1245 E. BUCKEYE ROAD | PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85034 | 602.238.4367 | MARICOPASKILLCENTER.COM

1. OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT PROGRAM TUTORIAL 1245 E. BUCKEYE ROAD | PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85034 | 602.238.4367 | MARICOPASKILLCENTER.COM

2. ABOUT MSC Maricopa Skill Center is • Part of Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) • A division of GateWay Community College (GWCC) • A provider of quality education in Health Careers: • Ophthalmic Assistant (program consists of classroom instruction/lecture, hands-on lab practice, and experiences in clinical settings .Various teaching strategies are used throughout the program of study, such as role play, online case studies, and simulation. It is important to note that technology is used extensively during the program. It is strongly recommended that students have access to a personal computer. • A clock hour school – tuition is calculated by the number of hours spent in class. Tuition is $5.00/hour for OA program.

3. OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT PROGRAM The Ophthalmic Assistant Program prepares individuals to assist ophthalmologists and optometrists in examining and treating patients with vision problems, vision disorders, and eye diseases. Includes instruction in taking patient histories, administering directed treatments and topical medications, diagnostic test procedures and equipment operation, anatomical and functional ocular measurements, patient care, education, and instruction, ophthalmic and surgical equipment maintenance, safety and sterilization procedures, and office administrative procedures. JOB TITLES: Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician

4. APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM STEP 1: PREPARE FOR THE APPLICATION • Complete this Tutorial (view PowerPoint presentation) • Complete a Student Information Form (SIF). • Take an Enrollment Assessment Test. • Apply for financial aid, if applicable. • Submit a complete application.( Please note that applications are accepted on first come, first served basis. Class size is limited to 25 students. Those not offered a seat will be placed on a wait-list.)

5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS • Must be 18 years of age. • High School diploma or G.E.D. • Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card, • Passing MCCCD background check, & • MCCCDNegative drug screening( Details on drug screen will be provided once application is received) • Proof of Immunization • Due when submitting application. .

6. ATTIRE: In order to project a professional image, business casual attire is required. Shirts need to be 2” below the waist band even when sitting or raising arms. Unacceptable attire includes: tank, halter, or tube tops, spaghetti straps, mini-skirts or -shorts, cut-off shorts, any garment that is too revealing of your back, mid-drift, or chest, and inappropriate graphics or lettering, etc. Scrubs will be worn for clinical/lab time.

7. PRIOR TO ATTENDING EXTERNSHIP/CLINICAL/ BLOCK 3 OFF SITE VISITSObtain Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card • Obtain Department of Public Safety (D.P.S.) Level 1 FCC Application Packet at Student Services or from AZ DPS. • Cost is $69 (subject to change) • It can take up to 6-8 weeks to receive card. • Visit DPS site at http://www.azdps.gov/Services/Fingerprint/ Please note, a valid FCC card will be needed upon application submittal. Please be sure to give at least two months prior application submittal for it to arrive. You must have the actual card to apply.

8. HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS MSC requirements for “hands on care” prior to entering program • PPD - Negative Tuberculosis skin test or CXR if indicated • Proof of two MMR immunizations or positive titers for measles, mumps, & rubella) • Hepatitis B vaccination (series of three injections) • Varicella/Chicken Pox (series of two injections) OR proof of immunity (positive titer). History of chicken pox as a child is NOT accepted. • Tetanus injection within 10 years. • Health Care Provider Form: physical/mental health clearance from your healthcare provider. • Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification. Card must indicate adult, child/infant, and AED. Online certifications are NOT accepted.

9. HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS continued… • Arizona DPS Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card – current. • Current Background Check - for more information, go to: http://healthcare.maricopa.edu/pdfDocs/Announcement_Background_Check.pdf (Students offered a seat after applications are accepted will receive specific instructions on completing this process; admission will be contingent on passing the Background Check.) PLEASE MAKE COPIES OF ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS. WE WILL NOT PROVIDE PHOTOCOPIES.

10. Mandatory Background Check Requirement • As of Fall 2011, all MCCCD allied health students must pass a stringent supplemental background check. This must be completed prior to externship/ clinical and off-site visits. http://www.nursing.maricopa.edu/pdfdocs/Announcement_Background_Check.pdf • However, if you wish to see if you will pass the supplemental background check you may complete a MCCCD Self-Assessment through the approved vendor, Certified Background. This is not required, but offered only as a service for individuals who are not sure if they will pass the MCCCD supplemental background check once they are placed. • The Self-Assessment is PRIVATE between you and Certified Background. MCCCD CANNOT view these results. PLEASE NOTE: Since MCCCD will not be able to view results, once an individual has been placed in a nursing program they will still be required to pay $67.00 and again complete the MCCCD Supplemental background check.

11. Optional Self-Assessment Background Check If you wish to complete the optional self-assessment: -Log into https://www.certifiedbackground.comand click on “Students” to the right of the webpage. -Enter Package Code MF69bg -Cost is $67.00 which can be paid by gift card, electronic check, credit card (no American Express), or money order (additional $10.00 fee for use of money order) -You will then be directed on how to set up your Certified Background Profile account If you have questions please call: Certified Background Student Support 1-888 666 7788 or studentservices@certifiedprofile.com

12. PROGRAM COST *PROGRAM COSTS (as of July 2013) Hours: 622 (estimated) Tuition: $3,110.00 Lab Fees: $182.00 Book Fees: $150.00* TOTAL COST: $3442.00 OTHER COSTS (Out-of-Pocket) • Background check/drug screen: $115.00 (cost may vary) • CPR (cost may vary) • Actual cost of immunizations (cost may vary) • AZ DPS Level one Fingerprint clearance card $69.00 DOWN PAYMENT Upon acceptance to the program, students are required to make payment arrangements with the MSC business office Please contact the Business Office for information. MSC.BUSINESS@gatewaycc.edu NOTE: Ophthalmic students pay $5.00 per clock hour. Each certificate program listed in the catalog provides detailed information on the average time it takes to complete a program, the average tuition cost, and associated lab and book fees. Tuition rates and/or fees are subject to change without notice. Tuition increases are applicable to all current and incoming students and effective on the date of the rate change. Tuition and fees apply from July 2013 through June 2014. A non-refundable Registration Fee of $15 is collected from all Maricopa Skill Center students. * Book Prices are Subject to change

13. FINANCIAL AID • MSC’s Financial Aid Office assists you with applying for Federal Aid such as grants and loans. • ALL FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at 602.238.4398. • To be considered for Federal Aid, students must complete the FAFSA online: www.fafsa.ed.gov • You need your previous year’s tax return in order to complete the FAFSA. • MSC’s school code is E00701 • MSC offers Financial Aid workshops to help you fill out your FAFSA. See website for details. • The OA program is eligible for Pell Grant funding. • APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EARLY to avoid delays in enrollment.

14. COMPLETING THE PROGRAM Upon successful completion of our Ophthalmic Assistant Program, students: • Receive an Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate • Are eligible to take the Ophthalmic Assistant Exam* that is accredited through JCAHPO and AAO. *After 1,000 hours of employment (6 mo.), graduates may take the COA certification exam.

15. REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS • Availability of reliable transportation • Availability of reliable childcare • If you have a job, you can not work more than 20 hours per week and be successful in the program. • Please note that this is a daytime only program.

16. PROGRAM OF STUDY First, stop and ask yourself if you have the following: • Dedication and commitment • Interest in ocular field • Ability to have 100% attendance at school (25 hours per week) • Support from family & friends • Good physical and emotional health…

17. OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT PROGRAM OF STUDY