Ophthalmic Technician Trainee

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. Organization: Ophthalmic Assistant Program Job Summary: Performs ophthalmic work up for new and return patients with occasional guidance. Performs both basic and intermediate ophthalmic exam techniques including specialized testing. Provides general clinical support functions. . The Center for Programs in Allied Health is pleased to announce the Ophthalmic Technician Trainee Program, an innovative on-the-job training opportunity designed to prepare participants for a career in ophthalmic care. This structured program spans 52 weeks (12 months) and provides hands-on training, practical experience, and skill development in a clinical setting. Trainees will gain exposure to essential ophthalmic procedures, patient care practices, and professional competencies required for success in the field. The program is ideal for individuals seeking entry-level clinical experience and a pathway into allied health professions. The Center for Programs in Allied Health Ophthalmic Technician Trainee Program is an innovative on-the-job training program and will be 52 weeks in length (12 months). No prior experience necessary. All prior experiences will be considered, and we welcome all to apply. At the end of the program, you will be prepared to advance your career by becoming an Ophthalmic Assistant. As an Ophthalmic Assistant, you will perform basic ophthalmic work ups for new and return patients under regular guidance. Provide general clinical support such as performing visual fields or other patient testing. You will learn to perform both basic and intermediate ophthalmic exam techniques including some specialized testing. All training will be based upon The International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA). IJCAHPO is the premier destination for Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) continuing education worldwide. The Ophthalmic Assistant (OPA) certification program is designed to recognize entry level assistants who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent services. PEOPLE ARE AT THE HEART OF ALL WE DO. Our vision: The world leader in advancing personalized health. Our mission: personalizing the patient experience through our caring spirit and distinctive capabilities. Making Health Care Personal. We’re looking for like-minded individuals driven to make a difference. We invite you to explore careers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. At VUMC, we place a priority on designing with and for our patients and families. We value collaboration, embrace continuous learning and discovery, and seek to be a place where everyone has the chance to thrive. We’re the largest private employer in Middle Tennessee, with a growing team and expanding footprint in towns and communities across the region. We employ more than 28,000 people who work in inpatient and outpatient clinical care, research, and graduate medical education as well as critical supporting roles in administration, information technology and informatics, finance, legal and community affairs, communications and marketing, fund-raising, groundskeeping and facilities, and many more. Our growing health system has more than 1,700 licensed hospital beds at: Vanderbilt University Hospital Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital It’s also home to hundreds of outpatient clinic and surgical locations throughout the region. We serve our community with many unique and specialized services including the Level 1 Trauma Center, a highly experienced Transplant Center that does the most heart transplants in the world, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lung Institute, Burn Center and many more. World-leading academic departments and centers make scientific discoveries, advance clinical care and train the next generation of health care professionals. Our robust research enterprise consistently ranks among the highest in the country as measured by peer-reviewed grant funding from the National Institutes of Health. We’re honored to be consistently considered among the nation’s best hospitals, including being nationally ranked in multiple medical specialties for treating the most complex conditions in adults and children by US News and World Report. Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt ranked as the No. 1 children’s hospital in the southeast in 2024. We support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High-achieving employees stay at VUMC for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose. Join us in Making Health Care Personal.

Requirements

Ophthalmic Testing (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate ophthalmic testing in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
Ophthalmic Disorders (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate the knowledge/care of ophthalmic disorders in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
Ophthalmology (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate competency of ophthalmology in practical applications of moderate difficulty.
Patient Evaluation (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience conducting a simple patient evaluations. Capable of identifying the health risks and patient needs.
Relevant Work Experience Experience Level : 1 year
Education: High School Diploma or GED

Responsibilities

Provides basic and intermediate ophthalmic workup and specialized testing with minimal supervision.
Assists faculty, residents and technical staff with daily clinical needs as directed.
Interacts with the patient in a professional manner using AIDET techniques.
Maintains clean working environment, stocked rooms, equipment, and EOC guidelines.
The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

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