Program Director of the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
Training Program:
Anna B. Kiss, BS, COMT
Georgetown University Medical Center Department of
Ophthalmology
P: 202-444-4862
Fax: 202-444-4978
anna.b.kiss@gunet.georgetown.edu
abk26@georgetown.edu
The Georgetown University Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
(GUOMP) Training Program is designed to prepare students for a career assisting
ophthalmologists (medical eye doctors), and to enhance the knowledge and skills of those already employed in the field of ophthalmic medical assisting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The GUOMP Training Program Comprises Three Different Training Options. What Are They?
- Two-Year Full-Time Academic + Clinical Program
- Nine-Month Friday afternoon only / Academic +
Workshop Program (September – June)
- Five-Week, 40-Hours-Each-Week, Intensive Academic Course (Each August)
1. The most comprehensive option is the two-year, full-time, certificate program under the sponsorship of the Georgetown University School of Medicine.
The two-year program combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations at ophthalmology clinics in and around Washington, D.C.
Students in the program receive instruction and training in the anatomy and physiology of the eye, diseases of the eye, medical and surgical treatments of the eye, tests and measurements of ocular and visual functions.
A maximum of nine students are enrolled in the two-year
program each July.
The application process is on a continuing basis. We will begin accepting applications for the 2009-2011 class, in the Fall of 2008.
2. A modular course
is available for students who are already employed and who wish to increase their knowledge about ophthalmic assisting. This program currently meets once a week, for four hours each Friday (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), from September through early June. Future scheduling of this course is subject to change.
3. A five-week intensive classroom program is held each August. Students who are enrolled in the two-year, full-time program begin with this five-week course. Students may register for ONLY the five-week course.
What Happens When I Finish the Program?
Upon graduation from the Program, students are immediately eligible for employment with individual and group ophthalmology practices.
Additionally, depending on their individual academic credits, students who graduate from the two-year program are immediately qualified to apply for the highest or the intermediate level of certification from JCAHPO, the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, Inc. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, JCAHPO uses written exams and skill assessments to certify ophthalmic medical personnel at one of three levels.
JCAHPO’s three core levels of certification offer a progressive career ladder for ophthalmic medical personnel who seek growth in their profession.
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA®) (Entry Level)
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®) (Intermediate
Level)
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®) (Advanced Level)
Who Are Ophthalmic Medical Personnel?
We refer you to this link/description from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology:
http://www.jcahpo.org/
What is the Program’s Schedule?
The two-year
Georgetown OMP Program begins each summer, with the five-week,
intensive classroom course. In September, students begin clinical rotations (3
days a week) and attend classes (2 days a week) for approximately 40 hours each
week for two years, graduating in June of their second year. There are no summer
breaks, but the program does follow the Holidays and Vacation Breaks of
Georgetown University.
What about Tuition?
Tuition does not include
textbooks.
Tuition for students entering the two-year Program in July 2008 is $5500.00 for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Tuition for the Wednesday Modular Course is $2600.00 for students beginning the course in September 2008.
Tuition for the Five-Week intensive course is $2600.00 for
students beginning the course on July 28, 2008.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Yes. Contact the Program Director (202-444-4862) for details on student loans and scholarships.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
No previous experience or training in ophthalmology is required. For future eligibility to the Ophthalmic Technologist exams and certification a minimum of two years of college will be required, including at least one course in Psychology. This will not be needed for the Ophthalmic Technician level. Students must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English.
Approximately, How Much Income Can I Expect After Graduation?
That depends on level of certification and geographic area of employment. In the D.C. area, most OMP earn between $46,000 and $52,000 after their first 6 to 12 months on the job. Also, most students have had job interviews already, before graduation.
How Can I Learn More About the Program?
The Program Director can arrange for you to speak with one or more current students and/or alumni of the Program.
How Do I Apply to the Program?
DOWNLOAD an application form.
CALL the Program Director’s Office at 202-444-4862, and an application packet will be mailed to you.
