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Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmic medical technicians in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al: 24 units/hours of Continuing Education every 2 years

Licensing Blueprint for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in California

Estimated timeline: 1-5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Application Fee: $203.00.

  3. 3

    Requirements: Official transcript with Associate Degree in Science at least 60 semester units course work shall include 6 semester units of chemistry and 6 semester units in biology.

  4. 4

    26 weeks of Clinical training in an approved MLT training program or NACCLS program.

  5. 5

    3 years on the job practical experience within the previous 5 years in a clinical lab outside California, California Physician office laboratory and laboratory owned and operated by the United States of America as MLT.

  6. 6

    Examination: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Association of Bioanalyst (ABB).

  7. 7

    Separate fee from the application.

Exam and processing details

  • American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Association of Bioanalyst (ABB). Separate fee from the application.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing Education every 2 years

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al: 24 units/hours of Continuing Education every 2 years

  4. Salary Position

    $47,940 median (9% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Requirements: Official transcript with Associate Degree in Science at least 60 semester units course work shall include 6 semester units...).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (26 weeks of Clinical training in an approved MLT training program or NACCLS program.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Association of Bioanalyst (ABB). Separate fee from the application..
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Application Fee: $203.00.; Requirements: Official transcript with Associate Degree in Science at least 60 semester units course work shall include 6 semester units...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Laboratory Field Services~Personnel Licensing Section and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al: 24 units/hours of Continuing Education every 2 years).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $47,940, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in California earn 9% above the national median of $44,080. California ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-5 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$47,940

Hourly estimate

$23.05
9% above national median

Difference: +$3,860

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,430
  • P2525th percentile$41,110
  • P50Median$47,940
  • P7575th percentile$57,780
  • P9090th percentile$82,710

State vs National Median

State: $47,940
National: $44,080

Total employment: 4,090 | Annual openings: N/A

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary Ranking

#7 of 50 statesfor Ophthalmic Medical Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$60,810
#2Wisconsin$50,660
#3Vermont$49,080
#4Washington$48,960
#5Oregon$48,730

Nearby States Comparison

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$47,940Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-5 years
Oregon$48,730Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$37,630Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required18 years
Arizona$41,790No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section

850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA, 94804-6403

Phone: 5106203800

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-5 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in California?

The median annual salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in California is $47,940. Salaries range from $36,430 (10th percentile) to $82,710 (90th percentile).

How does the Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in California compare to the national average?

Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in California earn 9% above the national median of $44,080, with a state median of $47,940.

How many Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss work in California?

California employs approximately 4,090 Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Ophthalmic Medical Technicians license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services / Personnel Licensing Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al: 24 units/hours of Continuing Education every 2 years.