Central Piedmont has the only on-campus eye clinic in North Carolina for hands-on learning.
Learn from experienced faculty with more than 50 years of combined ophthalmology experience.
Take advantage of high job placement and certification pass rates.
Our clear career pathways provide you with opportunities for advancement.
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The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program prepares you to work directly with patients and ophthalmologists in eye care settings. Through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice, you will learn to perform delegated ophthalmic tasks, assist with procedures, and support patient care. Our graduates are workforce-ready for entry-level roles in ophthalmology practices and clinics.
This program will prepare you to work under the direct supervision of eye doctors as an ophthalmic assistant. Students who graduate with a diploma may become internationally certified. To do so, you’ll need to pass the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam (COA) administered by IJCAHPO. Degree students may become certified by passing the Certified Ophthalmic Technician exam (COT).
Yes. You will practice skills in labs and an on-campus eye clinic under the guidance of experienced faculty.
No prior healthcare experience is required. A high school diploma or equivalent is needed for admission. Please read the specifics for your program on the requirements page.
Yes. In addition to applying to the college, healthcare programs have a few extra steps. Learn what to do on the apply to a healthcare program page.
Students are encouraged to attend an information session and complete the Health Sciences Admission Application.
| Item | Description | In State Students | Out of State Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | With General Education Courses (refer to note 1) | $3,116 | $10,988 |
| Tuition | Without General Education Courses (refer to note 1) | $2,356 | $8,308 |
| Books | With General Education Courses | $1,458 | $1,458 |
| Books | Without General Education Courses | $650 | $650 |
| Activity Fee | Paid each semester at registration - $26/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $35/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more | $96 | $96 |
| Tech Fee | Paid each semester at registration - $48/semester | $144 | $144 |
| CAPS Fee | Campus Parking - $80/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $107/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more | $294 | $294 |
| Lab Fee | Included in Course Registration - $27/lab hr. or $216 max/semester | $486 | $486 |
| Accident Insurance | Required for program - $1.60/semester | $5 | $5 |
| Liability Insurance | Required for program - $8.70/semester | $26 | $26 |
| Uniforms | Scrubs and shoes | $100 | $100 |
| CPR/First Aid | One time fee | variable | variable |
| Physical Exam and Immunizations | One time upon admission to program - See Note 2. Immunizations as required | variable | variable |
| Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening | One time - required for clinicals | $95 | $95 |
| Graduation Fee | One time fee | $20 | $20 |
| Pinning Fee | One time fee | $30 | $30 |
| Licensure Fee | After graduation | $300 | $300 |
| Total | With General Education Courses | $6,170 | $14,042 |
| Total | Without General Education Courses | $4,602 | $10,554 |
Notes:
Central Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program is accredited by:
International Council of Accreditation
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