Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect as a student in the Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Program at Trident Techical College?
This is a 12 month program which provides the student with the knowledge and skills required to enter the field of Ophthalmic Clinical Assisting. The first semester is classroom training including medical terminology, microbiology, and general anatomy and physiology of the eye. The next two semesters will be spent in the classroom and at a variety of clinical settings in the community.
How do I get started?
To enter TTC's Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant (OCA) program, call the College's Admissions and Records Office at (843) 574-6460 or visit the admissions page on our website for an application and information on the application process. Acceptance into TTC's Allied Health Sciences programs is on a first qualified, first accepted basis. Prior to admission into the program, students must complete an Allied Health application for the OCA program. In addition, students must achieve qualifying scores on the College's Placement Test, Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT). Prospective students must attend an official open advising session and obtain a signed statemnt from an Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant progam faculty member verifying attendance.
When do the professional courses start?
Students are admitted into the Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant program in the Fall semester after completion of the program requirements described above.
Who do I contact regarding my current admission status to the OCA program?
The admissions coordinator for the OCA program is: Beth Murdaugh (843) 574-6460; Email: beth.murdaugh@tridenttech.edu
Where do Ophthalmic Clinical Assistants work?
Ophthalmic Clinical Assistants work in a broad range of settings, including private ophthalmic offices, optometric offices, optical outlets, in Ophthalmic research, medical universities and other ophthalmic industry related retail establishments.
What are some of the skills performed by an Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant?
Some of the duties performed by an OCA in the workplace include: taking patient histories, performing measurements of the eye, administering diagnostic tests and eye evaluations, performing a variety of patient services, and maintaining ophthalmic instruments.
What is the employment outlook for an Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant?
The availability of OCA positions is very good at the local and national levels.
Is becoming an Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant a stepping stone to advancing in the profession?
Yes, many OCAs go on to become technicians or technologists through additional formal training, self study and certification.
