Business Education

Sandhills Community College launches Certified Ophthalmic Assistant program

By Staff Report, posted 5 months ago
From left to right: Brittany Rodriguez, Ophthalmology Instructor practices on equipment with Dr. Anna F. Fakadej, M.D., MBA - Physician at Carolina Eye Associates and Medical Director.

With a high demand for employees in the ophthalmological industry, Sandhills Community College (SCC) students will have a new option to help fill jobs becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. 

The certificate program is part of SCC’s Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) program and provides students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to begin a career in ophthalmology. Students benefit from a blend of classroom instruction one night a week and online self-pace work to prepare for success in the field.

“The inaugural class is now underway, led by Brittany Rodriguez as instructor and Dr. Fakadej from Carolina Eye Associates serving as the program’s medical director,” said Jacklyn Pepich BS, RHIA, CMA, Director of Healthcare Training WCE in a press release. “Over the course of approximately four months, students will gain the skills and preparation needed to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam. We’re excited to launch this program and support the workforce demand in our region.”

Registration fees are $197.50. Costs to consider outside of registration include at text book and COA Exam $300. Scholarships are available. Learn more at https://www.sandhills.edu/programs/health-sciences/healthcare.html or email healthcareWCE@sandhills.edu. 

Ralph Elia, Linda Edwards, Desmond Worthy, Guillermo Aragon, Twanda Convington, Breanna Prevatte, Lutetha McAllister, Aubrey Hicks, Yolanda Alfaro: and TJ McCaskill - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Carolina Eye: Dr. Anna F. Fakadej, M.D., MBA - Physician at Carolina Eye Associates and Medical Director: and Brittany Rodriguez, Ophthalmology Instructor and Jacklyn Pepich BS, RHIA, CMA Director of Healthcare Training WCE and Director of Medical Assistant Program.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Mutts with a mission: Specialized K9 program supports local Veterans

Kristen Botts co-founded the program with her husband, Nathan Botts, who is a Veteran himself. Photos provided by Kristen Botts.An organization helping Veterans live a full life after their service in the U.S. Military wants to connect Veterans and d


Committed to community: Huntington Bank completes merger with Cadence Bank, continues to grow client base

Patrick NoblesHuntington Bancshares Incorporated announced on Feb. 2 that it has closed its merger with Cadence Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Houston, Texas and Tupelo, Miss. This strategic partnership accelerates Huntington’s growth in


Editor's note: What really catches the attention of someone new to Fayetteville?

There is extensive dialogue surrounding Fayetteville as a travel destination or city aimed at recruiting new businesses and new residents. As someone who moved here from out of state, I thought it could be fun to share my personal experience as