Overview

Successful completion of the two year Opticianry Program results in an Associate in Applied Science degree. Opticians are licensed professionals who design and fit prescription eyeglasses, contact lens and other specialized optical devices. The patient brings the optician a prescription from their doctor and the optician determines the best way to fill that prescription based on the individual’s specific needs. There are hundreds of different ways to fill any given prescription. There are many options such as lens materials, designs, colors, coatings, frame sizes and frame styles just to mention a few. Opticians select the best of these options for each patient based on his or her visual and fashion needs. The optician considers many patient variables; their prescription, the type of work they do, their hobbies, what sports they play and other special needs. Opticians need to make sure their patients see clearly, look attractive (we are also fashion consultants), and have properly adjusted and comfortable glasses and contact lenses that fit conveniently into their lifestyle.

Work Settings

Most opticians work in retail business settings and medical offices, providing eyewear directly to the public. However, some specialize in areas such as contact lens fitting, laboratory work, or as sales consultants for manufactures of spectacle frames, spectacle lenses or contact lenses. Some also have their own optical businesses and work for themselves.

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Opticianry Program, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the Tennessee state licensing exams.

Location

The program is located on the Main Campus in Harriman, Tennessee.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA).

Salary

Salaries for opticians vary greatly depending on where and for whom you work. The average salary for opticians in East Tennessee is around $36,000 with starting salaries about $25,000. However, many opticians earn significantly more than average by working their way up the management ladder in large corporate optical businesses. Also, entrepreneurial opticians may own their own businesses and work for themselves. For further information on the many varied opportunities available to graduates of the Opticianry Program contact Mike Goggin.

Tuition & Fees

Click here for Roane State Tuition and Fees
Besides normal tuition & fees, other expenses include:
Books: Contact the RSCC Bookstore for titles and prices
Optical tool kit: approximately $300
Liability insurance: $15

Steps to enroll at RSCC as an Opticianry Program Applicant

1. Submit an RSCC Admissions Application pay a one-time application fee. Indicate on the application you are interested in Opticianry.
2. Submit required proof of immunizations.
3. Submit OFFICIAL transcripts from all high schools or colleges you have attended to the Office of Records and Registration. An official transcript is one that is in an unopened sealed envelope from the high school or college.
4. If you are under 21, and have taken the ACT test within the last 3 years and your score on all parts is 19 or better, you will NOT be required to take the COMPASS placement test to determine if you need any remedial/developmental classes. If you are over 21, you WILL be required to take the COMPASS test. The RSCC Counseling Center can tell you the times and locations where the tests will be given.
5. See your advisor to help you prepare a degree checklist. Your advisor information can be found on
   Raidernet.
6. At this point you can begin completing your remedial/development courses and/or General Education courses or, depending on your ACT score (or transferred courses) you may be ready to start the Opticianry Program.

Steps to be accepted into the RSCC Opticianry Program

Once qualified you should apply for acceptance into the Opticianry Program by completing a Health Sciences Application and submit it to the Health Sciences Admission Office. A Health Science application is required.

To be accepted into the program you must either:

A) Be a recent high school graduate, 21 years old or younger, with a composit ACT score of 20 or better, and have no developemental courses.

or

B) Complete at least 3 of the general education courses required for the program and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5, and have no required developmental courses remaining.

Your application will be sent to the Health Sciences Admissions Committee who will vote on your acceptance.

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Readmission Policy

A student may be readmitted to the program within one year from the semester they failed. Before being considered for readmission they will be required to take a competency exam for those course(s) which they previously successfully completed. Upon successful completion of those exams they will be considered for readmission to the program and be required to take only the course(s) they failed. If they do not successfully complete the competency exam(s), they can reapply for admission but will have to repeat all courses. Successful completion of a competency exam(s) would mean a grade of 70 or greater.