Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Training Cost

Typical costs:

• Training to become an ophthalmic medical assistant takes one to two years[1] , and may result in an associate's degree in two-year programs.
• Both private colleges and community colleges offer ophthalmic medical assistant programs accredited by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology[2] .
• Private institutions, such as Georgetown University[3] in Washington DC, charge up to $11,000 for a two-year, fulltime program. Some programs, such as Emory University's in Atlanta, charge somewhat less: $7,500 for a two-year program.
• Community colleges can cost significantly less for in-state students. At Portland Community College[4] , tuition costs about $4,500 for a 2-year program that results in an associate's degree.
• Shorter programs, which do not result in an associate's degree, may cost less. At UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, for example, a five-month program designed for students with some experience working in an ophthalmologist's office costs $925.

• Ophthalmic medical assistants' administrative duties may include greeting patients and helping to file insurance claims. Their clinical duties often include administering visions tests and teaching patients how to properly use contact lenses and medication such as eye drops.
• Training programs include standard coursework focused on the anatomy of the eye, eye diseases, medical and surgical treatment of the eye, and administrating eye muscle and vision exams. Programs may also include clinical hours, working with patients or in skills labs, outside of coursework.

• Though certification is not required to work as an OMA, certification may make job candidates more competitive. The certification exam[5] costs $300.
• Book costs are the same as any other college course of study, and can total $750-$1,300 a year, depending on the program requirements.

• Fulltime students in programs leading to an associate's degree may be eligible for federal financial aid such as Stafford loans [6] .
• Programs may also offer payment plans for tuition for students who prefer not to take loans; check with individual programs for more information.

• The Joint Committee on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel lists accredited OMA schools[7] by state.

1.  www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Medical-assistants.htm
2.  www.coa-omp.org
3.  www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/default.cfm?id=556193&fr=true
4.  www.pcc.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/tuition/
5.  www.jcahpo.org/certification/certified.aspx
6.  studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized
7.  www.coa-omp.org

Check Out All Costs for Schools & Job Training		How Much Does EMT Training and Certification Cost?		How Much Does Middle School Cost?		How Much Does Becoming a Photographer Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall. Are you planning a Labor Day picnic? Need a new charcoal grill? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost