More about OMA
Frequently asked questions about the program
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FAQs about the OMA Program at CCC&TI
What is an ophthalmic medical assistant?
What is involved in the OMA program?
Where are the clinical sites?
How much time is involved in the program? Can I still work?
What are the employment opportunities and salary prospects?
How do I find out more about the program?
What is an ophthalmic medical assistant?
Ophthalmic medical assistants work with medically trained eye doctors (ophthalmologists) and their patients. Job duties may include:
- Taking patient histories
- Administering tests and evaluations
- Taking eye measurements to assist the doctor in diagnosis
- Performing a variety of clinical skills
OMAs supply important information to the physician who is treating the patient and assist in such as areas 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 OMA program?
Caldwell's OMA program, which is the only CoA-OMP approved formal training program in the state of North Carolina at the clinical assistant level, is a 12-month diploma program. A new class begins each May.
And you don't have to live in Caldwell County to attend the program. Students may take basic courses (English, Psychology, and Communications) at their local community college!
Where are the clinical sites?
Our program has established clinical sites in ophthalmology practices in Boone, Asheville, Charlotte, Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, Winston-Salem, Statesville, Gastonia, and Huntersville. During the final 2 semesters, students spend eight weeks (3 days weekly) in 3 or 4 clinical sites.
How much time is involved in the program? Can I still work?
Students should plan to spend at least 2 hours outside of class for every hour in class. Clinical rotations are unpaid, but many students hold part-time jobs on the weekends.
What are the employment opportunities and salary prospects?
Ophthalmic assistants are in high demand. Our students find employment in ophthalmic settings throughout the state. Although the outlook for jobs is excellent, prospective students should be aware that many opportunities exist outside our immediate geographic area. Most of our graduates start locally at $23- 32,000 annually. With work experience and certification, the annually salary may go as high as $50,000.
How do I find out more about the program?
Contact
Barbara Harris, PA-C, MBA, COA, Program Director at 828 726-2356 or bharris@cccti.edu.
Faith Race, COA, Clinical Coordinator/Instructor at 726-220 Ext. 2248 or frace@cccti.edu