How to Become an Optician in Nevada

Do you want to become an optician in Nevada?

In such a case, all you have to do is read the article we provided below.

You will learn more about this profession and how to get certified.

Optician Job Duties

Being successful in a consumer-driven society necessitates businesses to sustain a consistent influx of clientele daily.

A good optician excels not only in keeping old clients but also in bringing in new ones.

The daily responsibilities of an optician encompass:

• Precision in eyeglass and contact lens fitting
• Guiding clients in selecting the perfect frame
• Meticulously managing inventory and sales records
• Proficiently interpreting prescriptions
• Skillfully repairing broken frames
• Ensuring precise adjustments for optimal eyeglass fit
• Efficiently tracking and managing orders

While these are some duties you will have to complete daily, they aren’t the only ones.

Keep in mind that dispensing contact lenses requires a specialized diploma in this field.

Optician Training in Nevada

You should know that certification is not necessary in Nevada.

However, it would be best if you considered getting certification because it offers more career opportunities.

Many employers in the field also require certification.

In this state, certification is overseen by the American Board of Opticianry.

To get certification, you need to attend Optician Apprenticeship Training while overseen by a certified optician.

The entry requirements for prospective apprentices include:

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Successful completion of a thorough background check
• Submission of the sponsor’s details
• Completion of a detailed application
• Disclosure of health history
• Provision of references
• Documentation of relevant work history

These immersive hands-on training programs span approximately 2 years.

Despite the practical experience gained through apprenticeships, future opticians are strongly advised to pursue a formal degree in the field.

For those contemplating educational pursuits, consider exploring the offerings of the following institutions.

College of Southern Nevada

This institution offers a variety of diplomas, including certificates and Associate’s degrees, providing enrollees with diverse educational pathways.

The majority of students opt for programs extending over 4 years, with the duration of your course contingent upon the type of diploma sought.

Admission into these programs necessitates the fulfillment of specific requirements, including:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of designated classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of 2 letters of recommendation
• OAT scores not exceeding a 5-year timeframe
• Maintenance of a minimum GPA of 2.75

Program durations range from 7 months for shorter certifications to up to 4 years for those pursuing a degree.

Within these programs, students engage in various classes, such as:

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

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Nevada

After getting trained, the next step toward becoming a licensed optician involves passing an exam.

Furthermore, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Possession of a license in a reciprocal state
• Accumulation of a minimum of 3 years of practical experience
• Completion of a 3-year apprenticeship within the past 6 years
• Experience as an optician in a state without licensing requirements
• Graduation from an accredited post-secondary optician program coupled with a year of apprenticeship

Then, candidates have to take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) in collaboration with the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

This certification exam offers three levels of difficulty:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The initial level assesses competencies in reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and using standard ophthalmic equipment.

To register for the NOCE, a fee of $200 is applicable, typically covered by the employer.

For those aspiring to dispense contact lenses, an additional exam, the National Contact Lens Examiners, is mandatory.

The Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) requires a $200 fee.

Most of the time, this fee is paid by the employer.

Topics covered in these exams encompass:

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

As part of the application process, candidates must submit various documents verifying:

• Age over 18
• A high school diploma or GED
• A duly filled-out application
• Payment of requisite fees
• A clean criminal record
• Successful completion of the State Practical Examination
• Evidence of completed training, education, or a minimum of 3 years of experience

Optician Certification Renewal

Optician licenses in Nevada have a one-year validity and require renewal.

To renew your license, you need to take some extra hours of education.

Optician Salary in Nevada

In Nevada, the annual income for an optician is $53,600.

On a broader scale, the median salary for opticians across the nation stands at $53,100 annually.

Read the table we provided below for more info.

Regional Salary in Nevada

Optician Schools by State