Entry-Level Ophthalmic Assistant

Medical Associates • Dubuque, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ophthalmology Department at Medical Associates Clinic is seeking a motivated, dependable, and compassionate individual for an entry-level healthcare role. Prior ophthalmology or clinical experience is not required. The position provides comprehensive on-the-job and online training toward becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within two years, with continued opportunities to advance to Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). The role is open to Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistants, COAs, COTs, LPNs, and RNs.

The position is based in the Ophthalmology Department at Medical Associates West Campus. The schedule is Monday through Friday, typically 4.5 days per week, with 8-hour shifts including a 30-minute lunch. Shifts range between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and flexibility is required.

Medical Associates supports professional development by covering the full cost of IJCAHPO COA or COT certification exams and providing free access to IJCAHPO’s Clinic CE Subscription, which includes more than 220 online courses and direct continuing-education credit tracking. The position offers a path to build clinical confidence and earn credentials for advancement in ophthalmology and related fields.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• No prior experience required.
• Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment and adapt to changing workflows and work conditions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, coworkers, and others.
• Keyboarding skills and ability to use electronic equipment.
• Ability to use and operate a wide variety of diagnostic and medical equipment.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment, including gloves, lab coats, gowns, goggles, and face masks or shields.
• Flexibility to work shifts scheduled between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Nice To Haves

• Some college education in a healthcare field.
• Patient-contact experience.
• Enjoy working at a fast pace, value learning and growth, and strive to provide outstanding patient care.

Responsibilities

• Document and perform general patient workups, update relevant medical information, and perform diagnostic testing.
• Assist doctors in carrying out treatment plans.
• Collaborate with team members to provide quality patient care.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, coworkers, and others, and provide patient education as needed.
• Broaden clinical skills and demonstrate flexibility in performing additional patient-care duties.
• Maintain a safe, neat, organized, and properly supplied office environment, including equipment, instruments, supplies, and educational materials.
• Ensure equipment functions safely and properly, and clean and maintain equipment according to guidelines.
• Complete other assigned projects and duties.

Benefits

• Medical Associates covers the full cost of sitting for IJCAHPO COA or COT certification exams.
• Free access to IJCAHPO’s Clinic CE Subscription, with more than 220 online courses and direct CE credit tracking.
• Single or family health insurance with discounted premium rates for wellness program participation.
• 401(k) with immediate matching of 50% on the dollar up to 7% of pay, plus additional annual profit sharing.
• Flexible paid time off program offering 24 days off per year.
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Dental insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED