Why St. Kate’s
Along with a rise in the need for eye care among all age groups, St. Kate’s recognized a shortage of well-trained ophthalmic personnel in the Twin Cities and the state. So St. Kate’s created the first program in Minnesota to train ophthalmic technicians.
Learn through the latest technology
The laboratory equipment in the classrooms includes the latest refracting equipment for measuring contact lenses and eyeglasses, and instruments for precise ocular measurements.
Classroom instruction is enhanced with technology, too. Face-to-face instruction is paired with interactive DVDs, and you can review all lectures online with downloadable lesson plans and slides. Videos of lectures are also available to students and graduates of the program.
Progress through clinical rotations
You'll complete your required 1,000 hours of clinical experiences at any of our 12 Twin Cities partnering healthcare facilities. We ensure your hands-on experiences increase in complexity as you are ready. You'll start honing your skills in charting patient vision and ophthalmic histories, and then progress to eye tests and measurements in the clinic. In your final rotation you'll learn about assisting with eye surgeries in the operating room.
Broaden your vision
A thoughtfully designed liberal arts curriculum, including studies of ethics, social and cultural differences and literature is woven through St. Kate’s Ophthalmic Technician Program to enlarge your view of the world.
The liberal arts teaches you to:
- Think through problems.
- Research questions and analyze data.
- Communicate well orally and in writing.
- Understand a world beyond your own experience.
- Respect the needs and beliefs of people who may differ in age, race, sex, economic circumstance or cultural heritage.
You’ll also take a core integrated learning course, CIL 150: Transcultural Learning Through Community Connections, with students in varied healthcare programs. The course culminates in an experience in which you’ll mentor underserved people in the Twin Cities.
You’re the heart of St. Kate’s
As a student in St. Kate’s School of Health you’ll get to know professors and staff who are dedicated to your well-being, as well as your academic and career success. At St. Kate’s you come first.
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