Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Roane State Community College

Harriman, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 3,203 students in Harriman, TN.

Program Analysis

Roane State Community College's Ophthalmic & Optometric Services program produces graduates earning $33,853/yr — within striking distance of the $35,459 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 38.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Ophthalmic & Optometric Services programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Ophthalmic & Optometric Services's career paths, with 31% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

At #6 of 17 Ophthalmic & Optometric Services programs, Roane State Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $35,978 are relatively flat compared to the $33,853 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services, including Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens (median $46,560/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $33,853/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (69% shielded)
Job Market Medium (19,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$363K
1.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,524
Out-of-state: $37,244
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,978
6% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Opticians, dispensing $46,560 +2.9% 71%
Ophthalmic medical technicians $44,080 +19.8% 67%
Opticians, dispensing
$46,560
+2.9% growth 71% AI-proof
Ophthalmic medical technicians
$44,080
+19.8% growth 67% AI-proof

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Career Guide

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Ophthalmic & Optometric Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ophthalmic & Optometric Services Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services at Roane State Community College?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Ophthalmic & Optometric Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Ophthalmic & Optometric Services through an apprenticeship instead of Roane State Community College?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Ophthalmic & Optometric Services occupations, such as Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens and Optician Dispensing. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →