Programs handbooks

Eye Technician: Academic overview

Learning outcomes

Eye Technician One-Year Certificate Outcomes

Curriculum

A total of 58 credit hours of Eye Technician program coursework is required. The list of required courses can be found on the PCC Catalog Eye Technician One-Year Certificate page.

Technical standards

Please review the Eye Technician essential functions webpage.

Grading

Academic performance

See the College policies: conduct, professional standards, and ethics section for the Portland Community College academic standards and refer to PCC’s Grading Guidelines. In the Eye Technician program, students must maintain a minimum level of performance (no lower than a letter grade of “C”) in each of the required technical courses (BI, MP, or OMT prefix) in order to continue to progress through the Eye Technician program.

If the student fails to pass their final exam with a “C” or better, but the cumulative grade for the course is at a “C”, the student will be subject to a probation review process. The student success plan will be given to the student to ensure they are accessing the resources available from ET program and PCC to improve their progress through the ET program. Failure to pass the subsequent course(s) final exam and accumulative course in the next term with a “C” will prompt a program dismissal review process. See Due process for violations.

Practicum performance

Practicum performance is based on independent observations from clinical preceptors who are certified ophthalmic technicians in the affiliated clinical sites. Practicum courses are graded as “P”/“NP”. If a practicum site requests that a student be removed due to performance or behavioral misconduct, the program will assess the best action for the student. If the student is unable to be placed into another practicum, an Incomplete or “NP” will be assigned for the practicum course. Failure to complete the required clinical hours makes the student ineligible to sit for the COT exam and may prompt a program dismissal review process.

Eye Technician skills evaluation

Halfway through the completion of the program, the students will be expected to perform a mandatory hands-on skills evaluation to assess their readiness as Eye Technicians. Students will be notified in advance of the evaluation day and time. Please note, evaluation may occur on a Saturday. These skills will focus on the six content skills tested on the COT exam. The skills are evaluated independently by the ophthalmic community to ensure objectivity. In the event the student does not meet the requirements of the skills evaluation the student will undergo a program probation review process. The student will be placed on a student success plan to ensure their readiness as an entry-level Eye Technician. Demonstrating mastery of the previously failed skill(s) will be required the following term to ensure progress through the program.

Grading and evaluation policies

The grading scale used for each class in the ET program will be contained in each course syllabus. Students will be expected to maintain the minimum level of performance as outlined under Academic Performance regardless of the instructor’s choice of grading scale.

The basis for the grade is the composite score of projects, papers, quizzes, lab modules/ clinical objectives, and/or tests for each course. See the Assignments section and Exams section which have bearing on the final grade. In making such a grade determination. instructor(s) will take into consideration student performance in the course in terms of attendance, attitude, participation, and other evidence of student achievement.

Students must achieve a “C” or “P” or better in each course within the program. If a student receives less than a “C” or “P,” the student will be required to repeat the learning experience.

Symbols routinely used for grading and the conditions under which these may be applied are listed in the college catalog and in the schedule each term.

Assignments

Students are expected to turn in course assignments at the beginning of class or via D2L Brightspace as indicated by the instructor. Instructors are to provide clear guidelines and deadlines for each assignment. No assignments will be accepted via FAX or email. No late assignments accepted under any circumstances unless prior acceptable arrangements have been made with an instructor. Course assignments are to be neat.

Exams

These test requirements are applicable only to those courses with an OMT prefix.

Final exams

No make-up or early final exams will be permitted unless there is an emergency or unusual situation and the instructor can accommodate the student.

Students must pass each Eye Technician course final examination with a score of at least 70% or higher. Failure to do so will prompt a program dismissal review process regardless of prior cumulative grade average. Exceptions only apply if it is the first time failing a final exam for that academic term and the final course grade is a 70% or higher. See Due process for violations.

If a student is absent for a final exam, they may receive an incomplete or failing grade for the course. Final exams cannot be retaken to improve an unsatisfactory score, except for the COT exam. If a student does not pass the COT exam at the end of the program, the student will be required to take an additional final for the last course of the program in order to complete the program requirements.

D2L exams

The D2L Brightspace platform will also be utilized for quizzes and exams for distance learning, remote learning, and some face-to-face classes. Exams will be timed, and the student is to maintain academic integrity throughout the testing process. A computer/laptop and internet connection would be required to complete the exams and quizzes.

Competencies for graduation

Graduation from the program is not contingent upon a student passing the external certification examination. Based on the program’s objectives, upon completion of the program of learning the graduate at career entry will:

  • Appreciate and apply strict adherence to the highest level of medical ethics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts applicable to ophthalmic medical procedures and an awareness of the clinical applications of ophthalmic medicine.
  • Apply academic knowledge and clinical experiences in making appropriate professional decisions.
  • Function effectively as a contributing member of the ophthalmic team.
  • Provide consistently high-quality patient care.
  • Be self-directed and responsible for their professional actions.
  • Perform routine ophthalmic duties in a professional, accurate, and timely manner.
  • Perform all procedures within professional standards of quality assurance.
  • Participate in continuing education for technical and professional development.
  • Recognize the legal responsibilities inherent in the practice of ophthalmic medicine.

Advising and counseling

Course instructors are available for conferences concerning assignments, tests, course content, etc. Formal conferences may be scheduled during each term to assess student progress. Advisors will review the student’s program planning and long-range goals, degree counseling for college requirements, and a program evaluation. The conference notes will become part of the student record; a copy will be given to the student at the completion of the conference.

Stay connected and meet regularly with one of the program advisors listed in the program Contacts section. Refer to the PCC Advising webpage for more information.

Withdrawal and re-entry

Program withdrawal process

Students should confer with the Eye Technician faculty or the faculty department chair before contacting Enrollment Services to withdraw from the program (see Enrollment Services’ process). If students are having difficulties and considering dropping from the program, faculty or the program director may have solutions to help students remain in the program. It is also important to know why a student decides to withdraw, for program planning purposes.

Class changes (add/drop)

Discussion with the assigned Eye Technician faculty or program advisor should take place prior to the time the student initiates add/drop procedures. This applies to general education courses as well as the Eye Technician courses. Failure to do so may result in inadequate hours or types of courses necessary for certificate requirements. Consult PCC’s Registration Policies for registering for classes, dropping a class, and other information.

Readmission and re-entry procedures

Once dismissed for academic reasons, any student desiring readmission to the program will be required to repeat the course(s) and earn a passing grade. Readmission is assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on factors including program capacity and student admission criteria. Those who have failed out of the program more than two times are not permitted for reapplication into the Eye Technician program.

Candidates that voluntarily withdrew from the program and would like re-entry should contact the admissions coordinator as soon as possible prior to the time they desire to re-enter, before the final Eye Technician application cycle. Specific requirements for reapplication, retesting, etc., will be available at that time.

Academic resources

The following are commonly used links that are helpful for the academic journey.

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Standards and procedures