Program overview
Program Summary
Pre Heath Sciences
Ophthalmic & Optometric Assistant offers a gateway to many healthcare career pathways, providing the knowledge and competencies students need to thrive in advanced studies or specialized training programs. Because its curriculum overlaps with several programs in SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety, the Pre-Health Sciences certificate can also help students meet admission requirements for those programs.
Students who are drawn to a career in healthcare but are not yet sure which path is right for them can explore their options through the Pre-Health Sciences certificate program. This program allows students to discover different healthcare professions while building a strong foundation of practical and academic skills.
Students in this program will:
- Develop the skills, attitudes, and professionalism expected of healthcare practitioners
- Gain foundational knowledge in healthcare practice, including medical terminology, anatomy, and infection control
- Build core competencies in communication, mathematics, and statistics
- Explore a range of healthcare careers to identify areas of interest
Students also have the option to choose electives tailored to their interests—such as a Phlebotomy course that can help them find employment opportunities, even if they decide not to pursue further education right away
Ophthalmic & Optometric Assistant
College Certificate – Ophthalmic & Optometric Assistant equips students with the essential skills to support eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians.
Students in this program will:
- Learn the key medical and scientific principles of eye care
- Obtain unique skill sets that prepare them for two professions—ophthalmology and optometry—within one program
- Engage in a mix of classroom theory, hands-on lab practice, and a clinical practicum
- Gain expertise in eye health and vision care terminology and procedure
Graduates are prepared for careers as assistants in diverse medical settings, including private eye care clinics, corporate eye care practices, and surgical eye centres.
Job Insights
Canada
SALARY
$45,017
/yr
Typical range: $34K – $63K
HIRING DEMAND
3.959 jobs
advertised in July 2026
Alberta
SALARY
$45,516
/yr
Typical range: $34K – $64K
HIRING DEMAND
561 jobs
advertised in July 2026
All figures in CAD • Sources: Government of Canada Job Bank • Reference period: 2023-2024 for salary
Admission Requirements
May vary depending on student nationality and education background.
Academic Background
Minimum Level of Education Completed
Grade 12 / High School
Minimum GPA
50.0%
Minimum Language Test Scores
IELTS
6.0
TOEFL
80.0
PTE
53.0
DUOLINGO
115
This program requires valid language test results
Applicants interested in applying for direct admission, but are yet to complete an acceptable language test, can do so, but must provide valid results before receiving a final offer letter.
The program requirements above should only be used as a guide and do not guarantee admission into the program.
Program overview
The Pre-Health Sciences & Ophthalmic & Optometric Assisting credential pathway provides foundational health sciences preparation alongside specialized training to equip students with the skills required to support ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians.
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Pathway Structure:
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Pre-Health Sciences: Establishes core academic competencies in human anatomy, medical terminology, infection control, mathematics, and healthcare practice. Offers elective opportunities (e.g., Phlebotomy) that prepare students for immediate workplace entry.
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Ophthalmic & Optometric Assisting (College Certificate): Integrates classroom theory, hands-on lab practice, and a 4-week clinical practicum. Trains students in eye health principles, vision care terminology, diagnostic testing, and clinical assisting techniques across both ophthalmology and optometry settings.
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Career Outcomes: Prepares graduates for roles as ophthalmic and optometric assistants in private eye clinics, corporate vision practices, and specialized surgical eye centres. Graduates can also use this pathway to meet entry requirements for SAIT’s Optician diploma.
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Job Insights:
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Canada: Average salary of $45,017/yr (Range: $34K – $63K) | 3,959 jobs advertised (July 2026).
-
Alberta: Average salary of $45,516/yr (Range: $34K – $64K) | 561 jobs advertised (July 2026).
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