Attention NJ licensed opticians

[stephanie]

I am thinking of moving back to my home state of NJ. How hard is it to take their practical? What does it involve? I have been in this business for almost 12 years and am licensed in TN...I figure it couldn't be too terribly hard for someone who has been doing it for as long as I have. Also, what can I expect salary wise? I appreciate all feedback.

Thanks,

Steph

[quantum]

Stephanie

Coming back to the Garden State, are ya? Congrats! Bring a slogan with you. They are currently looking for a new state marketing slogan, and I think the leader so far is "NJ, it always smells like this."

Anyway, the NJ State Board exam is 4 parts, and pretty challenging:

Written - 200 question M/C
Shop - 1 pr SV prism or Bif.
Dispensing - Fit 2 frames to another candidate / take PDs and Seg Hts.
Neutralization - Neutral 2 pair of edged and mounted lenses in 20 min.

Our rules require an associates degree and 500 hours of apprenticeship OR 30+ credits in an accredited ophthalmic dispensing program and 3 years apprenticeship prior to sitting for the state board exam. They do not practice reciprocity, ABO and NCLE certification is not recognized (or required), and each case similar to yours is handled individually by the board.

You may first want to contact the state board directly at 973-504-6435 and find out if you are eligible, if any college credits you have may be transferred, and what additional schooling they might require. The website has more info, http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/medical/ophthalmic.htm

Salaries range from $700/wk to $1200/wk, with $800-900 being about the average. May include benefits, perks, etc.

If you need further assistance, or when the time comes a review, I will be more than happy to help. I am an instructor at one of the three colleges that offer the program here (Essex County College). Feel free to PM me or e-mail me to discuss further.

Michael Della Pesca
Quantum Optical
http://quantumoptical.com

NEW! Online ABO/NCLE CE Credits for Opticians!

[wmcdonald]

You will find the NJ requirements much stronger and more demanding.

[stephanie]

Wow, that seems like a lot...maybe I will stay in TN!! LOL!! Here's my slogan for youse guys "yea we always act like this" or "forget about it". I had to mellow myself for Memphis. They didn't know how to take me. That really does seem like a lot for the practical. They don't recognize the ABO and NCLE? That surprises me. I learn something new everyday. Thanks for the information. I will call and see if all my hard work amounts to anything in NJ.


Thanks Again,

Steph