Diploma in Optician
Become a multi-disciplinary team member dedicated to leading-edge vision care with our Optician diploma.
Your studies will combine the advancements of optics with fashion, the principles of contact lenses and refracting, and the practicalities of lenses, lab skills and repairs. You’ll also gain a thorough understanding of the business and retail facets critical to the profession.
In this program, you’ll learn:
ocular health, including in-depth coursework in ocular pathology
the principles of refracting and performing accurate refraction tests
about optical technology and equipment
how to fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses with precision
how to ensure the perfect fit for a diverse clientele
to assess, create and meet the specific eyewear needs of each customer.
In addition to these clinical skills, you’ll build a strong business and retail management foundation tailored to the optical and optometry field. Our program offers a blend of classroom lectures and laboratory sessions, culminating in clinical practicum placements, ensuring you receive a realistic taste of your future work environment.
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to challenge the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam. You can then pursue an optician and contact lens practitioner career, with opportunities in optical retail stores, ophthalmic or optometrist clinics, or other medical settings where eyewear and contact lenses are dispensed and created.
Set your sights on a rewarding occupation where you can genuinely impact people’s quality of life with the SAIT Optician program.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- July
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Quality starts with accountability. We are innovators who dream big, aim high and do what we say we'll do — and usually more. We learn from every opportunity and create bold solutions for the future.
We're better together. Collaboration means we work as a team to explore opportunities, talk things through to get the best result and trust each other enough to challenge convention, embrace crazy ideas and reach audacious goals. Building trust and creating success as a team is the core of our organization.
People come first. Our service focus sets us apart — we deliver a transformational experience that impacts students, alumni, employees, community and industry. Maintaining a high level of service strengthens our sense of community.
Our commitment to excellence drives us. We thrive on continuous improvement — through experimentation, refining the details, and being best-in-class in the classroom, on campus and in the community.
If our values match yours, make your mark at SAIT in a career fueled by innovation and impact.
PSW Opportunity
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.
Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.
Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.
Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.
Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.
Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 02 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
51794 CAD
Average Cost of Living: 22895 CAD /year
Application Fee: 150 CAD
Similar Programs
- Certificate in Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Diploma in Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Certificate in Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Diploma in Health Information Management at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Diploma in Fitness and Wellness Management at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Diploma in Environmental Technology at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

