Becoming an
Optician can be a rewarding opportunity for an international student looking for a dynamic career. They are trained in diverse aspects of opticianry, including designing eyewear, crafting lenses, and providing exceptional customer service. According to the
Government of Canada, there is a growing demand for Licensed Opticians in British Columbia. If you are an international student looking to become a Licensed Optician, please see below for options and language proficiency requirements. For other admission requirements, visit our
main program page.
Options
- Licensed Optician: 55 weeks including a 6-week full-time practicum and 4-week preceptorship
- Licensed Optician with Co-op: 85 weeks including a 6-week full-time practicum and 4-week preceptorship and a 30-week co-op
- Licensed Optician International: 67 weeks including a 6-week full-time practicum and 4-week preceptorship
- Licensed Optician International with Co-op: 97 weeks including a 6-week full-time practicum and 4-week preceptorship
Language Proficiency Requirements
Overall IELTS Academic Test score* of 6.0 with no component less than 6.0 for Speaking and Listening, 5.5 for Reading and Writing (or other ESL equivalencies as determined by Stenberg).
*Must be within the last 2 years.
Articulation/Pathway
Graduates of Stenberg College’s Licensed Optician Diploma program are granted transfer credits toward BCIT’s Business Management Advanced Diploma. Upon completion they can continue to BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Helpful Resources
To learn about finances and Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), visit our International Page.Visit our Accommodation Page for helpful resources regarding homestays, and our Before Arriving in Canada Page for an important check-list of required documents for travel to Canada!