Congrats on finishing optometry school! Now that you’re stepping into the real world, joining the American Optometric Association (AOA) is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here’s why AOA membership can give your career a serious boost.
1. Continuing education? Handled! 📖
Keeping up with state CE requirements can feel like a chore, but AOA members have access to an easy-to-use map that makes staying compliant a breeze. No more second-guessing what courses you need—that AOA has you covered. You’ll always know what’s needed to maintain your licensure.
2. AOA fights for you 🥊
The AOA is like your personal advocate in the world of optometry. Whether it’s pushing for better legislation or ensuring you have the right to practice fully, their advocacy work protects your profession and opens doors to new opportunities.
3. Master medical records and coding 🛠️
Worried about staying on top of medical records and coding? As an AOA member, you’ll have access to all the tools you need to keep things organized and efficient, making billing and documentation much less of a headache.
4. Save big on student loans 💸
Graduating is exciting—but those student loans? Not so much. The AOA has your back with a 0.25% discount on loan refinancing, helping you save money as you tackle your debt.
5. Insurance that fits your practice 🪖
When it comes to business and liability insurance, you don’t want just any coverage. The AOA offers insurance tailored specifically for optometrists, giving you the protection you need so you can focus on what matters—taking care of patients.
6. Boost your team’s skills 👬
Want to run a well-oiled machine? The AOA offers training and certification for your paraoptometric staff, helping them level up their skills. A stronger team means happier patients and a more efficient practice overall.
In a nutshell
AOA membership is like having a toolkit packed with everything you need to succeed as an optometrist. From staying up to date with CE to saving on loans and building a skilled team, it’s a solid investment in your future. Why not take the leap and set yourself up for long-term success?
