Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Orthoptics Post-baccalaureate CertificateOphthalmology
Medical School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Minnesota Lions Children's Eye Clinic
(University of Minnesota Physicians and University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital)
701 25th Ave S. Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-365-8365
612-365-8351 (Fax)
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Orthoptic Certificate program is a vital part of the ophthalmic health care profession. This is a specialized profession, the focus of which is the evaluation and treatment of disorders of vision, eye movements, and eye alignment in children and adults. The study of orthoptics follows a logical sequence of studies vital to the understanding of the visual system. The didactic education is integrated with practical clinical experience. Orthoptists work with ophthalmologists, eye physicians and surgeons, as part of the medical team. They are employed in a variety of settings, including university and teaching hospitals, children's hospitals, and solo or multi-specialty group medical practices. An orthoptist sees a variety of patients of all ages, although due to the nature
of their visual disorders, the majority of the patients are young children; some individuals
with multiple health concerns are also evaluated as they commonly have ocular/binocular
problems. After completing an Orthoptic Certificate, a student earns national certification
as an orthoptist through written and practical examinations administered by the American
Orthoptic Council.
This program requires two semesters and a summer term of coursework.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by American Association of Certified Orthoptists
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 2.00.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Requirements for entry into the Orthoptics Certificate Program include the following:
1. Completion of baccalaureate degree with GPA at least 2.0.
2. Successful completion of one year in a hospital/clinic-based ophthalmic technician training program (e.g., Regions Hospital)
Required prerequisites
Course Group 0
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 2.80
is required for students to remain in good standing.
The 2.8 GPA requirement complies with University of Minnesota policy.
Required Core
Orthoptic Certificate
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Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Summer |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |