Optometric technician program

To be admitted to this program, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold at least a high school diploma or GED equivalency. That also led to the development of technical training programs, which includes the Ophthalmic Assistant training program. Start dates for the Ophthalmic Assistant training program are available at different times throughout the year.

Renton Technical College has two options for those interested in ophthalmic training. The first program option concludes with the awarding of a Certificate and takes four quarters to complete. The next option concludes with the awarding of an Associate of Applied Science and requires six quarters of study. Each program was designed to meet the Commission on Accreditation of Ophthalmic Medical Programs standards.

Admissions to each program requires applicants to pass a criminal background check and while enrolled, all students must provide proof of health insurance.

This particular program is 50 hours in duration and includes classroom and lab instruction. Classes take place two nights a week for approximately seven weeks. San Jacinto College Spencer Hwy. Students looking to pursue a career as an ophthalmic assistant can choose from one of three Eye Care Technology programs offered at San Jacinto College.

The fastest option is to obtain an Occupational Certificate, which takes just one term to complete. Earning a Certificate of Technology consists of three terms while an Associate of Applied Science requires four terms of schooling.

To gain admission into the program, applicants must first complete an anatomy and physiology course. To complete the entire diploma program, students must accumulate 39 credits. Those credits include two practicums which are seven credits each. In these practicums, students will go through clinical rotations and receive hands-on training. Applications should be submitted in late January for early consideration while late consideration applications should be filed in late April.

Students at St. There are prerequisite courses that must be completed before applying to the Vision Care Technology program. There is also a selection process which includes a review of each application by the program director and faculty.

Part of the program includes hands-on instruction from ophthalmologists at local practices. The program is spaced out so that it covers five semesters and once all of that coursework has been completed, graduates are eligible to sit for a national certification exam offered by the JCAHPO. Stark State College Frank Ave.

Stark State offers two options for students looking to pursue a future as an ophthalmic assistant. There is an Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate which takes one year to complete and consists of 36 credits. Stark State also offers a pair of career enhancement certificates. This option is for those already working in the field of ophthalmology, but who are not yet certified. The course will be offered in conjunction with the local eye care business, Texarkana Eye Associates. The course includes 60 hours of classroom instruction as well as 20 hours of lab training.

Classes are offered strictly at night and students who complete the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant COA examination. There is a flat fee for this program, although students are eligible for financial aid and other scholarship options.

Students in this program are required to complete three separate practicums, which provide hands-on training in a clinical setting. The ophthalmic technician courses at Triton must all be taken in a sequential order. There are also specific admission policies for new students.

This program lasts 21 months and is a non-degree certificate program. The design of this program is unique as it is one of just 14 of these OTEP programs throughout the country.

The coursework combines academic instruction, clinical practice and technical training. Admissions are rolling and three letters of recommendations are required from all applicants. Clinical rotations are part of the curriculum and provide students with hands-on learning.

The course combines 60 hours of classroom work with 20 hours of clinical teaching. This coursework is taught by professional ophthalmologists and optometrists. Admissions are limited and in order to be considered, applicants must first complete 16 required general education courses. Those general education courses are added into the total 65 credits needed for graduation. The program is structured so the ophthalmic courses are offered during three consecutive semesters and all students are expected to attend on a full-time basis.

Preclinic A. Online Fourth Semester. Contact Lenses. Preclinic B. To Apply Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today! Spring Application Dates Application open Application completion deadline is January 15, Fall Application Dates Application open Application completion deadline is August 31, Spring Application Dates Application available on February 1, Application completion deadline is January 15, Admission Requirements All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

Admissions Application The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office. Additional Notes During the course of the program, you must demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice.

If you need accommodations to help you perform these functions, contact our Disability Resource Services office. Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details. After Acceptance Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.

Madison College Online Optometric Technician program graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination and are prepared to: Perform a variety of supportive optometric procedures. Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics and appearance.

Assist the optometrist in the care of patients. Perform business office procedures Program Mission: to prepare certification-eligible technicians to work as members of the eye care team under the supervision of optometrists, ophthalmologists and other health care providers.

Program Goals: Provide relevant instruction to an optimal number of students each year in eye, vision, optical concepts, pre-testing procedures, specialty testing procedures, contact lenses, optical dispensing and practice management.

Prepare students as life-long learners and problem-solvers who can respond to a continually changing eye care profession. Utilize technology to deliver the program content to enhance the classroom experience for the students. Utilize technology to deliver program content to people already employed in an eye care setting. Maintain program accreditation with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. Ready to get started? Your first step is to apply to Madison College.

It's easy and free to apply, so get started today! Apply Now! This is the minimum requirement to enter most optometric technician programs. Those who know they want to follow this career path early on can prepare by taking courses such as math, computers, biology, anatomy , health, chemistry and general science classes.

If a person's school offers options such as medical assisting or clerical work, those classes should be taken as well. Following receipt of a high school diploma or GED, the next step to become an optometric technician is to decide whether to get on-the- job training or to enter a formal training program. People who opt for on-the-job training typically do so because of a scarcity of para-optometric programs in their area.

Formal training programs are preferable because the programs award diplomas or associate degrees that show a specific level of competency, which future employers often prefer. If an individual selects formal training, he can expect a minimum of two years of study — programs that are only one year are designed for optometric assistants, which is a slightly less-advanced position.