Program Requirements
Ophthalmology Technician Certificate
Total credits required: 75
Required Courses (15 credits)
First Year—Fall Semester
Oph 1101 Academic Studies for Ophthalmic Technicians (7 credits)
Oph 1201 Basic Science for Ophthalmic Technicians (8 credits)
First Year—Spring Semester (15 credits)
Oph 1301 Basic Science for Ophthalmic Technicians (7 credits)
Oph 1401 Clinical Assisting for Ophthalmic Technicians (8 credits)
Second Year—Externship Courses (45 credits)
Oph 1501 Ophthalmic Technician Externship (equivalent of 15 credits)
Oph 1601 Ophthalmic Technician Externship (equivalent of 15 credits)
Oph 1701 Ophthalmic Technician Externship (equivalent of 15 credits)
Course descriptions are in the Undergraduate Catalog.
These courses are sequenced and must be taken in order. For example, you must complete the nine-month academic and clinical training before approaching your 12-month, full-time externship. Courses are offered in the morning and late afternoon, so you'll need to be available during the day to complete the program.
Note: Orientation and registration for students accepted into the program begins in the fall (the day after Labor Day) and is conducted by the School of Ophthalmic Medical Technology. Open enrollment is not available for any of the above listed courses.
Completion Requirements
This is a 21-month, full-time, program that begins each September. Requirements for the certificate include completion of nine months of didactic and clinical training immediately followed by a 12-month, full-time externship, totaling 75 credits altogether. Along with Regions Hospital, clinical affiliation exists with 10 metropolitan area clinics and hospitals for clinical training. Core courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better and your cumulative GPA for all certificate courses must be a 2.0 or better. The School of Ophthalmic Medical Technology will administer the official certificate of completion at the time of graduation.
Completing the certificate does not allow you to practice ophthalmology independently, i.e., diagnose disorders or prescribe medication. As an allied professional, you will work under the direction of an ophthalmologist (M.D.).
