How to Become an Optician in North Dakota

Maybe you want to become an optician in North Dakota.

If you don’t know how to start your career, all you need to do is read our article for more info!

Optician Job Description and Duties in North Dakota

Opticians aid their clients in choosing the right eyewear for their particular needs and likes.

There are some job responsibilities that you will have each day, which include:

• Preparing eyewear
• Fitting and adjusting eyewear
• Educating customers about eyewear issues and maintenance
• Keeping sales records
• Determining insurance co-pays
• Keeping the inventory
• Interacting with the labs that make lenses

Optician Job Requirements in North Dakota

In this state, you don’t need to apply for a license if you want to work as an optician.

But, you may be able to find a job easier if you do get an optician certification.

Many employers would rather hire those who have a license.

The exam opticians take in North Dakota the is National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.

You also have the option to take the National Contact Lens Examiner’s (NCLE) exam.

Optician licenses in this state are released by the North Dakota Board of Optometry.

You will also have to submit some paperwork, such as:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Graduating from a training program or having a formal education
  • An associate’s degree diploma is highly appreciated by employers
• Good interpersonal skills

Optician Education in North Dakota

In North Dakota, there is just one school you can check out in order to train.

You can see it listed below.

The program it offers is a pre-optometry one and it has a duration of 4 years.

Alternatively, you can also check out universities from other states or online programs.

Depending on the course you choose, you could spend less than a year studying and earn a certificate for instance.

If you want to attend a program, you should send the following:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completing specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• 2 letters of recommendation
• OAT scores – not older than 5 years
• Minimum GPA of 2.75

You will get to attend classes like:

• Introduction to Optometry
• Ocular Anatomy
• Systems 1: Neuroscience
• Ocular Microbiology
• Ophthalmic Imaging
• Public Health Optometry
• Glaucoma
• Physics

Optician Certification in North Dakota

If you finish the training program, you will also have to take an exam before you can get your optician license.

To be eligible for the exam, you need to meet one of the following criteria:

• A license in a reciprocal state
• At least 3 years of experience
• Can be an apprenticeship of 3 years in the past 6 years
• Can be from working as an optician in a state with no licensing requirements
• Graduate from an approved post-secondary optician program with a year of apprenticeship

You will also need to pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) through the ABO.

This certification test has 3 levels of difficulty:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

For the first level, the requirements are below:

• Reading prescriptions,
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Using standard ophthalmic equipment

There will also be a $200 fee, that your employer will cover.

If you are considering dispensing contact lenses, you should pass the National Contact Lens Examiners.

Keep in mind you also need to take the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE).

This exam also requires a fee of $200 that will be covered by the company.

The certification test exam topics generally are:

• Pre-fitting for lenses,
• Diagnostic fitting,
• Dispensing of lenses,
• Patient education,
• Delivery
• Follow-up

The documents you will have to send includes:

• Age over 18
• A high school diploma or GED
• To fill out an application
• To pay some fees
• A clean criminal record
• Passing the State Practical Examination
  Proof of completed training, education, or at least 3 years of experience

Your optician certification in North Dakota has to be renewed after a period of time.

If you want it renewed you will have to take 55 additional hours of class.

Optician Employment and Salary in North Dakota

After you get your license, you can start applying for a job at one of these places:

• Stores
• Offices
• Optometry practices
• Hospitals
• Clinics

In North Dakota, the average salary goes between $38,000 and $62,000.

Regional Salary in North Dakota

Additional Information for Opticians in North Dakota

If you would like to get more career resources, check out the ones below:

• Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
• American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
• National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO)
• North Dakota State Board of Optometry
• North Dakota Optometric Association