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