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Optical Office Assistant

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Optical Office Assistant

In this condensed, intensive 12-week certificate program you will learn how to handle the administrative functions of an optical practice. Optical office assistants play an important role in supporting ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, and opticians, while helping to provide a positive experience for patients and clients.

What to expect from the program

This 12-week, fast-paced Optical Office Assistant program will prepare you to become a valuable asset to ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, and opticians while interacting with patients/clients to help make their experience a positive one. Students learn optical terminology, administrative skills to help coordinate and manage patient care, and optical software as well as basic pretesting clinical skills used in practices, clinics, and other related settings.

Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:

  • have access to a PC computer with a stable Internet connection
  • have keyboarding and basic computer skills
  • can type 40 words per minute before the program starts
  • are self-motivated, organized, and goal oriented
  • are able to dedicate 40-50 hours per week for full-time studies

This program is not recommended for international students as the work permit needed for the practicum may not arrive in time.

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

You’ll graduate this program with 150 hours of work experience from a practicum.

Your practicum may be in your community or close by. Your schedule may include day, evening, or night shifts any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. You will work full-time during the practicum and provide your own transportation to the facility.


Career opportunities

Graduates have opportunities to work in optical practices, clinics, and other related optical settings such as optical specialists' offices, laser eye clinics, and optical lab and supply companies.

What to expect as an optical office assistant

You are more likely to be successful in this career if you:

  • enjoy working with the public
  • are physically and emotionally able to manage workplace demands
  • are able to work shift work, including evenings and weekends
  • work well in a team environment
  • enjoy administrative tasks and are committed to customer service

Have a question about the Optical Office Assistant program?