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 Masonic 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 Orthoptics post-baccalaureate 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.
Students who successfully complete the Orthoptics post-baccalaureate certificate are eligible to sit for the written and practical examinations, administered by the American Orthoptic Council, required for national certification.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by American Orthoptic Council
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 2.50.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
All applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
Applicants to the accelerated certificate also must provide confirmation of:
• ophthalmic tech program completion, and
• COMT/COT certification.
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.
Each course includes 35+ clinical hours/week under supervision of a staff orthoptist/pediatric ophthalmologist.
Required Coursework (28 credits)
Students admitted to the full 28-credit post-baccalaureate certificate program take OPH 5201, 5301, and 5401 during the first year of study, and OPH 5501, 5601, and 5701 the second year of study for a total of 28 credits.
OPH 5201 - Orthoptics I
(4.0 cr)
OPH 5301 - Orthoptics II
(5.0 cr)
OPH 5401 - Orthoptics III
(5.0 cr)
OPH 5501 - Orthoptics IV
(4.0 cr)
OPH 5601 - Orthoptics V
(5.0 cr)
OPH 5701 - Orthoptics VI
(5.0 cr)
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Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
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 |
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 |