CPO certification question

[marlee]

Hello! I am a newbie... but a stalker for a year! Ha

I want to become certified in CPO, in my area most OD offices prefer CPO for training in front desk, technician, and some optical skills etc. For the last year I have applied and applied to every optometric front desk job that opens up in my area. I have yet to be called for an interview. I have a college degree in Business, so it's not lack of any type of education. I was hoping to be hired and have on the job training, but that seems to be impossible. How can you become CPO certified if you need 6 months experience to take the CPO test, yet you can't get your foot in the door to even gain such knowledge to sit for the exam? Are there any tips / something I am missing to become certified? Online courses to become certified? How can one get the job without CPO experience?

Thank you so much for your thoughts.

[marlee]

Did I post this in the wrong section?

Thank you!

[Judy Canty]

Where are you on the East Coast?

[marlee]

Where are you on the East Coast?

Richmond VA

[allanon]

I'm not aware of any offices in Richmond that require a CPO to get in the door (and as a Richmond OD, I try to keep up with these things). We require our staff to get certified, but it's not a requirement to be considered for a position. Keep trying.

[marlee]

I'm not aware of any offices in Richmond that require a CPO to get in the door (and as a Richmond OD, I try to keep up with these things). We require our staff to get certified, but it's not a requirement to be considered for a position. Keep trying.

Thank you very much for your reply! I will keep trying. Merry Christmas to you.

[wmcdonald]

With a Bachelor's degree, some may consider you over qualified for this position. Think beyond that. Look into practice management, etc.

[marlee]

With a Bachelor's degree, some may consider you over qualified for this position. Think beyond that. Look into practice management, etc.

I agree and I think this has played a major role in why I never receive a call to interview. If I could go back in time and change my degree, I would. I don't mind starting at the bottom CPO (find CPO quite interesting), becoming certified in each level and moving my way up. I've been going to the eye doc since I was in 2nd grade, haha, and I'm very interested in the field. I'll keep swimming and maybe one day, someone will take notice :)