Why Become Part of the Program

Here at Michigan Medicine, we have created a very unique and rewarding opportunity within our Ophthalmology Department at the Kellogg Eye Center. We have implemented an accelerated full-time 3-month Ophthalmic Assistant Novice to train motivated, ethical, career-seeking, compassionate individuals towards becoming Ophthalmic Technicians.

At Kellogg, our purpose is to improve lives through curing, treating, and preventing eye disease.  Our guiding principles are teamwork, caring, integrity, and innovation.  Together, we use our purpose and guiding principles to align ourselves both as individuals and as an organization to achieve our vision of improving lives around the world by enhancing vision in others.  We are a are seeking individuals who wish to enhance the strength and capability of our workforce to help us become even better at the work that we do. 

What You Can Look Forward to After Successfully Completing the Program

After successfully completing the academic and skill-based training period and certification, you will then be considered for regular full-time employment as an Ophthalmic Technician at the Associate level, the entry level position along the Ophthalmic Technician career path

As an Ophthalmic Technician - Associate, you will have the ability to work within highly collaborative team to perform a variety of visual exams and testing. You will play a vital role in directly supporting our physicians in providing exceptional care for our patients. You will become a well-versed technician because of your day to day interactions with advanced technologies and comprehensive treatments for all eye conditions and diseases. This team values the importance of education and mentorships and will ensure you have the tools and resources in order to become certified.  With this experience, you'll have opportunities for career advancement and professional development to take your career to the next level.

The University of Michigan Health System improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Skills Would You Master During Training?

• Once training is complete, you will feel confident in performing lensometry, refractometry, baseline external exams, visual field tests, automated keratometry, tonometry, and ancillary testing
• You will prepare and update patient records, prepare requisitions for patient testing, and assist in reviewing charts and schedules for patients.
• You will calibrate, clean and maintain ophthalmic equipment and instruments for the exam and treatment rooms
• You will triage patient phone calls, assist patients into and out of examining rooms, and participate in clinical procedures
• You will perform contact lens insertion and removal and how to process contact orders and returns

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong command of the English language, dedicated work ethics, and demonstrated history of excellent attendance at previous places of employment are essential

• Associates and/or bachelor's degree.
• Previous experience in a medical/patient care setting is NOT required; however, this is a competitive opportunity where top candidates will be selected based upon their comprehensive skills, work ethic and education.
• Previous customer service experience in a healthcare setting is desired.

Must be able to accommodate flexible hours during the week and for training opportunities on weekends should they arise. (i.e. conferences, educational workshops).

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Karen Ward, COT, OSC 
Director of Technician Education & Compliance Liaison
W. K. Kellogg Eye Center
1000 Wall St. 
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
karmward@med.umich.edu

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.