To become an optometric technician, one must complete high school and either obtain on-the-job training or enter a formal training program, which usually takes at least two years. Certification is preferred by most optometrists and is obtained through a written competency exam. After education and certification, one can apply for open technician positions.
To become an optometric technician, a person must complete high school and continue technical training in the workplace or through a formal training program. Optometric technicians usually need at least two years of training before moving on to certification, which is preferred by most optometrists. After certification, an optometric technician can apply to the eye care office of their choice for employment.
Individuals who want to become an optometric technician must begin by obtaining their high school diploma or graduate equivalence degree (GED). This is the minimum requirement to enter most optometric technician programs. Those who know they want to pursue this career early on can prepare for classes in math, computers, biology, anatomy, health, chemistry, and general science. If a person’s school offers options like medical care or administrative work, those classes should also be taken.
After receiving a high school diploma or GED, the next step in becoming an optometric technician is to decide whether you want to obtain on-the-job training or enter a formal training program. People who opt for on-the-job training typically do so because of the dearth of paraoptometric programs in their area. Formal training programs are preferred because the programs award diplomas or associate degrees that show a specific level of competency, which future employers often prefer. If an individual selects formal training, they can expect a minimum of two years of study – only one year programs are designed for optometric assistants, which is a slightly less advanced position.
In formal training programs, courses to help someone become an optometric technician commonly included are optometric procedures, optical devices, eye physiology, and anatomy. Instrumentation, optometric dispensing, optical first aid, and lens finishing are additional examples. These courses not only qualify the technician for a diploma or degree, but also prepare the technician for certification.
Certification is voluntary for someone wanting to become an optometric technician, but most optometrists prefer their technicians to be certified. In the United States, an optometric technician applies for certification through organizations such as the National Board of Paraoptometric Certification, American Board of Opticianry (ABO), and the American Optometric Association, Paraoptometric Division. These agencies usually offer certification through a written competency exam.
After education and certification, the final steps to becoming an optometric technician are updating a resume and formally applying for open technician positions. In some cases, it is possible for a candidate to utilize placement services provided by your training program. Most technicians apply directly to the offices they want to work in.
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