Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This is a required course in the curriculum of the Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program. 
The extent of transferability or credit allowed for this course would be dependent upon the institution and the program to which the student is transferring. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Use expanded knowledge of issues pertinent to patient care in the clinical setting.
2. Apply knowledge of community resources and services available for patients in ophthalmology practices.
3. Utilize knowledge of employment and career opportunities in the ophthalmic professions in seeking employment.

Ophthalmic Medical Technology Seminar is presented by means of discussion, small group activities, guest speakers, field trips and audio-visual presentations. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussions and critique speakers and ideas. Students interact with ophthalmic professionals during student field trips and while participating in volunteer events available in the ophthalmic community.

Student performance is evaluated by means of oral participation, written critiques of speaker presentations and special assignments. The student will be responsible for completing all course work regardless of absenteeism. The student is responsible for materials handed out in class and assignments made during class. Make-up assignments for any classes missed will be at the discretion of the course instructor.

The student will demonstrate understanding of the following themes, issues, concepts and development of the following skills:
 

• Employment Opportunities in the Ophthalmic Field
• Emerging Job Markets in Ophthalmology
• Associated Areas of Employment - research, eye bank, pharmaceutical, technical training, etc.
   

The following list outlines the concepts, themes, and issues a student needs to understand and be able to use appropriately.  The student has the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter in written and oral form, individually, and in groups.
    1.  Psychology and Communications - The goal is to provide knowledge and skills in the basic psychological principles of self-understanding and social adaptability for communications and actions with physicians, employees and patients.  Develop an awareness of how attitude influences the outcome of any given situation.  Understand the principles of recognition and response to verbal and nonverbal communication.
    2.  Human relations - The goal is to develop an awareness and understanding of a culturally diverse workplace.  Understand the adaptations of individuals needs.
    3.  Ethical Behavior and Professionalism - The goal is to develop ethical and professional behavior as it applies to the health care workplace.
    4.  Professional Organization - The goal is to prepare students to become professionals; understanding the roles of the professional organization in defining ethics and providing educational opportunities. 
    5.  Open forums and lectures - The goal is to provide an opportunity for guest lectures and/or a general class discussion on related subjects of interest to the class.  Students also have the opportunity to discuss practicum activities and the various procedural methods utilized at the clinical affiliation sites.
    6.  Electronic Technology - Students will gain understanding of the various electronic technologies relevant to the health care industry.  Electronic health records will be explored and studied.