Florida
Can anyone direct me to where I can find info on what all I would need to do to become licensed in Florida. I am currently in Michigan and am thinking about relocating and would like to stay in the optical field. Any info you have will be appreciated. Thanks in advance :bbg:
Welcome to Optiboard Bella!
Here is a start!
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/MQA/optic...o_lic_req.html
Keep asking questions!
Good luck!
:cheers::cheers::cheers:
Try the state Opticianry society!
http://www.pof.org/
Sorry it took me so long to come up with the links!
I must be getting rusty!
;):cheers::D:cheers:;)
Thank you so much. Haven't had time to look them over yet, but both look like they would have some good info:)
Hi Bella,
The sites previously posted will give you lots of great information.
In a nutshell:
To be licensed, you must sit for the board, given twice a year, which includes written and hands on competencies.
To sit for the board, you must have:
A: current ABO certification
B: current NCLE certification
and...
C: either:
an AS from an accredited opticianry program
or: affidavit of 3 years practice in a licensed state
or: affidavit of 5 years practice in an unlicensed state.
or: three years of apprenticeship, documented, and filed in Florida
If you want to fit contact lenses, you may do so, with the additional board certification course for CL. This course is offered throughout the state (contact www.pof.org), or from an accredited college.
Hope this helps,
: )
Laurie
If you are already licensed in MI, lots of states allow you to reciprocate. I would check into that first. You may not have to take any exams and/or practicals.
Good luck,
Hello Again,
Unfortunately, reciprocity for opticianry is no longer practiced. I am certain that it no longer applies to Florida, and may not be available anywhere in the country.
The history behind this, was that some opticians were getting a license in another state that was easier to get a license in (i.e., getting a license based on ABO only, and not including a hands-on test or additional written exams... They would purposely get a license in another state with fewer requirements, and then file the paperwork to get the license in Florida.
Laurie
I understand that. But for instance, Ohio does offer reciprocity. And RI & Mass used to, I got my Mass then reciprocated to RI. Which I reciprocated to VA, which I then finally settled in Ohio. Course this was over a 10-15 year period.
Interesting.
I thought that reciprocity was no longer practiced anywhere.
It would be great to have more mobiltiy with licensure, it is just getting opticians to agree on the standard that is a challenge.
Do you happen to know what states Ohio reciprocates with?
: )
Laurie
NCLE Exam
Hi everyone,
Did anybody used OTI's material to pass the NCLE exam? I used OTI's material and Test Review for CL Technicians. But, i thought the test was reall tough. Anyone have any good tips, good materials to study from? I've the CL manual, what do u think about that? Any help will be much appreciated.
Hi,
I already got my AS degree in Opticianry from Florida and passed both ABO/NCLE exams from Michigan. In order to get the florida license, do you need to go to florida or you can take it from here? What are the exam specifics? Any help is really appreciated. Thanks.
Last edited by mjacob; 09-06-2008 at 07:28 PM.
Make sure you capitalize the F in Florida, they are sensitive about things like this.
I'm already ABO/NCLE certified frm MI & i got my AS degree in Opticianry from Florida! I'd like to get licensed in Florida! If i get Licensed in MI, can i transfer that to Florida? Or i have to take another exam in Florida? Can i take the License exam for Florida, from Michigan? I'd really appreciate any of ur help, thanks.
Florida does not accept reciprocity. If you have A.S. in Opticianry you still need ABO, NCLE and pass the state exam. In addition you have to pay over a thousand dollars for testing and initial license. Good luck.
Dannyboy:cheers:
Hello,
Dannyboy is correct.
And, you do need to travel to Florida to take the boards. There are written and hands-on parts.
www.pof.org
look for licensing info, and you will see what to do from there.
Good Luck!
: )
Laurie
Last edited by Laurie; 09-08-2008 at 08:16 PM. Reason: typo!
Thanks Dannyboy&Laurie! I recently became certified in ABO/NCLE and was trying to see if you could take the florida license exam frm here. So, i do need to travel to florida to take the exams, okay. How's the licensing exam? Does it consists of both written/practical portions?
Last edited by mjacob; 09-08-2008 at 06:29 PM.
Yes, you must travel here to take the exam, it has both written and hands-on portions.
: )
Laurie
Danny:
Do you mean that someone actually has to touch a frame or a patient for a license?
How very unusual.
Next thing you know we will have to remove and replace a screw all by ourselves.
Chip
I dont understand your point Chip. If you mean just simply touching the face or the frame,I am not sure of that, but someone in an non od/omd owned optical there must be an optician involve in the practice of opticianry.
I was once reprimended for having left my store for one hour during my lunch. The optical world stops when an optician leaves the store. Puff its gone.Florida is not NY in which people can adjust the frame as long as the customer is not touched. Simply put it, there must be an optician.
The financial burden on me is that if I leave on vacation I have to close or get an optician. If I get an Optician (usually a friend) due to my age my friends are older and are usually making real money so I have to pay them more than 30 an hour and a keg of beer!
Danny
I'm originally from Illinois and we moved down to Florida about 4 years ago. We love it down here!! You will not miss the winters up north that's for sure!!! Good luck with your move! Where are you looking to relocate?Originally Posted by Bella
Kelly H.
Bjort & Company, Inc.
www.bjortandcompany.com
www.cafepress.com/bjortandcompany
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/condi...ion/index.html
Danny:
Post was sarchastic humor. Most "licenses" only require that you pay money and take a written test. Never can tell, if we continue to evolve, we may someday even have to know what we are doing as opposed to haveing papers that say we know what we are doing.
Chip
I am an optical assistant in Florida and I am getting ready to take the State test for my licensing. I printed out the application today and it looks like I need to take the ABO and NCLE beforehand? Has anyone become licensed in Florida recently that has any info?
you need to be ABO and NCLE certified as well as apprentice for a gazillion hours under a licensed optician, OD or OMD.
Apprenticing can be waived if you have worked in an unlicensed state for a certain number of years.
ABO/NCLE is not optional.
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