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Ophthalmic

Program Description
The Ophthalmic Technology program provides the general education core, program specific courses, and the clinical practicum to prepare students for a career as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician. Following the successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Certifying Examination to become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®).

Application Procedure
A student desiring to pursue the associate of applied science degree in Allied Health with concentration in Ophthalmic Technology must:
1. Apply, meet the general admission requirements
and be accepted by Northeast State Technical Community College.
2. Indicate Allied Health-Concentration: Ophthalmic Technology as the desired major on the Northeast State application form.
3. See a faculty advisor from the Health-Related Professions area prior to registering for classes and obtain faculty approval to register.

Ophthalmic Technology Program Admission Requirements
The Ophthalmic Technology program has specific admission criteria and admission to Northeast State does not guarantee admission to this program. A student desiring admission into the Ophthalmic Technology program must complete all required general education courses listed in the typical program of study with a grade of "C" or higher. A student must have attained an overall 2.0 grade point average. Biological science courses previously taken must have been completed within the last 10 years. A student desiring admission to the Ophthalmic Technology program should contact the Health-Related Professions Division office at 423.323.0238.

Typical Program of Study
General Education Courses
Click here for course descriptions
Course No.                  Course Title
BIOL 2010                    Anatomy & Physiology I(credits-4)
BIOL 2020                    Anatomy & Physiology II(credits-4)
ENGL 1010                   Composition I(credits-3)
HRPR 1000                   Introduction to Health-Related Professions(credits-3)
HRPR 1100                   Medical Terminology for Health-Related Professions(credits-3)
MATH 1530                   Probability & Statistics(credits-3)
PSYC 1310                   General Psychology(credits-3)
SPCH 1300                   Speech Communication(credits-3)
                                    Elective Humanities/Fine Arts(credits-3)

Semester I - Fall
OPHT 1010                   Ocular Anatomy and Physiology(credits-2)
OPHT 1020                   Introduction to Ophthalmic Technology(credits-2)
OPHT 1030                   Ophthalmic Optics(credits-2)
OPHT 1040                   Ophthalmic Procedures(credits-3)
OPHT 1200                   Clinical Practicum I(credits-3)

Semester II - Spring
OPHT 2000                   Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology(credits-1)
OPHT 2010                   Introduction to Ophthalmic Diseases(credits-1)
OPHT 2020                   Ocular Motility(credits-3)
OPHT 2030                   Refractometry/Retinoscopy(credits-3)
OPHT 2040                   Ophthalmic Procedures II(credits-3)
OPHT 2200                   Clinical Practicum II (credits-2)

Semester III - Summer
OPHT 2050                   Ophthalmic Procedures III(credits-3)
OPHT 2060                   Ophthalmic Procedures IV(credits-3)
OPHT 2300                   Clinical Practicum III(credits-2)

Total Credit Hours - 62

Typical Job Opportunities
Certified Ophthalmic Technicians may be employed in eye care centers and doctor's offices. The ophthalmic technician works under the supervision of an ophthalmologist with duties including taking medical history, visual acuity testing, refractometry, contact lens fitting, and performing a variety of technology-based diagnostic testing.

For Further Information Contact:
Donald S. Coleman, Dean
Health-Related Professions
Telephone: 423.323.0238
Fax:           423.245.5930
E-mail: dscoleman@NortheastState.edu

Five-Year Projected Job Increase Rate
35%

Beginning Salary Range*
$31,210

*Source:
Tennessee Career Information Delivery System
http://tcids.tbr.edu