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 designed
to develop basic essential knowledge and performance skills necessary to
function as an optician.
Occupational Objectives: Students who successfully complete this
career studies certificate program and complete the 6,000 hours of
on-the-job training as a registered apprentice will be eligible to sit
for the licensure examination to become a licensed optician in the State
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 be registered as
an Apprentice Optician with the Virginia Department of Labor. This
career studies certificate program may be completed in three years. To
be awarded the Opticians Apprentice Career Studies Certificate, students
are required to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year,
for a total of 6,000 hours, along with the required courses. Students
will be required to repeat any OPT course in which a grade lower than
"C" is received. | 
