International Schooling

[Pittsburgh90]

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Hey all,

I'm curious if I apply to a school outside of the United States (Waterloo/Melbourne) and receive an OD from there, am I able to return back to the States to practice hassle-free? Thanks.

 

[Loptometriste]

This is taken from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry's website....

http://www.opted.org/i4a/pages/inde...n_is_required_to_become_a_Doctor_of_Optometry

As a graduate of an international program, how do I become eligible to practice in optometry in the United States?
To be eligible to practice optometry in the US, you must hold the Doctor of Optometry degree from a school or college of optometry that is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. In addition, you must pass the examinations administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and all relevant state licensure examinations. For further information, contact the National Board of Optometry at www.optometry.org

Option 1
Of the schools/colleges of optometry, the following will award an O.D. degree to graduates of international programs upon successful completion of a customized curriculum:

The New England College of Optometry
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Option 2
Of the schools/colleges of optometry, the following will admit graduates of international programs with advanced standing:

Illinois College of Optometry
The New England College of Optometry
Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
State University of New York State College of Optometry
University of Houston College of Optometry

More information may be obtained directly from the individual institutions listed above. Click here for a list of schools and college of optometry and contact information.

So, as far as Melbourne is concerned, it won't be hassle free. Plus, it is over 40,000 a year to attend in U.S. dollars. It would be fun to live down under for four years, but in the end, I don't think it makes sense if you want to practice in the U.S. Moving there after attending a U.S. school is a different story.

 

[Pittsburgh90]

I'm confused.....one would return to the schools listed after completion of an international O.D. degree for licensure to practice in the United States for x amount of time? Thanks.

 

[Loptometriste]

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

If you have an O.D. from Melbourne, you will have one of 3 things happen. If you are lucky, a school will let you do a special program or have advanced standing in their accredited optometry school. Otherwise, you will have to start at square one...take the OAT and apply to Optometry schools in the U.S. and go four years more years.

Here is the list of schools that are accredited to practice in the U.S. as well as schools that are in the accreditation process. Click on O.D. Programs to open the list. Waterloo is there as well as Montreal.

http://www.aoa.org/x12702.xml

Hope this helps!

 

[Pittsburgh90]

I see...so Waterloo & Montreal currently are the only places internationally I could get my degree from and return to the U.S to practice in. Except Montreal requires French knowledge, so count me out for there!

 

[Loptometriste]

Internationally, Canada is the only option. If you are looking at going to school somewhere more "exotic", than Puerto Rico probably offers the most "international" feel within the U.S. accredited schools depending where you are from. Classes are in English and clinicals are in Spanish. They also have Spanish classes to help since a lot of students don't know Spanish when they start.

Are you applying this year or next?

 

[optsuker]

I'm curious if I apply to a school outside of the United States (Waterloo/Melbourne) and receive an OD from there, am I able to return back to the States to practice hassle-free? .

No

 

[Pittsburgh90]

Thanks...and confused by the general no? Possible to elaborate? Thanks.

 

[optsuker]

Thanks...and confused by the general no? Possible to elaborate? Thanks.

Simple answer that it won't be simple if you go somewhere other than Canada.

If your goal is to practice in the states, go to a school in North America.

Is it just because you're interested in studying abroad?
If so, just complete your pre-req early, get accepted in the fall & do your final semester through your school's international studies program OR save up and backpack across Europe after graduation.

Will be much less costly and time-consuming than trying to attend a foreign optometry program.