Q. What is an Optician?
A. An optician is a health care practitioner who works with clients requiring corrective lenses to improve a person’s vision. The optician designs, fits and dispenses lenses while using various ophthalmic appliances that will give the necessary correction to a person's eyesight.
Q. When does the program start and what is the application deadline for the program?
A. The program starts in August of each year. The deadline is May 1st for the August entry.
Q. What are the application requirements?
A. To apply to the program, you must have completed or be enrolled in ENC 1101 at the time of application. However, the selection of students for the program is based on the number of required general education and natural science courses completed at the time of program selection.
Q. What are the admissions/selection criteria?
A. Because enrollment is limited in this program, admission/selection criteria is based on the number of required general education courses completed at the time of program selection with top priority given to students that have completed all of the required general education courses. Additionally, GPA and Florida residency status are included into the selection process.
Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the general education courses?
A. You can apply to the program before completing these courses. However, selection will be based on the number of courses completed. You are encouraged to complete all of the non-program courses to increase your chances of acceptance into the program.
Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?
A. You will earn an Associate in Science degree in Opticianry in approximately two years.
Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. The program classes are offered weekdays from approximately 8:00 – 3:00pm. Clinical courses are scheduled from 7:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.
Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A. Employment is not encouraged but you should be able to work about 15- 20 hours per week without jeopardizing your course grades. Students must earn at least a final grade of “C” or better to continue in the program.
Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?
A. The Medical Campus does not provide job placement. Through the Career Center located in the New Student Center on the Medical Campus, graduates may review employment opportunities that have been forwarded to the Career Center.
Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession after graduation?
A. To work in Optician, a license is required in the state of Florida. This license requires that you pass the credentialing examination offered through the State of Florida Department of Health.
Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?
A. In the South Florida area, entry-level graduates may expect to earn an annual salary of $40,000 if employed full-time in a hospital setting. This does not include a sign-on bonus, benefits overtime or shift work. |
