Optician Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

Becoming an Optician in Jacksonville, Florida

Are you considering a career as an Optician in Jacksonville, Florida? Opticians play a crucial role in the eye care industry, helping customers select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. This guide will walk you through the steps to become an Optician, including the educational paths available, local training programs, and licensure requirements specific to Florida.

About Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States and offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Known for its extensive park system, beautiful beaches, and the St. Johns River, Jacksonville is a great place to live and work. For more information about the city, visit the official Jacksonville website.

Optician Training Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

If you’re looking to pursue Optician programs in Jacksonville, here are some local options:

1. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
   • Location: Downtown Jacksonville
   • Program: FSCJ offers an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Opticianry. The program includes coursework in optical theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. For more details, visit the FSCJ Opticianry program page.
2. Hillsborough Community College (HCC)
   • Location: Tampa, FL (approximately 200 miles from Jacksonville)
   • Program: HCC provides an Opticianry program that prepares students for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Learn more at the HCC Opticianry program page.
3. Miami Dade College (MDC)
   • Location: Miami, FL (approximately 350 miles from Jacksonville)
   • Program: MDC offers an Associate in Science degree in Vision Care Technology. The program covers both optical and contact lens training. Visit the MDC Vision Care program page for more information.

Optician Employment Opportunities in Jacksonville

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

1. LensCrafters
   • Location: St. Johns Town Center
   • Description: A leading optical retailer offering a wide range of eyewear and eye care services. Check out their career opportunities for more information.
2. Mayo Clinic
   • Location: Southside Jacksonville
   • Description: A renowned healthcare facility with a comprehensive optical department. Visit the Mayo Clinic careers page for job listings.
3. Visionworks
   • Location: Regency Square Mall
   • Description: A national optical retailer providing eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Explore their employment opportunities.

Prerequisites for Optician Programs

To enroll in an Optician program in Jacksonville, you typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Some programs may require entrance exams or background checks

Licensure Requirements in Florida

To become a licensed Optician in Florida, you must:

• Complete a state-approved educational program or a 6,240-hour apprenticeship
• Pass the NOCE and CLRE exams
• Submit an application to the Florida Board of Opticianry with necessary documentation and fees

For more information, visit the Florida Board of Opticianry.

Licensure Reciprocity

Florida does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for Optician licensure. Therefore, if you are licensed in another state, you must meet Florida’s specific requirements to practice.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an Optician in Jacksonville, Florida, is a rewarding choice with numerous opportunities. Whether you choose to pursue formal education or an apprenticeship, the path is clear. Reach out to a local school today to begin your journey in the optical field.

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