Becoming an Optician in Wyoming

Are you interested in how vision improvement devices, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, work? If you would like to help people with vision problems find appropriate solutions to enhance their eyesight, you might consider becoming an optician. In this career field, you’ll work directly with clients to fill their prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.[En Español]

Licensing Requirements for Opticians in Wyoming

Throughout the U.S., 23 states require licensing for opticians. Wyoming is one of the 27 states that do not require opticians to be licensed before becoming employed. Any requirements you’ll need to meet to become an optician in this state will be set by your employer.

While post-secondary education is not required for this career, it is a great idea to gain as much knowledge as possible before applying for a job as an optician, especially if you want to make this a long-term endeavor.

National Optician Certification In Wyoming

You can receive voluntary certification through the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE). If you have your high school diploma or GED, you are eligible to take the ABO-NCLE exam to become a certified optician. It is recommended that you have at least two years of hands-on experience or take some vision-related courses to prepare for this exam.

This certification shows your extent of knowledge within the field and can lead to higher pay. It is no secret that higher levels of education and experience are often grounds for salary increases. For this reason, it is also a great idea to find an opticianry school or program in your area to build your expertise.

Optician Certification Training Programs in Wyoming

With no state-mandated standards for becoming an optician in Wyoming, going to school to learn more is your choice. This additional education is not required to practice opticianry; however, it can be beneficial to those who are interested. The knowledge and skills you will learn can even lay the groundwork for a career in ophthalmology or optometry. In this way, there will always be room for progression.

• Casper College is a public community college offering a pre-optometry program. The program grants students an Associate of Applied Science degree and takes about two years to complete. While the program is recommended for students interested in attending optometry or medical school, aspiring opticians will also benefit from the knowledge and skills acquired with this degree. Request enrollment information.
• Penn Foster College offers an online program for those looking to further their education in this area. This program takes less than one year to complete and costs $1,179 or less to enroll. This Optician Exam Prep Career Diploma Program would be of interest to those looking to learn more from the comfort of their own home and on the flexibility of their schedule.

Continuing education in this field is essential for those hoping to stay competitive and knowledgeable within their career. Keeping up with the latest trends, technology, and standards will make sure you are always meeting your client’s needs.

Outlook and Salaries for Opticians in Wyoming

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that, in 2021, opticians earned an average of $29,650 in Wyoming. This is equivalent to $14.26 per hour. While there are only about 20 new job openings per year in the state for this career field, it is important to remember that Wyoming has the smallest population of all 50 states. This could signify a good chance of finding your fit within the trade. You can also expect to see an 11 percent increase in jobs added to the field within the 10 years from 2020 to 2030.

Salaries in Wyoming by Occupation

Certified Dispensing Optician Salaries in Wyoming by Region

Working as an Optician in Wyoming

In a state that has such a small population size, you are likely to build long-lasting relationships with the clients you will be servicing. If you appreciate forming these personal bonds while helping people improve their visual accuracy, opticians may be the perfect fit for you. According to BLS data from 2020, you can also expect to find the highest-paying optician jobs in the Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area. This career field grants you the option of working in optometry or ophthalmology offices, clinics and hospitals, and retail environments, as well as the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people, from young children to senior citizens.

College Programs

• Casper, WY
• Cheyenne, WY

Casper, WY Area

125 College Dr, Casper, Wyoming 82601-4699
(307) 268-2110
Pre-Optometry – Associate Program

Casper College’s Associate-level Pre-Optometry program is offered at their campus in the city of Casper. The college has a region of 3,680 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $3,024 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $1,080, although this varies from program to program.

* Tuition fees and colleges’ accreditation status are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm directly with the college before applying.

Neighbor States

See options in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.