Flexible programming
In order to provide maximum flexibility to complete your courses on evenings and weekends, we have designed this program to be taken online. However, during your first and second year, you will be required to attend 2 full-day labs. These labs are completed in either Edmonton or Calgary. If you qualify for distance status, you may opt to complete these labs at your place of work.
The rest of the program, including course material and assessments, is accessible through Moodle, NAIT’s online eLearning system. This method of delivery allows you to participate in course forums and access learning materials whenever you want, from the comfort of your own home, office, or local coffee shop.
Canadian Applicants outside Alberta
If you are a Canadian resident outside of Alberta, please contact the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) for registration information and an application package. Canadian residents outside of Alberta do not apply through the Alberta Post-Secondary Application System (APAS). If you apply in error, the application fee cannot be refunded.
Important note for residents of Lloydminster
If your practicum is located on the Alberta side of the border, you follow the same application process as the Canadian residents in Alberta (i.e., apply through APAS and complete your application checklist). If your practicum is located on the Saskatchewan side of the border, you follow the same application process as the Canadian residents outside of Alberta (i.e., DO NOT apply through APAS - contact the OAC instead).
Important note for residents of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut
You follow the same application process as the Canadian residents in Alberta (i.e., apply through APAS and complete your application checklist).
International Students
Some NAIT programs are unavailable to international students because they do not meet eligibility for a study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Study Permit: This program is delivered through distance learning and therefore does not meet the criteria for a study permit.
- Co-Op: Due to this program not meeting the criteria of a study permit, it also does not meet the criteria for a Co-Op Work Permit.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: This program is delivered through distance learning and therefore is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. Completion of this program will not make you eligible for a PGWP.
International students who have questions about permissions to take this program can contact a NAIT Academic Advisor – International to discuss options.
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Clinical Placement.
Clinical Placement
A Clinical Placement involves work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional (e.g. preceptor) in any discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional licensure or certification. Practica are generally unpaid and the work is done in a supervised setting.
| Duration |
60 weeks |
| Compensation |
No |
| International Students |
Not Accepted |
| Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
| Student Interview Required |
No |
Benefits of a Clinical Placement
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Career Outcomes
NAIT's Optical Sciences Eyeglasses program is a fully accredited program. After successful completion, you can take the national licensing examination to practice in Canada: National Alliance of Canadian Opticians Regulators (NACOR). Upon passing the exam, opticians can continue to the Optical Sciences Contact Lens program.
In Alberta, graduates need to obtain a provisional license from the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) until they pass the NACOR exam.
Opticians registering in Alberta for the first time will have to complete a criminal record check and a jurisprudence course provided by the College of Opticians of Alberta and complete continuing competence requirements throughout their career. For information on post-graduation licensing requirements, contact the College of Opticians of Alberta.
Additional information about the profession of opticianry can be found at:
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 2 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program does not accept international applicants. International applicants interested in this program may contact a NAIT International Academic Advisor to discuss their options.