Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Ophthalmic Technician - A.A.S.


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For more information on this program, contact the Health Sciences division at 615-230-3330.

This program is designed to prepare the student to act as an entry level ophthalmic technician. Duties of the ophthalmic technician generally include, but are not limited to: recording of case histories, visual acuity measurement, visual field testing, refractometry, contact lenses, caring for and maintaining ophthalmic instruments, and assisting the doctor in the setup and performance of minor ophthalmic surgery. This program has received accreditation through the International Council of Accreditation (ICA).

Admission to the program is limited and on a competitive basis. Screening for fall entry will take place in the summer. Admission into the program is contingent upon completion of all general education course requirements and AHC 115*, BIOL 2020, OPHT 1205, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Once students are admitted to the program, three consecutive semesters of intensive full-time study are required for graduation.  For more information refer to the Health Sciences Associate of Applied Science Degrees section in the Catalog.

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the Educational Testing Service Proficiency Profile (ETSP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/testing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Graduates will utilize and apply their knowledge of ophthalmic technology to solve problems in a clinical setting.

  2. Graduates of the program will assume positions as entry-level technicians in a variety of eye-care settings.

  3. Graduates will perform ophthalmic skills at the technician level with competency and safety as defined by national certification and accreditation standards set forth by JCAHPO and ICA.

  4. Graduates of the program will be able to perform patient testing and demonstrate proper documentation in the patient record.

  5. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency with the terminology and abbreviations used within the field of ophthalmic technology.

  6. Graduates will demonstrate and apply their knowledge of the rules and regulations of the boards and agencies involved in the field of ophthalmic technology.

General Education Requirements - Credits (16)


Total Degree Requirements Credits - (60)


Career and Salary Information


The following is a list of some of the career choices that may be obtained upon completion of this program. Please visit the following website http://www.onetonline.org or speak to an advisor for additional career opportunities, salary information and education requirements. Salaries are not guaranteed.

Career Beginning Salary Experienced Salary
Ophthalmic Technician $35,910 $52,340

Recommended Schedule


This is a recommended schedule. Learning Support, pre-requisites and other academic factors may impact this schedule.  See your advisor to create a degree plan.

DegreeWorks, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the DegreeWorks audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

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