becoming an optician - pathway 1 |
To become an optician in Canada there are two potential pathways – pursuing your education regarding opticianry here in Canada, or having your education and experience assessed by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). Both can lead to fulfilling and well-paid careers. Several institutions offer programs in Dispensing Opticianry in Canada for both domestic and international students. The program also requires an internship period with a sponsoring optician/employer and covers all areas of the modern optical industry. Remember to register first with the provincial optician regulator of your choice to ensure you are meeting all of their professional requirements. Click here to register with NSCDO. After graduating from an opticianry program, students must pass the NACOR (National Optical Sciences Examination). More information on the exam can be found using the following link: National Licensing Exam. The passing mark for eyeglasses is 61% and for contact lens 68%. This examination is necessary for opticians in all provinces with the exception of Quebec, who has alternative testing modalities. Should students choose to pursue a career in opticianry in Quebec, they should consult the regulatory body in Quebec. In Nova Scotia once you have passed the NACOR exam you will receive notification from NSCDO which will outline the next steps required as a new graduate to be licensed and allow you to practice to the full scope of our provincial legislation. Students can further pursue licensure for contact lens fitting should they wish, making them essentially double-certified. You must be fully licensed as an Optician before you are able to apply as a student Contact Lens Fitter. NOTE: All exam decisions or appeals must be addressed with NACOR. Details can be found at the link provided. You can obtain your Opticianry education at one of the following institutions:
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