GateWay Community College

Ophthalmic Medical Assistant

Certificate of Competency (CC)

Phoenix, AZ

606Hours

0Units/Credits

Hybridtype

Program Details & Enrollment Information

Learn everything you need to know about the program and how to take the first step toward enrollment.

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Certificate of Competency (CCT) for Ophthalmic Medical Assistant will serve as the initial education program for learning and understanding the core level of care for entry into the fascinating world of eye care in a clinical/office setting. The program will focus on learning how to assist and work with ophthalmologists. Included will be an overview of patient services and even assisting with minor surgical procedures, instrument care and maintenance. Special attention will be given to complete comprehensive eye examinations, including chief complaints and history taking, anatomy and physiology of the visual system, eye terminology, general medical knowledge as well as hands-on skill instruction.

Program Objectives

Ophthalmic Procedures Mastery: Participants will learn the essential skills for assisting in various ophthalmic procedures, including patient assessments, visual acuity testing, and diagnostic testing.
Patient Care Excellence: The program emphasizes the importance of compassionate patient care, teaching participants how to interact effectively with patients, take medical histories, and ensure a positive patient experience.
Ophthalmic Instrumentation Knowledge: Participants will gain hands-on experience with ophthalmic instruments and equipment used for examinations and diagnostic procedures.
Medical Terminology: A solid foundation in medical terminology specific to ophthalmology is provided to ensure effective communication within the eye care team and with other healthcare professionals.
Eye Anatomy and Physiology: Participants will acquire a deep understanding of eye anatomy and physiology, enabling them to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions.
Clinical Documentation Skills: The program covers the basics of clinical documentation, ensuring participants are proficient in maintaining accurate and confidential patient records.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Demonstrate proficiency of various ophthalmic medical equipment and procedures in a clinical setting, including assessment, measurement, and testing.
Demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal communication skills.
Exercise HIPAA standards and regulations, interacting in a professional manner with diverse patients and the health care team in a clinical setting.
Perform various scribing duties in a clinical setting at an exceptional level of expertise.

Potential Career Opportunities

Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
Ophthalmic Technician
Optometric Assistant
Vision Care Technician
Eye Clinic Assistant
Ophthalmology Practice Coordinator
Refractive Surgery Coordinator
Ophthalmic Imaging Specialist
Surgical Ophthalmic Assistant
Optometric Technician

Skills you will gain

Clinical Documentation
Medical Terminology
Patient Care
Anatomy and Physiology
Ophthalmic Procedures
Instrumentation Skills
Diagnostic Testing
Healthcare Communication
Eye Care Specialist
Collaborative Teamwork

Degree Requirements:

Admissions criteria:

Background check requirements: Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Background Check Standards. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Background Check Policy.
Clinical health and safety requirements must be met. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Clinical Health and Safety Policy.
Inability to comply with background check requirements and/or clinical health and safety requirements at the start of classes may result in cancellation of enrollment.
18 years of age to enroll.

Notes:

Students will be required to take a randomized urine drug screen and submit a negative result prior to being eligible to participate in the clinical externship. The expense of the urine drug screen is the student`s responsibility.
Externship hours are site specific and may require attendance any day of the week, including during unscheduled days and times.
The Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program serves as a pathway to excellent job opportunities and a lifelong and challenging career with the future opportunity of becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

Please refer to the school's official website for the complete Program Course List.