Optician Schools Near Me: Find Accredited Programs in 2025
Directory of optician training programs across the United States. Find the right school for your career.
Quick Facts About Optician Education
Types of Optician Programs
Certificate Programs (1 year)
Focused training in optical dispensing. Fastest path to certification eligibility. Best for career changers or those with some optical experience.
Associate Degree (2 years)
Comprehensive education including general education courses. Preferred by many employers. Opens more advancement opportunities.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years)
Rare but available at some institutions. Best for those considering optical management or further education.
Apprenticeship (2-4 years)
Learn while working under a licensed optician. Available in most states. Earn income while training.
Accredited Programs by Region
Programs accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COEA) meet national standards for optician education. Graduation from an accredited program may qualify you for ABO/NCLE certification without additional experience requirements.
Northeast
SUNY College of Optometry (NY)
Highly regarded program
2 years
Essex County College (NJ)
COEA accredited
2 years
New York City College of Technology
City University of New York
2 years
Middlesex Community College (MA)
Flexible scheduling
1 year
Southeast
Miami Dade College (FL)
Large program, COEA accredited
2 years
Hillsborough Community College (FL)
Tampa area
2 years
Durham Technical Community College (NC)
Strong job placement
2 years
Roane State Community College (TN)
Online options available
2 years
Midwest
Ferris State University (MI)
One of the oldest programs
2-4 years
Cuyahoga Community College (OH)
Cleveland area
2 years
Columbus State Community College (OH)
COEA accredited
2 years
West
Los Angeles City College (CA)
Established program
2 years
Ohlone College (CA)
Bay Area location
1 year
Spokane Community College (WA)
Pacific Northwest
2 years
Pima Community College (AZ)
Tucson area
1 year
Southwest
El Paso Community College (TX)
COEA accredited
2 years
Tyler Junior College (TX)
East Texas
2 years
Online Optician Training Options
If there's no program near you, online learning combined with work experience is a viable path.
Benefits of Online Learning
- Study at your own pace while working
- More affordable than traditional programs
- Gain practical experience in a real optical setting
- Flexible scheduling for busy adults
Note: Online coursework must typically be combined with hands-on experience (often obtained through employment at an optical) to meet ABO/NCLE eligibility requirements.
How to Choose an Optician School
Check Accreditation
COEA-accredited programs meet national standards and may provide exam eligibility advantages.
Consider Total Cost
Include tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. Community colleges are often most affordable.
Review Job Placement Rates
Ask schools for employment statistics and industry connections.
Evaluate Clinical Experience
Hands-on training is crucial. Look for programs with externship or clinical components.
Check Exam Pass Rates
Good programs share their ABO/NCLE pass rates. Higher rates indicate quality instruction.
No School Near You?
You have options even if there's no accredited program in your area:
Option 1: Apprenticeship
Work under a licensed optician while studying independently. Available in most states. Earn while you learn.
Option 2: Online Study + Optical Employment
Use online courses like OpticianStudy while gaining experience at a local optical retailer.
Option 3: Distance Learning Programs
Some accredited schools offer hybrid programs with online coursework and periodic in-person labs.
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