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Rehabilitative Health Programs

  1. CCRI
  2. Allied and Rehabilitative Health Department
  3. Rehabilitative Health Programs
  4. Opticianry Program
  5. Opticianry Program Facts

Program Facts

What does an Optician do?

The CCRI Opticianry Program is a 2 year program that integrates classroom and laboratory preparation with clinical practice for students to learn and practice the skills and behaviors required to be an Optician. General education courses such as English Composition, Oral Communication, Anatomy, Physiology, Math and Psychology enhance the Opticianry core courses. Core courses include lecture, laboratory and clinical education experiences in various Ophthalmic settings where students utilize skills in the clinic that were learned in the classroom, while being mentored by a preceptor who is a licensed Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, or Optician. During clinical experiences the students will be instructed in and have the opportunity to practice skills learned in the program while the preceptor assesses their ability to integrate their knowledge and perform the skills required for each clinical setting.

General education courses for the Opticianry Program can be taken through CCRI at any campus or be transferred from another post-secondary institution. The classroom and laboratory theory courses in the Opticianry Program are primarily offered in a Distance Learning format. The CCRI Opticianry Program is one of the 2 programs in New England offering a distance learning format. Each course has online modules which the student is required to independently complete within a specific time frame. Some onsite participation is required for course lectures and hands-on training sessions which are typically held on Saturdays or evenings for approximately 3 hours at a time. Clinical experiences are scheduled at optical facilities and typically run during the day between Monday-Saturday. The specific clinical experience schedule depends on the schedule of the clinical site and the clinical instructor to which each student is assigned.

Opticianry Program students

As you consider choosing a program to prepare you for a lifelong career as an Optician, consider how CCRI can provide you with a superior educational experience.

Our comprehensive curriculum provides a logical learning sequence and facilitates the development of hands-on and clinical reasoning skills required for successful practice in a variety of Optical settings. CCRI’s Optician Program is approved by the State of RI Department of Health and meets the requirement for graduates to become licensed in R.I. CCRI is one of the first colleges in the area to offer its program in a Distance Learning format, giving the student the opportunity to train for a new career while maintaining their other work and personal commitments. The CCRI Opticianry Program is one of only four programs located in New England. Program faculty are dedicated to student success and committed to excellence in preparing students for lifelong careers as an Optician. CCRI provides a strong network of support services for students such as supplemental classroom instruction and peer tutoring outside the classroom.

How can I prepare for the Opticianry Program?

Interested students should enroll in a math and science curriculum, including algebra, trigonometry, biology, or physics. Students should consider completing the prerequisite courses at CCRI in preparation for acceptance into the Opticianry Program. High school students can take courses during their senior year to prepare for the prerequisite courses.

CCRI Opticianry Program

What is the process for application to the program?

Students should apply to CCRI indicating an interest in the Opticianry Program. Students should refer to the Optician Program Admission Guidelines for a complete listing of preadmission requirements. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” or better and a GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained. Once the preadmission requirements are complete, students must complete a Performance Based Application specifically for the Opticianry Program. Performance Based Applications are accepted in February, May and August following completion of the preadmission requirements.

If I apply, what are my chances of getting accepted?

Applicants are rank ordered for acceptance through the performance based application process. For the best chance of acceptance, prospective students should attempt to complete their preadmission requirements in time to apply during the February application period.

Where can I get more information about the program?

Contact Information

Leadership

Offices

  • 401-333-7446
  • Flanagan Campus
  • Room 2380