How to Become an Optician in North Dakota

Are you interested in becoming an optician in North Dakota?

If that is the case, you should check out the article below.

We provide reliable info on the steps you need to take to start your ideal career. 

Optician Job Duties

A good optician excels not only in retaining loyal clientele but also in consistently attracting new people.

In addition to cultivating strong relationships, these professionals have their daily tasks.

These include:

•     Precise eyeglass and contact lens fittings
•     Assisting clients in selecting the perfect frame
•     Efficient management of inventory and sales records
•     Expert interpretation of prescriptions
•     Meticulous repair of broken frames
•     Skillful adjustment of eyeglasses for an optimal fit
•     Diligent tracking of orders

While these tasks represent the cornerstone of an optician’s routine, they don’t include all the duties of an optician.

Keep in mind that getting a specialized diploma is needed for those aspiring to dispense contact lenses. 

Optician Training in North Dakota

Embark on your educational journey in North Dakota with a unique training opportunity at the sole school available for your consideration. 

University of North Dakota

This program lasts for about four years.

You’ll earn 120 credits and the classes take part on campus.

It is a pre-optometry program that allows you to earn a UND.

Like this, your journey toward your optometrist job will start!

Borough of Manhattan Community College 

While Hawaii may currently lack in-person optician training programs, there is an option to study online.

This community college offers a fully online course with flexible start dates and no specific enrollment requirements.

Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared for the ABO certification exam.

This test covers these topics:

• Simple math and algebra
• Soft contact lenses
• Gas-permeable contact lenses
• Legal responsibilities and ethics
• The parts of the eye
• Refractive errors
• Strabismus and amblyopia
• Other common ocular conditions
• Prism basics

If you seek alternatives, explore universities in other states.

However, remember that out-of-state students will have a much higher tuition to pay.

The varied options allow you to get a certificate in less than a year, depending on your chosen course.

For prospective attendees, the application process mandates submission of the following:

•     High school diploma or GED
•     Completion of specific classes with a minimum grade of C
•     Two letters of recommendation
•     OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
•     Minimum GPA of 2.75

Once enrolled, you will attend courses including:

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

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in North Dakota

After you complete your training program, a crucial step awaits—taking the optician licensing exam. 

To qualify for this examination, aspiring opticians must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

•     Possess a license in a reciprocal state
•     Accumulate a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
•     Complete a 3-year apprenticeship within the past 6 years
•     Work as an optician in a state without licensing requirements
•     Graduate from an accredited post-secondary optician program with a year of apprenticeship

The next exam is the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the ABO.

This exam has three difficulty levels, which are: 

• Beginner, 
• Intermediate, 
• Advanced.

For the initial level, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in:

•     Reading prescriptions
•     Fitting and dispensing spectacles
•     Utilizing standard ophthalmic equipment

For those who want to dispense contact lenses, passing the National Contact Lens Examiners is required.

The topics covered in the certification tests encompass:

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

Documentation required for the examination process includes proof of:

•     Age over 18
•     High school diploma or GED
•     Completed application
•     Payment of applicable fees
•     Clean criminal record
•     Successful completion of the State Practical Examination
•     Training, education, or a minimum of 3 years of experience

Optician Certification Renewal

It is important to note that optician certification in North Dakota necessitates renewal after a specified duration. 

To facilitate renewal, individuals must complete an additional 55 hours of class. 

Stay committed to the ongoing journey of professional development in the field of opticianry.

Optician Salary in North Dakota

In North Dakota, opticians can expect to earn about $51,000 a year.

Check out the table below to learn more about the salaries for opticians in this state.

Of course, how much you make depends on your location and level of experience.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in North Dakota

Optician Schools by State