Course Delivery: Online (with 10 weeks of in-person labs)
Duration: 55 weeks, including work experience components
Start: April and November
Wages: Range between $25-$35
Recognized By: National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR)
Articulation - Direct Pathway (Post-Graduation):
Graduates are eligible to apply for BCIT’s Business Management Advanced Diploma. Upon completion, they can continue to BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Regional Lab Locations: Surrey
Student Diversity:
Stenberg supports diversity in our student population, and we hold one seat per program for a self-identified Indigenous applicant who meets admission requirements. If the seat remains unfilled at 12 weeks prior to the program start, the seat will be released and offered to other qualified applicants.

About the Career

Opticianry is one of the three “O’s” of eyecare. The other two are Ophthalmology and Optometry. A Licensed Optician is an eyecare specialist. They advise, design and produce optical products such as eyeglasses, contacts, low-vision and specialized products. Licensed Opticians are one of 26 designated health professions regulated under the Health Professions Act in B.C.

As an Optician, you’ll find opportunities for employment in:

  • Optometry clinics
  • Optical stores (independent or chain)
  • Ophthalmology offices
  • Optics labs
  • Independent business offices
  • Product sales sector
Licensed Optician program | Stenberg College

About the Licensed Optician Program

Through a combination of theory, practice (labs), and application (practicum), you will be extensively trained in eyeglass dispensing, contact lens fitting and automated refraction. Beyond the technological skills, emphasis is placed on interpersonal communication, customer service and professional practice.

Our program is recognized by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) and our graduates are well-prepared to take the national licensing exams. To become a Licensed Optician, graduates must register with the regulatory college in their province of residence.

Admission Requirements

Pre-requisites:

  • Grade 12 graduation or mature student status
  • English Grade 10 or higher
    • CAAT Level C Reading Comprehension test plus an Essay (minimum 70%)
    • IELTS: General or Academic with Overall band score of 6.0 with no component less than 6.0 in all components
    • CLBPT: Minimum score of 7 in all components
  • Math Grade 11 or higher (minimum grade of C- )
    • CAAT Level D Math test with score of Grade 11 or higher
  • Successful completion of the online Computer Skills Entrance Test (minimum 70%)
  • Completion of Stenberg College entrance informational interview
  • Passing Verbal Test of English if EAL
  • Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act
  • Preference will be given to those with customer service experience
  • Preference will be given to those with any Science Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of C

Program Courses

Student Support

  • Academic tutoring
  • Assessment and skill development support
  • Open study skills tutorials
  • Typing practice support
  • One-on-one student support coaching sessions
  • English language learning support
  • Online learning resources
  • Online academic journals and databases
  • Campus life events

Post-Graduation Pathways

This program has an articulation agreement with BCIT. Graduates of our Optician program are eligible to apply for BCIT’s Advanced Diploma in Business Management.

Upon completion of Stenberg’s Optician program, with an additional 1 year full time at BCIT, you can acquire an Advanced Diploma in one of Canada’s largest business schools, obtaining skills and experiences that will prepare you for next step in your career.

Articulation - Direct Pathway (Post-Graduation)

Stenberg College Licensed Optician Diploma

---------
55 Weeks Full-Time

BCIT Advance Diploma in Business Management

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1 Year Full-Time

BCIT Bachelor of Business Administration Degree

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1 Year Full-Time

Articulation to British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

After completing BCIT’s Advanced Diploma in Business Management, students have the option to enroll in BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and complete their degree in one year.

Learn more about the Stenberg-BCIT Pathway.

Our Faculty

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government’s Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). PTIB is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC’s brand or “seal” of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions. This program is also approved by the Registrar. 

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