Entry-Level Ophthalmic Assistant

Medical Associates; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401k with matching

Flexible Paid Time Off

FSA / DSA options

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

Job summary

Medical Associates Clinic's Ophthalmology Department seeks a motivated, dependable individual eager to grow in a meaningful healthcare career. No prior ophthalmology experience is required, and you’ll receive comprehensive on-the-job and online training to become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within two years, with ongoing opportunities to advance to Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).

Ideal candidates thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment, value patient connections, and are

Qualifications

• No ophthalmology experience required.
• On-the-job and online training to become COA within two years.
• Open to Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistants, COAs, COTs, LPNs and RNs.

Responsibilities

• Document and perform general patient workups.
• Update pertinent medical information.
• Perform diagnostic testing.
• Assist doctors with treatment plans.
• Collaborate with team to provide quality patient care.
• Communicate clearly with patients and staff.

Skills

Empathy

Professionalism

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Ophthalmic equipment operation

Job description

The Ophthalmology Department at Medical Associates Clinic seeking a motivated, dependable, and compassionate individual eager to grow in a meaningful healthcare career.

No prior ophthalmology or clinical experience is required!You’ll receive comprehensive on-the-job and online training to become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within two years, with continued opportunity to advance to Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).This position is open to Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistants, COAs, COTs, LPNs, and RNs.

Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
• Adapts quickly to changing workflows and new technology.
• Values growth, balance, and meaningful patient connections.

Ideal candidates enjoy working at a fast pace,strive for outstanding patient care,adaptable to changing work conditions, love to learn, and are effectiveand professionalcommunicators.

Professional Development

• Certification Support: Medical Associates covers the full cost of sitting for your IJCAHPO COA or COT certification exams.
• Ongoing Education: Enjoy free access to IJCAHPO’s Clinic CE Subscription—featuring 220+ online courses from world-renowned faculty with direct CE credit tracking to your IJCAHPO transcript.
• Career Progression: Build clinical confidence and earn credentials that open doors across ophthalmology and beyond.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, typically scheduled 4.5 days per week (8 hr shift with 30-minute lunch! Shifts range between 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM) Flexibility is a must!

Location: Ophthalmology Department, Medical Associates West Campus
Benefits Package includes:

• Single or Family Health Insurance with discounted premium rates for wellness program participation.
• 401k with immediate matching (50% on the dollar up to 7% of pay + additional annual Profit Sharing)
• Flexible Paid Time Off Program (24 days off/year)
• Medical and Dependent Care Flex Spending Accounts
• Life insurance, Long Term Disability Coverage, Short Term Disability Coverage, Dental Insurance, etc.

What you'll be doing:

• Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to: documenting and performing the general patient workups, updating pertinent medical information, performing diagnostic testing, assist doctors in carrying out treatment plans.
• Collaborate with team members to provide quality care to patients.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, co-workers, and others. Provide patient education as needed.
• Broaden skill set and demonstrate flexibility in performing additional duties of patient care.
• Maintain an office environment that is safe, neat, organized, and supplied with necessary equipment, instruments, supplies, and educational materials. Ensure equipment is functioning safely and properly. Perform cleaning and maintenance of equipment according to guidelines.
• Complete all other assigned projects and duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience: No experience required.

Education: High School Diploma required (some college in healthcare field and patient contact experience preferred but not required!)

Interpersonal Skills: A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and/or is usually of a personal or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating or influencing others. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary.

Other Skills: Keyboarding skills and use of electronic equipment. Use and operate a wide variety of diagnostic and medical equipment. Use personal protection safety equipment including gloves, lab coats, gowns, goggles, and face masks/shields.