended to make your application stand out.
• STRONG GPA — Optometry schools generally require a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher, and some may also have specific science GPA requirements. While a minimum GPA is often specified, competitive applicants typically have GPAs well above the minimum, with national averages often exceeding 3.5.
• TAKE THE OAT — The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a national test that gauges how comfortable an applicant is with the kind of material that will be covered in optometry school.
• SHADOWING — While not required by all optometry programs, some amount of time spent in a clinical environment shadowing optometrists demonstrates a passion for optometry that can make the difference between acceptance and the waitlist.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION — Strong letters of recommendation from professors and those who have supervised you during your experience can significantly boost your chances of getting into optometry school.
CONCLUSION
Getting into optometry school requires a combination of strong academics, relevant experience, and a well-crafted application. Preparing for the OAT, gaining experience, and showcasing your qualities through your application and interview are crucial for success.
Rita Bhakta
Optometrist
20
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Rita’s Answer
During your final years of optometry school, you will need to decide if you would like to do a residency for an additional year of training. The training can be very specialized, like pediatrics, contact lenses, low vision, or ocular disease, or may be more general, like primary care. Your residency can be at the optometry school you attended or any other school offering a program you are interested in. There is an application process to become a resident.
As you finish optometry school, a graduate needs to work on is state licensure. Every state has a Board of Optometry. A license is required issued by the state to practice or be in a residency program.
If you are not doing a residency, once you obtain a state license(s) or are in the process of doing this, it's time to start looking for jobs.
Depending on where you live, the market for jobs may be competitive. If at all possible, be willing to move to where the jobs are. There are definitely some areas of the country that are underserved and jobs are readily available. Sometimes, as a new graduate, you may start working with fill-in jobs or have part-time work. Other new grads do find full time employment right away.
Working as an optometrist is very fulfilling, stable work. Patient care is always interesting, because people are interesting.
Please follow-up with additional questions if there are specific areas you need want more help with!
As you finish optometry school, a graduate needs to work on is state licensure. Every state has a Board of Optometry. A license is required issued by the state to practice or be in a residency program.
If you are not doing a residency, once you obtain a state license(s) or are in the process of doing this, it's time to start looking for jobs.
Depending on where you live, the market for jobs may be competitive. If at all possible, be willing to move to where the jobs are. There are definitely some areas of the country that are underserved and jobs are readily available. Sometimes, as a new graduate, you may start working with fill-in jobs or have part-time work. Other new grads do find full time employment right away.
Working as an optometrist is very fulfilling, stable work. Patient care is always interesting, because people are interesting.
Please follow-up with additional questions if there are specific areas you need want more help with!