Career Options
The field of health careers is expected to be one the fastest growing industries through the year 2010. Analysts predict that in the next eight years, ophthalmic allied health careers including ophthalmic medical technologists and ophthalmic medical technicians will be one of our nation's fastest growing occupations. Ophthalmic medical technicians can be found working in a variety of institutions including hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities, private practices, health maintenance organizations, and other health care facilities.
Upon certificate completion, our students are found conducting diagnostic tests, measuring and recording vision, testing eye muscle function, administering eye medications, maintaining optical and surgical instruments, and even assisting ophthalmologists during surgery.
Because the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits this program (a program recognized by U.S. Department of Education), employment opportunities are countless. Driven by the technological advances in medicine, a growing elderly population, and the increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities, the demand for certified and professional ophthalmology technicians is on the rise.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics, employment opportunities for ophthalmology allied health professionals are expected to increase 36 percent through the year 2010, which is much faster than the average. In view of the preference of many health care employers for trained personnel, job prospects should be the best for ophthalmic medical technicians with formal training or experience, particularly for those who complete a certificate program.
Placement Rate and Earning Potential
Ophthalmic medical technicians/technologist earnings vary depending on experience, skill level, and location. Graduates of this certificate program begin their careers at comparable salaries to other baccalaureate-level allied health care professions (i.e., nursing). "School of Ophthalmic Medical Technology graduates experience exceptional opportunities for employment," states Nancy Weber, program administrator. "One hundred percent of our graduates receive multiple offers for employment and are working after completing the program."
As you think about entering a certificate program and are interested in how it will fit with your career plans, please check the career planning resources to assist you in your career path. Information interviews with people in the field are an excellent way to learn about more career opportunities and potential employment.
