Professional Associations in Texas
- Professional associations in Texas educate and advocate for members.business hand image by pdesign from Fotolia.com
In Texas, licensed individuals in fields such as optometry, health care, education and veterinary medicine constitute the members of an officially recognized professional organization. To form a professional association, visit the Texas Secretary of State's website and download a Certificate of Formation (Form 204). Professional associations must have a board of directors with at least one active member licensed in the association's industry. As of 2010, it cost $750 to form a professional association in Texas. - Now in its fourth decade, the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice is a division of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association dedicated to promoting higher standards of veterinary medicine through continuing education in the field. Membership is open to veterinarians who have completed a minimum of 50 continuing education credits in the year prior to joining. New members must complete 100 continuing education credits for a total of 150 within a three-year period following enrollment. Individuals who obtain at least 30 to 49 hours of continuing education may qualify for an associate level of membership.
Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice
8104 Exchange Drive
Austin, TX 78754
512-452-4224
tvma.org - The Texas Medical Association (TMA) is a 43,000-member group that formed in 1853. This association, dedicated to improving the health of Texans, supports physicians through solutions to the challenges they encounter in the care of patients. From advocacy at the state and county level, to technology assistance, to improving the services of doctors in communities where they practice, the TMA helps to strengthen Texas medical practices as they face a chaotic future in the medical industry. Membership is open to persons holding the degree of Doctor of Medicine and/or Doctor of Osteopathy, and full-time students pursuing those degrees while studying at an accredited medical school in Texas recognized by the Texas Medical Board. According to the TMA membership guide, "Members must also subscribe to the Principles of Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association, and must not hold themselves out as practitioners of sectarian medicine. All physician members must be licensed to practice medicine in Texas, in which case a temporary license, certificate or permit "shall not be deemed adequate.""
Texas Medical Association
401 W. 15th St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-370-1300
texmed.org - Founded in 1907, the Texas Nurses Association exists to advocate for the nursing profession and patients through legislation, education and nurse-to-nurse workplace advocacy that leads to better patient care. The association provides ongoing continuing education for members, instant access to current legislation, relevant medical news and a quarterly publication. To join, individuals must possess a registered nurse license in any U.S. state, territory, or possession and never had a license suspended or revoked.
Texas Nurses Association
7600 Burnet Road, Ste. 440
Austin, TX 78757
512-452-0645
texasnurses.org - Occupational therapists help patients who have experienced debilitating conditions and illness become more independent by teaching them how to function in daily life. The Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA) improves the lives of those in the profession by holding yearly conferences and offering continuing education courses, ongoing career help and legislative advocacy. TOTA is a 1,400-member organization that includes occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), students (MOTS, OTS, OTAS) and corporate members. Yearly dues vary according to license and affiliation status.
Texas Occupational Therapy Association
1106 Clayton Lane, Ste. 516W
Austin, TX 78723
512-454-8682
tota.org
