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:

• Explain knowledge of community resources and services available for patients in ophthalmology practices.
• Report knowledge of employment and career opportunities in the ophthalmic professions.
• Collect information and create a cover letter and resume to use for a job search.
• Participate in local professional educational conference with the opportunity to network with other ophthalmic technicians and professionals.
• Practice interviewing skills in-person and online with video-streaming technology for use when seeking employment in the field.

In class lecture, community activities, open student discussions, webinars, and class trips off-site. 

This course will be assessed through written summary essays, quizzes, in class participation, and completion of interview with career center. 

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. Volunteering and Healthcare screening- The goal will be to have students demonstrate their skills and knowledge for the betterment of the community. Students will prepare and implement community based project of vision health screening and education to potential community patients. 

2. 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. 

3. Cover-letter and Resume writing- The goal is to prepare students for job placement and searching. 

4. 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.