The Optical Laboratory Technician Certificate is a short-term program designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to gain employment as an optical laboratory technician. The program also provides the opportunity for individuals in the optical field to obtain formal education in a specialized area.
Employment Opportunities
Optical laboratory technicians make prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Optical laboratory technicians cut, grind, edge, polish, and finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists. Graduates of this program may seek employment in opticians or optometrists’ offices, eyewear clinics, or retail optical centers.
Admissions Criteria
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
55 |
60 |
34 |
NA |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
224 |
236 |
229 |
NA |
| Compass |
70 |
32 |
26 |
NA |
| SAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| SAT |
270 |
280 |
310 |
NA |
| ACT |
14 |
13 |
14 |
NA |
| ASSET |
37 |
38 |
32 |
NA |
| PSAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
145 |
NA |
| TABE |
461 |
NA |
442 |
NA |
Optical Laboratory Technician Certificate Curriculum
The curriculum for the Optical Laboratory Technician Certificate program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program fall or summer semester. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 18 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 405 contact hours and generally takes 3 semesters to complete.
Program Courses
Occupational Courses (18 Credits)
Program Costs
Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $1,800
Fees ($370 per semester): $1,110
Books/Supplies: $700
Uniform Costs: Approximately $80
(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)