Optician and ophthalmic tech schools in Tennessee
2 accredited programs in Tennessee, from the public COA and ICA accreditor directories.
Tennessee at a glance
- Opticianry programs: 1 (Roane State Community College)
- Ophthalmic assistant/technician programs: 1 (Volunteer State Community College)
- Cities: Gallatin, Harriman
- Programs listing an associate degree: 2 of 2.
Licensing in Tennessee
- Opticians licensed: yes
- Regulator: Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians (Department of Health)
- License types: Dispensing optician license; apprenticeship training registration
- Exams (per the board): 'Opticians are licensed by examination.' Specific exams not listed on fetched page
From the board’s own page, checked 2026-10-08. Rules change; confirm with the board before you enroll.
Full details: Tennessee optician licensing.
Accredited programs in Tennessee
| School | City | Program type | Credential | Listed by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Volunteer State Community College (opens in a new tab)
Ophthalmic Technician Program |
Gallatin | Ophthalmic tech | AAS | ICA (opens in a new tab) |
|
Roane State Community College (opens in a new tab)
Opticianry |
Harriman | Optician | Associate degree | COA (opens in a new tab) |
Which program fits your goal?
Want to fit and dispense glasses or contacts? Opticianry programs teach optics, lens fabrication, frame fitting, and contact lens fitting. Graduates commonly sit for the national ABO (eyeglasses) and NCLE (contact lenses) exams, which many licensed states use. Start with ABO vs NCLE and how to become an optician.
Want to work alongside an ophthalmologist? Ophthalmic assistant and technician programs lead toward clinical roles (history taking, testing, assisting in procedures). An accredited program is one of the eligibility routes listed for IJCAHPO’s exams; compare credentials in COA vs COT vs CPOT and see COA certification.
Not ready for school? Many opticians and ophthalmic assistants start by training on the job. See optician apprenticeships, and use our free practice tests to check where you stand.
Questions to ask a program
- Is it currently accredited (COA for opticianry, ICA for ophthalmic assisting), and when is the next review?
- What credential do you earn: certificate, associate degree, or both?
- Does it include clinical or retail externship hours, and does that count toward Tennessee’s requirements?
- How many graduates sat the national exams last year? Ask for their published numbers rather than marketing claims.
- Total cost, schedule (day, evening, online), and next start date.
Programs in other states
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Last checked Oct 2026. Built from two public accreditor directories: the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, Directory of Accredited Programs (opticianry and ophthalmic laboratory programs) and the International Council of Accreditation (formerly CoA-OMP), Find a Program (ophthalmic assistant and technician programs). Optometry (OD) schools are not listed. Programs marked “in the process of accreditation” or “inactive” on those lists are left out. Start dates, costs, and enrollment change; confirm details with each school.
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