PURPOSE: Successful completion of the Opticians Apprentice Career Studies Certificate will prepare students for employment in the eye care field throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. This program is offered solely to provide the required related instruction component of the Virginia Department of Workforce and Advancement (VaDOWDA) Opticians Apprentice program.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Students who successfully complete this career studies certificate and complete the 4,000 hours of on-the-job training as a Virginia DOWDA registered apprentice will be eligible to sit for the licensure examination to become an optician in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission
PROGRAM NOTES: In addition to the general college curricular admission requirements, an interview with the Opticianry program head is required before beginning the curriculum. Students must provide proof that they are registered as an Apprentice Optician with the Virginia Department of Workforce and Advancement. This career studies certificate may be completed in one to two years. Apprentice students are required to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year, for a total of 4,000 hours, along with the required courses in this career studies certificate. Students will be required to repeat any OPT course in which a grade lower than “71” is received.
The courses in this certificate are offered online with weekly virtual meetings. Computer literacy is required to be successful. If a student is not prepared to take an online class, we highly recommend taking ITE 152 (or equivalent course) prior to enrolling in this program.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the following expenses may be required for the Opticians Apprentice program:
| Approximate Textbooks costs |
$400 |
| Testing center fees (for distance clinical courses only) |
$ varies by location |
