Program Description
An Ophthalmic Medical Assistant assists with eye examinations and provides patient education. In this entry level position, OPMA’s conduct patient histories, set up and clean up exam rooms, provide patient education and assist with eye exams. After successful completion of this training, passing the course exam and obtaining six months of experience, students are eligible to sit for certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Program Outcomes
Successful Completion:
CCBC Credential:
Students will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). After getting six months of experience, students are eligible to sit for certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Certifying Organization:
Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO)
www.jcahpo.org;
Certification exam cost: $300
Career Opportunities:
Continued training in this field can result in promotion to higher level ophthalmic positions in an eye center. Higher level positions are often allowed to assist with ophthalmic surgeries.
Program Length
16-20 weeks
Prerequisite courses begin monthly at most CCBC locations. OPMA courses begin in February at CCBC Randallstown (evenings/weekends) and in September/October at CCBC Hunt Valley (evenings/weekends).
Program Requirements
High School Diploma or GED
All students must be computer literate and have Internet access. Clinical eligibility is in part dependent upon a criminal background check and urine drug testing. Cost of the test is the responsibility of the student.
HIPAA Training, CPR and First Aid classes REQUIRE 100% attendance. Students arriving late to class will not be admitted. Late arrival to, or early exit from, class will also result in a failing grade and no refund. Students will then be required to retake the class at their expense.
Students must have the following paperwork turned in to the coordinator PRIOR to the start of clinical:
Negative PPD (six months) or negative chest x-ray less than one year old
Positive titer or proof of vaccination/immunity for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
Hepatitis B vaccination or declination form
Tetanus shot (less than ten years)
Copy of health insurance card
Copy of high school diploma or GED
Current flu vaccination
Background check and drug screening
Application Process
Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.
Program Course Sequence
1. (Prerequisite) Medical Terminology for Health Occupations: AHE 534
- Textbook/Materials:
- Medical Terminology—The Language of Health Care; published by LippincottISBN 1451176767; $83.15
2. (Prerequisite) HIPAA Training: AHC 360 Or HIPAA Training Online: AHL 719
- Textbook/Materials: Handouts Online
3. (Prerequisite) CPR for Health Care Providers: AHE 805
- Textbook/Materials:
- Book provided and included in course costs.
4. (Prerequisite) Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHR): AHL 798 Or Intro to EHR Online: AHL 804
- Textbook/Materials:
- Electronic Health Record for Allied Health Careers (w/CD Only); published by McGraw Hill; ISBN 0073309788; $110.65
5. Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Class: AHE 781
- Textbook/Materials: Included in cost of class
6. Ophthalmic Clinical: AHL 704
Program Costs
- Tuition/Fees: $2454 - $2494 (Tuition-$887 /Fees-$1567-$1607)
- Textbook/Materials: $193.80
Program Contact Information
Administrative Assistant:
Maria Buttion
mbuttion@ccbcmd.edu
443-840-1866
Essex, HTEC 005
Coordinator:
Lisa Thomas
lthomas4@ccbcmd.edu
443-840-1071
Essex, HTEC 013
Financial Aid and Payment Options
- Continuing Education Opportunity Grant
- Partial Payment Option (through Nelnet Business Solutions)
- Tuition Waiver for Senior Citizens and Individuals with Disabilities
- Employer/Sponsor Paid Tuition
- Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
- Local Office of Workforce Development
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