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Optometry Student Internship Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Optometry Student Internship information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do optometry student internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry student internship in Edison, NJ is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of hands-on experiences can I expect during an optometry student internship?

As an optometry student intern, you will typically gain hands-on experience by assisting licensed optometrists with comprehensive eye exams, performing preliminary testing, and learning to use diagnostic equipment. You'll also interact with patients, practice taking patient histories, and observe or assist in procedures such as refraction and contact lens fittings. Interns often rotate through different clinical settings, which helps build practical skills and exposes you to various patient demographics and eye conditions. This real-world experience is invaluable for building confidence and competence before entering professional practice.

What is an Optometry Student Internship?

An Optometry Student Internship is a supervised practical experience in which optometry students apply their academic knowledge and clinical skills in real-world settings, such as private practices, clinics, or hospitals. These internships are typically part of the optometry school curriculum and are designed to give students hands-on experience in patient care, diagnostic procedures, and eyewear prescription. Interns work under the supervision of licensed optometrists, allowing them to develop their clinical competencies and professional skills. This experience helps prepare students for licensure and future careers as optometrists.

What is the difference between Optometry Student Internship vs Optometry Technician?

AspectOptometry Student InternshipOptometry Technician
Required CredentialsEnrolled in optometry school, pre-licensureHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClinical settings, supervised by optometristsOptometry offices, clinics, retail settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptometry schools, clinics, hospitalsOptometry practices, retail chains
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning opportunities, internship programsAssistants, technical support roles

Optometry Student Internships are designed for students pursuing an optometry degree, focusing on gaining clinical experience under supervision. In contrast, Optometry Technicians support optometrists by performing technical tasks and assisting in patient care. Both roles are essential in the optometry industry but differ in qualifications, responsibilities, and career progression.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optometry Student Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optometry Student Intern, you need a foundational knowledge of ocular anatomy, vision science, and pre-clinical coursework, typically gained through enrollment in an accredited optometry program. Familiarity with optometric instruments, electronic health records, and diagnostic imaging systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and professionalism help interns build rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with supervising optometrists. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering quality patient care, learning practical clinical skills, and ensuring a successful transition to full optometric practice.
What are popular job titles related to Optometry Student Internship jobs in Edison, NJ? For Optometry Student Internship jobs in Edison, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Optometry Student Internship jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Optometry Student Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Optometry Student Internship job openings in Edison, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,481 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

$53K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

This position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the New Jersey VA Medical Center in Acute Care. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/31/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology to include location and function of major body organs and structures. Experience with Lead placement for 12 lead electrocardiogram and telemetry monitoring, monitor alarm parameters, operation, and maintenance of cardiopulmonary and electrocardiogram equipment. Vital sign measurements, deviation from norms, documentation, and procedure for reporting results. Pulse oximetry monitoring, peak flow measurement, and incentive spirometry. Knowledge of life-threatening emergencies and initial response. Knowledge of emergency situations such as cardiopulmonary failure, hemorrhaging, and shock and how to assist in the performance of resuscitation measures. Safe patient handling including patient transfers and transportation by wheelchair and/or gurney. Operation of safe patient handling equipment Infection control practices including universal precautions to protect patients and self from infection
NOTE: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. Individual Occupational Requirements

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.


You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Clerical
  • Clinical Data Collection/Documentation
  • Diagnostic Medical Testing
  • Patient Care

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: The position includes physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and
lifting of equipment and supplies. The incumbent must be able to lift 35 lbs., perform the following: pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulders and laterally, use of fingers, both hands, arm, and legs, sitting, walking, and standing for long periods of time. He/She must also be able to hear whispered voices (with or without a hearing aid), kneeling, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental/muscular coordination simultaneously, visual requirements for monitoring, observation, depth perception, and ability to distinguish shades of color.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:There is no educational substitution at this grade level.Employment Type: OTHER