Discover Eye Careers

THERE IS A CAREER

FOR YOU INSIGHT!

BECOME AN

WHAT IS AN OPHTHALMIC MEDICAL

TECHNICIAN?

An Ophthalmic Medical Technician works

with an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to help

patients by performing various clinical tasks

related to vision and eye care.

SUMMARY OF DAILY TASKS:

• Taking patient histories

• Administering tests and evaluations

• Providing patient services

• Maintaining instruments

• Taking eye measurements

• Performing a variety of clinical tasks

WHAT KIND OF SKILLS AND

QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?

All you need to get started:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Good problem solving skills

• Commitment to helping people

• Ability to learn new skills

• Easy career entry

• Excellent job opportunities

• Long term career advancement potential

• A career in advanced medical technology

• Exceptional pay and benefits

• Relaxed work environment

• Flexible schedule

WHY SHOULD I BE AN OPHTHALMIC

MEDICAL TECHNICIAN?

CAREER OUTLOOK

Employment of Medical Technicians in

fields such as Ophthalmology ranks 3rd on

the list of the 30 Fastest-Growing

Occupations in the U.S.

CAREER OUTLOOK

A shortage of qualified Ophthalmic Medical

Technicians has existed in communities

nationwide for more than a decade. Currently,

there is an estimated need for an additional

6,000 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in the

U.S.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

Currently Demand

Shortage

Number of

Technicians

CAREER OUTLOOK

The aging population (65 or older) is

projected to increase from 12.4% in 2000 to

19.6% in 2030, the need for Ophthalmic

Medical Technicians will continue to rise.

0.00%

2.00%

4.00%

6.00%

8.00%

10.00%

12.00%

14.00%

16.00%

18.00%

20.00%

2000 2030

Population that needs eye care

HOW MUCH MONEY COULD I MAKE?

Salaries for an Ophthalmic Medical Technician vary depending on:

• Level of training

• Experience

• Level of certification

• Location

• Supervisory responsibilities

Starting Salaries = $46,000 (entry/assistant level)

Average Salaries = $52,000 (intermediate/technician level)

Upper Ranges = $63,000 (advanced/technologist level)

AVERAGE HEALTHCARE SALARIES

Source: American Medical Association, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2010

$0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000

Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technician

Veterinarian Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Medical Assistant

Dental Assistant

Surgical Technologist

Orthoptist

Average Salary

Starting Salary

You can enter the field two different ways.

WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DO I NEED TO

COMPLETE?

On-the-Job

Training

Formal Training

Program

Independent

Study

OR+

On-the-job training is for people entering

the field with no previous experience or

training. The training usually includes on-site

work as well as homework in the form of:

• Independent study courses

• Computer-based training programs.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Independent study and distance learning

programs are convenient for those

who cannot attend a formal training program.

You can learn from your own home on

your own time.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Formal Training in an accredited program

is available from a variety of academic

institutions ranging in length:

To find a training program, visit:

www.jcahpo.org/CoA-OMP/list/

FORMAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Months Years Years

JCAHPO CERTIFICATION

• After you have completed your initial

training, you will want to Get Certified!

• Studies have shown that JCAHPO certified

personnel make more money and have

greater advancement opportunities.

INQUIRIES

2025 Woodlane Dr

St Paul, MN 55125-2998

(651) 731-2944 or (800) 284-3937

www.jcahpo.org

2025 Woodlane Dr

St Paul, MN 55125-2998

(651) 731-2944 or (800) 482-4858

www.atpo.org