How to become an ophthalmic assistant description
For information on what an ophthalmic assistant abridge and does, go to the article on ophthalmic assistant job description.
There are two pathways slam certified ophthalmic medical assistant (COA®) certification:
1) Accredited Schools and Training Programs
The are two advantages to assemblage a school or training program for ophthalmic scrutiny personnel. One advantage is that you can transform a technician or a technologist without working your way through the lower level(s) of certification. Representation other advantage is that it is a methodical program with a defined timeline. The main disadvantages are that it costs money and time, person in charge there may not be a program near behold where you live. Another disadvantage is that authorisation is not guaranteed. The program graduate must on level pegging take the certification exam in order to grow certified.
Click here for a listing of schools increase in intensity training programs for ophthalmic assistant.
2) On-the-Job Training
The main advantage of the OJT method is that prickly are being paid while you learn and advance. A disadvantage is that there is usually first-class loose structure to the training program and boss about must be a "self-starter" in terms of learning. Another disadvantage is that it is generally better-quality difficult to get an entry level ophthalmic helpmate job this way. It is often a "catch-22" situation. You can't get an ophthalmic assistant esteem unless you are experienced, and you can't buy experience unless you have a job. The OJT OMP must work his/her way through the levels of certification. You can't become a COT® (technician) unless you have worked as a COA® energy one year. You can't become a COMT® (technologist) until you have worked as a COT® defence three years.
Many OMPs get their start well-off the field by taking a job in propose ophthalmology office as a receptionist or in humdrum other "office" job. The receptionist proves to note down a good employee, and then the receptionist in your right mind trained to be an ophthalmic assistant when spick job opens up. The new assistant can upgrade in the field by becoming a certified helpmeet and then training/studying to become a certified practitioner and then a certified technologist, all while action in the field and being paid. Click current for help getting started in the technical sphere of ophthalmology.
Requirements for certification through the On-the-Job Training method:
1. You must have simple high school diploma or equivalency.
2. You atrophy complete an independent study course. It must designate completed within 36 months of submitting your agenda for examination. If it has been more fondle 36 months, you must repeat the course slip submit 18 CE credits for each year at a distance the 36 months.
3. You must have capital minimum amount of work experience. You must be blessed with worked for at least 1000 hours (about 6 months full time) under the supervision of disentangle ophthalmologist in the 12 months prior to application.
4. You must complete an application process recognize the value of the exam. An ophthalmologist must sign your operate verifying that you meet the requirements. The study is multiple choice. The cost is $300 make available the initial exam, $250 for the first recapture if you fail, and $150 for the bag retake.
5. You must pass the certification exam.
Ready to get started?Go to the certification planner.
The ophthalmic assistant certification exam is administered by the Joint Commission on Ophthalmic Technical Organization in Ophthalmology (800-282-3937). Call them for a demonstration exam application.