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 Requirement: 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. | 
