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By Kimberly Barblock, COT
 Program Director
 
You Prefer a Structured Learning Environment 
If you thrive in a structured learning environment, the OPMT program at ATCC provides the guidance and support you need to advance your career with confidence. Our program offers a comprehensive, systematic approach to learning – ensuring you gain a deep understanding of advanced ophthalmic concepts, hands-on clinical experience, and expert mentorship. With a clear curriculum, combined with the support of our expert faculty, you’ll stay on track toward earning your COT certification while building the distinct set of intermediate-level skills that set you apart in the field.

You Value a College Degree 
If earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is important to you, the OPMT program at ATCC offers a clear pathway to achieve both your academic and professional goals. While self study and on-the-job training can help you reach the next level of certification, they don’t provide the college degree that many employers value. An AAS degree not only strengthens your résumé, but also demonstrates a higher level of commitment, knowledge, and professionalism in the field. Another benefit is that the AAS degree can be a stepping stone toward your bachelor’s degree in the future to further advance your professional career. 

You are a Member of the Military 
If you’re a member of the military, advancing your education can have a direct impact on your career progression, including promotions and pay raises. The OPMT program at ATCC offers a flexible, structured pathway to earning your AAS degree while preparing you for the next level of certification. Unlike self-study and on-the-job training, which don’t result in a degree, our program provides the academic credentials that can help you move up in rank while also equipping you with the advanced skills needed to excel in ophthalmology. Plus, our hybrid online format allows you to balance service commitments with your education. For members of the Air Force and Army, an additional benefit is our partnership with the , which offers a military bridge program to help service members transition their military training into college credits. This partnership makes it even easier to fast-track your degree while maximizing the value of your military experience.

You Work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
If you work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (The VA), earning your AAS degree through the OPMT program at ATCC can have a direct impact on your career advancement. Just like military service members, VA employees can receive promotions and pay raises with each college degree obtained, making higher education a valuable investment in your future. While self-study and on-the-job training can help you achieve the next level of certification, they don’t provide the academic credentials that can set you apart for career growth within the VA system. Our structured, hybrid online program allows you to continue working while gaining the advanced skills, knowledge, and degree that can open doors to new opportunities in ophthalmology.

You Want to Maximize Your Time and Investment
To make our program even more valuable to current COAs, we are now offering up to 10 transfer credits for eligible candidates. This means you can you can earn credit for the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained, reducing your course load and saving you up to $1,500 over the duration of the program. This opportunity allows you to fast-track your degree while still benefitting from the structured learning, expert faculty, clinical experience, and hybrid online format that set our program apart.

You Need Flexible Clinical Rotation Hours
We’re excited to share that the  has recently approved an expansion of the OPMT program to include two separate tracks: paid and unpaid clinical rotations. This means that students who are currently employed in ophthalmology can use their paid work hours toward the maximum number of required clinical rotation hours each semester, while those not yet working in the field will continue to complete unpaid rotations with the program’s assistance in securing placement. This added flexibility allows you to tailor your clinical experience to your individual career path, while still meeting the high standards of the OPMT Program at ATCC. 

Take the Next Step in Your Career
If you’re a COA looking to advance your career with a structured ophthalmic program that offers flexibility, financial savings, and a clear pathway to COT certification, the OPMT program at ATCC could be the perfect fit for you. Whether you value structured learning, a college degree, military or VA benefits, or the ability to transfer credits, we’re here to support your journey. 

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our unique, hybrid online program and apply today! /programs/ophthalmic-medical-technician

CLEAR VISION, BRIGHT FUTURES: EDUCATING OPHTHALMIC TECHNICIANS