Ophthalmic Medical Technician
The Ophthalmic Medical Technician program provides education and training that will prepare students for entry into the field of ophthalmic technology. Graduates of the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program assist patients with their visual needs and play a critical role in the detection, and medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases.
The Ophthalmic Medical Technician program is a 60-credit online and hybrid program with clinical rotations near the student’s home location. In four semesters, students will obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be prepared to enter the work force as a valuable member of the eye care team.
There are three levels of ophthalmic technicians in the profession: entry (assistant); intermediate (technician); and advanced (technologist). Alexandria College‘s educational and training program is at the intermediate level. An ophthalmic technician (COT) works under the direction of an ophthalmologist and performs eye tests, measurements, and procedures, administers ophthalmic medications, and collects medical information for interpretation by the ophthalmologist. COTs have a broad range of ophthalmic knowledge and skills useful for clinic and surgery. Assisting patients to regain and maintain their gift of sight is a rewarding career. The following video further explains the role of a Certified Ophthalmic Technician.
Video created by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) and the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO).
As of March 2023, the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) Board of Directors approved the ophthalmic program’s letter of intent and approved the first graduating class to be eligible to sit for certification with the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO®). The Alexandria College ophthalmic program is actively continuing the process to become fully accredited.
Out-of-State Students:
Students from outside Minnesota who are interested in taking this program online should verify that the program is recognized in their home state.
Minnesota's Global Military Learning Network: Military Bridge Available!
Military bridge programs through Minnesota's Global Military Learning Network (MN-GMLN) provide opportunities for U.S. military service members who have trained in specific occupations to use their training as college credit toward specific degrees.