How Long Does it Take to Become an Optometrist?

<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Doctoral degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td>Licensure</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Annual Median Salary (2018)*</b></td><td>$111,790</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)*</b></td><td>18%</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p><h3 id="section---HowToBecomeAnOptometrist">How to Become an Optometrist</h3><p>Becoming an optometrist, or doctor of the visual system, takes more time than becoming other related positions in the eye-care field, such as becoming an optician. The answer to 'how long does it take to become an optometrist?' is usually 7 to 9 years, depending on the length of your bachelor's degree program and if you choose an optional specialization residency program. Explore each step in the process of becoming an optometrist in more detail here. </p><h3 id="section---Step1WhatIsAGoodOptometristMajor">Step 1: What is a Good Optometrist Major?</h3><p>While there is no required major for optometrists, these professionals need at least 3 years of postsecondary education before applying to optometry school. Students may consider a range of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Health-Related_Bachelors_Degree_Programs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">health-related bachelor's degree programs</a>, pre-medical programs, or biology programs. Any of these bachelor's degree programs are likely to have courses like chemistry, math, and biology, all of which offer great preparation for the profession. </p><p>Although not overly common, there are some institutions that may offer a pre-optometry and vision science track. These schools may prepare students to apply to the institution's professional program in optometry and help them meet the prerequisite coursework requirements. </p><h3 id="section---Step2HowLongIsOptometrySchool">Step 2: How Long is Optometry School?</h3><p>Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs are a prerequisite for licensure and take 4 years to complete. Students must first apply to OD school with the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), prerequisite coursework in science, math, and English, and volunteer or work experience in the field. </p><p>Once admitted, students begin taking advanced courses in areas like anatomy, optics, optometry, and ocular pathology. Most coursework is completed in the first 2 years so that students can do clinical rotations in their last 2 years. These clinical rotations allow students to receive hands-on experience with patients while exploring different topics in the field, such as geriatric optometry and pediatric optometry. </p><h3 id="section---Step3HowCanISpecialize">Step 3: How Can I Specialize?</h3><p>Optometrists wishing to specialize in a particular area of the field must complete a residency program after optometry school. These programs generally take 1 year to complete and may be completed on- or off-campus. Students interested in a residency program may be able to specialize in areas like: </p><ul><li>Vision therapy and rehabilitation </li><li>Primary care/contact lenses </li><li>Pediatric optometry </li><li>Ocular disease </li><li>Primary care/community health </li></ul><h3 id="section---Step4DoINeedALicenseToPractice">Step 4: Do I Need a License to Practice?</h3><p>All optometrists must be licensed to practice. Some states may have their own exams in addition to the national exam, but all optometrists must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam and participate in continuing education to maintain their license. Although it is not required, many optometrists pursue board certification from the American Board of Optometry to demonstrate advanced skill and experience in the field to deliver quality care.</p>