How to Become an Optician in Michigan

Are you contemplating a fresh start in a career that aligns with your interests?

If so, embarking on the path of becoming an optician in Michigan could be a promising choice.

Before doing anything else, you need to get familiar with the specific requirements set forth by the state.

Check out this article to learn more about the training and licensing criteria necessary for pursuing a career as an optician in Michigan.

Optician Job Duties

Opticians play a pivotal role in delivering eyewear solutions tailored to individuals’ needs and style preferences.

Starting this career path entails a daily routine encompassing various responsibilities, including:

• Crafting and preparing eyewear
• Skillfully fitting and adjusting eyewear for optimal comfort
• Educating customers on eyewear concerns and maintenance practices
• Maintaining meticulous sales records
• Assessing insurance co-pays for seamless transactions
• Managing and organizing inventory
• Establishing effective communication with the labs responsible for lens production

Optician Training in Michigan

To fulfill the educational prerequisites and obtain an optician license, enrolling in a structured program is imperative.

Michigan hosts several schools that offer specialized programs tailored to meet the criteria for acquiring an optician license.

Michigan College of Optometry

This college is part of the Ferris State University.

It offers 3 types of enrollment for the optometry program, as follows:

• Regular admissions
  • For this option, you need to earn a baccalaureate degree first
• 3+4 admissions
  • With this option, you’ll be allowed to complete an undergraduate program with a duration of 3 years
  • When this program is completed is followed by a graduate program with a duration of 4 years
  • A baccalaureate degree is not needed for this option
• Early admission
  • This option allows pre-admission into the MCO doctoral program and in the class the candidates are eligible for.
  • A few conditions must be met, though

The prerequisites are:

• Students enrolled full-time or for more than one semester after graduating from high school
• Students don’t choose the other 2 options of enrollment
• A  minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Pass the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) with a minimum score of 310 a year before
• Accumulating a total of 20 hours working, visiting, or volunteering in the office of an optometrist – for those who want to obtain their doctorate degree

Each educational establishment has unique admission criteria, typically requiring:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of two letters of recommendation
• OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
• Maintenance of a minimum GPA of 2.75

In Michigan, prospective opticians have the flexibility to choose between internship and externship opportunities based on their individual needs.

Program durations can span from a concise 6 months to an extended 4-year period.

The curriculum of these training programs encompasses a variety of courses, including:

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

Embarking on such a program not only fulfills educational requirements but also equips aspiring opticians with a comprehensive understanding of the field, laying a solid foundation for a successful career.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Michigan

Completing your training program marks the first step toward eligibility for the optician exam.

In Michigan, the entity overseeing licensing is The Michigan Board of Optometry.

To qualify for the exam, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Possession of a license in a reciprocal state
• Accumulation of at least 3 years of experience
• Completion of a 3-year apprenticeship within the past 6 years
• Employment as an optician in a state without licensing requirements
• Graduation from an approved post-secondary optician program with a year of apprenticeship

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

This features three difficulty levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The Beginner level of the ABO exam covers subjects like:

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

For those interested in dispensing contact lenses, you need to take the National Contact Lens Examiners.

This includes the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) with a corresponding fee of $200, usually paid by the employer.

The CLRE covers topics such as pre-fitting for lenses, diagnostic fitting, dispensing of lenses, patient education, delivery, and follow-up.

Essential documents for the application process include:

• 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

Optician Certification Renewal

Once obtained, your optician license is valid for 2 years, after which renewal is contingent upon attending an additional 40 hours of classes.

This continuous learning ensures that licensed opticians stay updated with industry advancements and maintain their professional competence.

Optician Salary in Michigan

In Michigan, the average annual salary for opticians is approximately $52,600, offering not just a fulfilling career but also a competitive compensation package.

Regional Salary in Michigan

Optician Schools by State