Optician Programs in Long Beach, California

Becoming an Optician in Long Beach, California

If you’re considering a career as an Optician in Long Beach, California, you’re on the path to joining a rewarding profession that combines technical skills with customer service. Opticians, also known as Optical Technicians, are responsible for fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an Optician, including education paths, certification, and training options available in Long Beach.

About Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a bustling coastal city known for its diverse culture and beautiful waterfront. As part of the greater Los Angeles area, Long Beach offers a unique blend of urban living and beachside relaxation. The city is home to landmarks such as the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. For more information about Long Beach, visit the official city website.

Optician Training Programs in Long Beach, California

While Long Beach itself may not have a dedicated Optician program, there are several nearby options to consider:

  1. American Career College – Los Angeles
    Located approximately 25 miles from Long Beach, American Career College offers an Optical Technician Certificate Program. This program provides hands-on training in optical dispensing, lens fabrication, and customer service. For more details, visit the American Career College website.

  2. Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center – Sacramento
    Though further away, this center offers an Optometric Assistant/Dispensing Optician program. It covers a wide range of skills necessary for a career in opticianry. More information can be found on their official website.

  3. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education – La Puente
    Approximately 30 miles from Long Beach, this institution offers an Optical Training program focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of opticianry. Visit their website for more information.

Optician Employment Opportunities in Long Beach

Long Beach hosts several optical retailers and healthcare facilities where Opticians can find employment:

  1. LensCrafters – Long Beach Towne Center
    A leading optical retailer offering a range of eyewear and eye care services. For career opportunities, visit the LensCrafters careers page.

  2. Kaiser Permanente – Long Beach Medical Offices
    This healthcare facility includes an optical department providing comprehensive eye care services. Explore job openings on the Kaiser Permanente careers page.

  3. Target Optical – Long Beach
    Located within Target stores, Target Optical offers a variety of eyewear services. Check out their careers page for more information.

Prerequisites for Optician Programs

To enroll in an Optician program, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. You must be at least 18 years old, although some licenses require you to be 21. Additional requirements may include entrance exams, background checks, and medical status verification.

Licensure Requirements in California

In California, Opticians must obtain certifications from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). The California Board of Optometry and the Medical Board of California oversee licensing. You must pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). For more details, visit the California Board of Optometry.

Licensure Reciprocity

California does not have formal licensure reciprocity agreements with other states for Opticians. However, national certifications like those from the ABO and NCLE are widely recognized.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an Optician in Long Beach, California, is a promising choice. With the right education and certification, you can join a field that offers both stability and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Contact a local school today to begin your journey toward becoming an Optician.

For more information on the job outlook for Opticians, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.