CCC&TI offers educational opportunities in Ophthalmic Medical Personnel on the Caldwell Campus in Hudson, N.C.
Our one year diploma program in Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) prepares individuals to work with Ophthalmologists and their patients. Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in a branch of medicine that deals with the structure, function and diseases of the eye.
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel provide support services to the Ophthalmologist. The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel is an important member of the eye care team, supplying vital information to the physician who is treating the patient.
The duties delegated to the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel may include:
CCC&TI's OMP program includes both didactic(classroom) and "hands on" clinical experience. Clinical sites are located throughout the state.
CCC&TI offers the following educational programs in this area:
Diploma
For more information about course descriptions or required courses, refer to the current CCC&TI Course Catalog.
Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship opportunities now available
Admission Requirements for the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel programs:
If you are interested in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program, please let us know by clicking on the link below and completing the form:
The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program is accredited by the International Council
of Accreditation (ICA).
International Council of Accreditation Commission, 2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2995
Telephone: 651.731.2944
www.icaccreditation.org
ICA is sponsored by the following collaborating organizations:
Upon earning their diploma, graduates may become nationally certified by passing the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam (COA) administered by IJCAHPO.
The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program at CCC&TI is a member of the Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP), a non-profit corporation of ophthalmic educational programs in the U. S. and Canada.
The OMP program is accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) as a clinical assistant level program.
Outcome StatsOphthalmic Medical Personnel are included in the job classification 29-2057.00 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor. They assist ophthalmologists in performing ophthalmic clinical functions. They may also administer eye exams and medications as well as instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Graduates of the program may be employed in ophthalmic offices, hospitals, surgery centers, and optometric offices.
The projected growth in employment 2014-2024 is much faster than average (14% or higher). The national median hourly wage for 2015 was $16.99 or $35,350 annually. Salary varies according to the size of the employing practice, experience and certification level of the employee.
Visit IJCAHPO.org (http://www.jcahpo.org) for more information about Ophthalmic Medical Technician careers.
To learn more about employment outlook and work environment in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel field, visit CCC&TI's Career Coach site for the following program:
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Diploma
A summary report for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians including tasks, tools & technology, knowledge, skills, abilities, detailed work activities, work context, job zone, education, interests, work styles, work values and wages and employment trends can be found at the following sites:
There are no additional costs for this program outside of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Students in the OMP program participate in clinical rotations at the following sites:
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Asheville Eye Associates | Asheville |
| Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates | Charlotte and satellites |
| Davidson Eye | Lexington |
| Davis Ophthalmology | North Wilkesboro |
| Duke Eye Center | Winston-Salem |
| Gaston Eye | Gastonia |
| Graystone Eye | Hickory and satellites |
| Horizon Eye | Charlotte and Satellites |
| Lake Norman Ophthalmology | Mooresville |
| Metrolina Eye Associates | Charlotte and Satellites |
| Morganton Eye Physicians | Morganton and satellites |
| Summit Eye Care | Winston-Salem |
| UNC Health Care | Chapel Hill |
| Wake Forest University Eye Center | Winston-Salem |
What is an Ophthalmic Medical Personnel?
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel work with medically trained eye doctors (ophthalmologists) and their patients. Job duties may include:
OMPs supply important information to the physician who is treating the patient and assist in such as areas as surgery and patient education/compliance. They are not independent practitioners and do not diagnose or treat ocular disorders, nor do they prescribe medications.
What is involved in the OMP program?
CCC&TI’s OMP program was the first program in the state of North Carolina to be accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Ophthalmic Medical Programs at the clinical assistant level. The program is taught in 3 semesters (11.5 months) with a new cohort beginning each May.
You don’t have to live in Caldwell County to attend the program. Although the core classes are offered on the Caldwell campus, the general education classes (English, Psychology, Medical Terminology, and Communication) may be taken at your local community college or given transfer credit from a four year university.
Where are the clinical sites?
The OMP program is a regional program with clinical sites in Lenoir, Hickory, Morganton, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Charlotte, Lexington, and Statesville.
How much time is involved in the program? Can I still work?
Students should plan at least 2 hours of time outside of class for each hour in class. Students should try to limit outside working hours to weekends only in order to fulfill the demands of the program. Clinical rotations are unpaid.
What are the employment opportunities and salary prospects?
The United States Department of Labor recognizes Ophthalmic Medical Personnel under the
employment classification:
29-2057 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the national median hourly wage is $16.94 per hour
with an median annual wage of $36, 230. North Carolina has the fifth highest number of Ophthalmic
Medical Technicians employed in the country with a hourly mean wage of $16.40.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How do I find out more about the program?
Contact:
Faith Race, COT, Program Director at 726-2200 Ext. 2248 or frace@cccti.edu
The mission of the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program is to provide students with effective instruction, both in the classroom and clinical environment, to prepare them for employment in ophthalmic and optometric practices.