Optometrist and NECO alum standing in front of phoropter in his office.

Advanced Standing International Program

Students who already have an optometry degree from an institution outside of the United States may augment it with a NECO degree and experience through our ASIP option.

Two years to a world of career opportunities

ASIP is designed to build upon your existing knowledge and deliver the best of a NECO education—efficiently, effectively, and in a collaborative environment.

You’ll begin with an intensive summer term of classes in science and clinical care. Then you’ll expand your coursework to ocular disease and care to specific populations and ocular disease, learning alongside NECO’s four-year OD and AODP students. You’ll also work in a clinical setting to refine your differential diagnosis abilities, analytical skills, and clinical efficiency.

The second year includes 4, full-time clinical rotations in primary care, advanced care, specialty care, and a fourth elective, introducing you to a wide range of patient populations and clinical experiences.

Join a global community of NECO graduates

204

optometrists

have received their OD degrees through ASIP.
22

countries represented

Our students hail from countries including China, India, Egypt, Nepal, Colombia, and Canada.
1989

year of establishment

The ASIP is one of the earliest created international accelerated programs for optometry.

You’ll find ASIP graduates:

Conducting industry and clinical research.
Teaching in optometry programs around the world including: Argentina, Australia, Colombia, England, France, Hong Kong, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and the United States.
Designing curricula for degree and continuing education programs.
Contributing to textbooks, journals, and authoring articles.
Shaping policy, advocacy, and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

A closer look at your NECO journey

It’s the most important decision of your life, and we want to give you a solid roadmap for what’s ahead. Here’s a breakdown of the Advanced Standing International Program at NECO.

Curriculum

For detailed course descriptions, view the College Catalog on Consumer Info.

View ASIP Curriculum

Nina Mueller is wearing a white lab coat and sitting at a work station in an optometry exam room. There is a window behind the exam chair.

Voices of NECO

A Meaningful Experience

Nina Mueller, OD'09

I learned so much in Boston and at every single one of my clinical rotations. My OD degree from NECO enabled me to work in the way I always dreamed of.