Overview
Be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. You will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, and business and retail aspects of the profession.
Through our hands-on learning approach, you’ll gain skills that will demonstrate your application of the theory through clinical competencies focusing on refraction, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, ensuring a proper fit, and determining clients’ eyewear needs.
You’ll have a chance to practice and demonstrate these skills, along with business and retail skills, in dynamic, patient-centered environments in the form of classroom lectures, laboratory practice and clinical practicum placements so you get exposure to simulated real-work experience before you graduate.
Is this the right fit for me?
You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:
- fine motor skills
- critical thinking
- effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- ability to work independently and with others
- actively participate in classroom, lab and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- ability to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
- ability to use technology
- willing to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends, and shift work
- ability to meet the physical demands of the job (for example, spending most hours working on your feet, walking, bending, and other repetitive tasks)
- can tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Opticians as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they can successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
Accreditation
This program is aligned with the competencies outlined by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) and has been accredited with condition by Accreditation Canada effective May 4, 2022.
Credentials
Upon completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Optician Diploma.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared to challenge the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam and obtain a dual license as a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in optical retail stores or a variety of other medical settings. Potential positions include:
- optician
- contact lens practitioner
Related careers include:
- ophthalmic medical personnel
- optical laboratory technician
- optometrist
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $12,796
- Year 2: $12,796
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $25,925.71
- Year 2: $25,925.71
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
A minimum grade of 65% in each of the following courses or their equivalents:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
- Physics 20* or Biology 30 or Science 30
Or
- Completion of the Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program or equivalent
All applicants, including those educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside of the city.
Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Learn more about practicum requirements
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-204 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3.0 |
| HSCI-219 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 3.0 |
| HSCI-221 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Practice | 3.0 |
| HSCI-223 | Ophthalmic and Optometric Skills | 3.0 |
| HSCI-309 | Systemic and Ocular Pathology and Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-264 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications | 1.5 |
| HSCI-207 | Contact Lenses and Dispensing I | 3.0 |
| HSCI-214 | Optical Dispensing I | 3.0 |
| HSCI-217 | Contact Lenses I | 3.0 |
| MKTG-366 | Business Development and Customer Relationship Management | 3.0 |
| PROF-240 | Healthcare Professionalism | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-252 | Clinical Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 3.0 | |
| Year 1 total | 33.0 | |
Second year
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HSCI-250 | Contact Lenses II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-252 | Contact Lenses and Dispensing II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-253 | Optical Dispensing II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-301 | Refracting Skills I | 3.0 |
| HSCI-350 | Applied Refracting Skills I | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 5
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HSCI-308 | Refracting Skills II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-311 | Optical Dispensing III | 3.0 |
| HSCI-351 | Contact Lenses III | 3.0 |
| HSCI-352 | Contact Lenses and Dispensing III | 3.0 |
| HSCI-371 | Applied Refracting Skills II | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 6
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-372 | Clinical Practicum II | 3.0 |
| Semester 6 total | 3.0 | |
| Year 2 total | 33.0 | |
| Program total |
66.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $10,923 | $1,105 | $768 | $12,796 |
| 2 | 2.5** | $10,923 | $1,105 | $768 | $12,796 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $24,052.71 | $1,105 | $768 | $25,925.71 |
| 2 | 2.5** | $24,052.71 | $1,105 | $768 | $25,925.71 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
**.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
The College of opticians of Alberta (COA) annual registration fees are approximately $650. Applications to, and a license from, a regulatory body are required prior to a graduate working. Further fee information is available on the COA website.
The National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulator (NACOR) certification exam fees are:
- Optical Sciences 1: Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences: $750
- Optical Sciences 2: Advanced Practice Contact Lenses: $750
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $2,800.
Students are required to purchase a professional optician toolkit containing essential optical tools commonly used in practice, prior to attending labs in semester two. The kit is purchased directly through an external provider for an approximate cost of $380 + tax. Information regarding the kit purchase will be provided during semester one. Students are required to purchase a contact lens fitting set prior to starting their second-year contact lens labs. The cost of the kit is approximately $150 and will be available for purchase at the SAIT bookstore.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Get started on practicum requirements
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Fall 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on August 30. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
Optician students are required to have a Student Optician toolkit (starting in the second semester). Full details on purchasing will be discussed prior to the start of the second semester.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Optician students are required to wear navy blue scrubs (top and bottom) and closed-toe water-impermeable shoes for lab courses (starting in the second semester).
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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