 | 5-Month (Non-Degree): Program $925 |
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 | 2-Year Public Program: $4,500 |
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 | 2-Year Private Program: $7,500-$11,000 |
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| Ophthalmic medical assistants work under the supervision of ophthalmologists to assist in providing patients with eye care, as well as assist in running doctor's offices. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Training to become an ophthalmic medical assistant takes one to two years, 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.
- Private institutions, such as Georgetown University 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, 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.
What should be included: | - Opthalmic 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.
Additional costs: | - Though certification is not required to work as an OMA, certification may make job candidates more competitive. The certification exam 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.
Discounts: | - Fulltime students in programs leading to an associate's degree may be eligible for federal financial aid such as Stafford loans .
- Programs may also offer payment plans for tuition for students who prefer not to take loans; check with individual programs for more information.
Shopping for ophthalmic medical assistant training: | |
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Article updated February 2010 |
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