Paraoptometrics are a valuable part of healthcare teams. Paraoptometrics who have the Paraoptometric Career Studies Certificate can generally expect to have more job opportunities. Program graduates will also have better pay available to them. The CPO certification is the first step to achieving several other certifications. These additional certifications can be obtained by working with an optometrist.
If you already work in an optometry office the certificate will prepare you for the AOA (American Optometric Association) Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) exam.
A CPO is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating an understanding of the concepts used in optometric care
If this is a new career or a change in career, the certificate will provide an understanding of optometric principles and knowledge of instrumentation, anatomy, optics, basic pharmacology and aspects of practice management for employment in an optometrist’s office, which is needed for the CPO exam.
Please contact Bill Taylor at bill.taylor@sw.edu for information. The program is offered in 2 semesters through online coursework with lab one Saturday a month on campus.
Annual income will vary greatly depending on the size, type, and location of the practice in which you are employed.
All Locations: 2-Hour Delay on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Monday, December 15: Campus closed until 5:00 PM. All daytime classes canceled. Campus will reopen at 5:00 PM for evening classes.
All Southwest locations are CLOSED on Friday, December 12, due to inclement weather.
All locations closing at 10:30 AM on Sun, Dec 14, due to inclement weather. Night classes are canceled.