Eye Care Technology Admission Information

Through experiential training in clinical settings and in-depth instruction in online, in-person, or hybrid classrooms, San Jac’s eye care technology students are gaining a bright vision for their future. Ready to get started on your journey? Here’s what you need to know.

Whether you’re pursuing a degree or certificate program in eye care technology, you’ll be set up for a promising and rewarding career in opticianry, optometry, or ophthalmology. After you’ve been admitted to San Jac, follow these steps to prepare for your program.

Meet With The Program Director

All new students must meet with the Program Director, face-to-face, to discuss the student's goals and be matched with the program that best meets both their short and long-term goals.

Appointments can be made by calling 281-478-3612 or 281-478-3606.
Eye Care Technology New Student Orientation

All new students must attend one mandatory Eye Care Technology New Student Orientation. You must email the department director at debra.clarke@sjcd.edu to RSVP. RSVP's are only accepted after requirement #1 has been met. All orientations are held in C.11.1002.

Orientation Dates & Times for 2024 are pending.
Pass A Criminal Background & Drug Screening Check

A criminal background and drug screening check are required for all health sciences students attending clinical courses or practicum. Partner with a third-party vendor, or reach out to the eye care tech department for help.

Learn more about San Jac's Criminal Background and Drug Screening Check.
Complete & Submit A Medical Exam

Next, work with a licensed physician or professional to complete a physical exam, which will assess your vitals, physical ability, and health background. Submit your results to the department before the semester starts.

Your physical must state there is not any physical or mental reason you would be unable to meet the rigors of the program.
Submit Immunization Records

To start—and continue with—coursework, you’ll need to ensure you’re up to date on all required immunizations. Provide the department full immunization records inclusive of - MMR, Varicella, Tdap, TB, Influenzas Hep B series.

Learn more about Immunization Requirements for Clinical/External Learning.
Provide Current CPR Certification

Submit your Health Care Provider CPR certification to the department before getting started.
Submit Proof Of Health Insurance

Provide the department with proof of an active health insurance record.
Register For Classes

Once all documents are submitted, you're ready to register for classes!

Ensure you have met all posted deadlines for clearance and final acceptance prior to class registration.

program fees

Tuition at San Jacinto College is a "flat rate" based tuition. You pay a per-credit rate based on residency status, which includes all student fees. Learn more about our tuition costs. All program costs listed below are provided and discussed during student's first meeting, new student orientation, and clinical orientation.

Textbooks

Textbooks range in cost; however, the average book cost is $125. There are 14 books total students are required to purchase. Many students choose to purchase used books online, reduces this cost.

Uniforms

Students are required to be fit in the assigned uniform for the eye care technology program: embroidered navy scrubs and lab jacket. The cost for two sets of scrubs and one jacket is $150.

Criminal Background Check & Drug Screening

A criminal background check by precheck.com starts at $60 and goes up depedent on the number of locations and/or states it must be performed. Drug screenings cost approximately $32.

Immunizations, Physical Clearance, & CPR Certification

Immunizations must be on file prior to acceptance into the program. Immunization cost averages are: TB $40, Influenza $62 - $106, Tdap $131, Hep B $57 - $123, MMR $45, Varicella $58 - $175.

The average cost in the Greater Houston area for physicals is $45 - $150 and $60 for CPR Certification.

Supplemental Program Costs

Standard student supplies, dependent on their choices, will vary greatly. The average cost is $100 for items including, but not limited to, pens, spiral notebooks, 3-ring binders, highlighters, penlights, dividers, and thumb drive(s).

Clinical costs include fuel for travel and, at some sites, parking fees. Parking fees range from $5 - $20 per day. The higher costs are associated with the Texas Medical Center sites. Students attend clinical rotations two full eight hour days per week regardless of which rotation they are registered.

Currently, Perkins Grant funding is available to reimburse eligible students for childcare (daycare only), mileage, and parking costs associated with clinical rotations. Learn more about San Jac's funding options.

Paying for College Perkins Grant