Nebraska Medicine created its Ophthalmology Tech Program to increase hiring and retention of employees in the ophthalmology technologist position. Since it is an entry-level position, employees may come to the organization with customer service skills, but not the needed healthcare background.
Program Details
This program offers modules on the environment of healthcare, customer service, the culture of the Nebraska Medicine organization, and basic anatomy; the tools for high reliability; and a comprehensive skills-based exam. It is evolving to include more clinical content. This certification provides a strong foundation for the employee to pursue further certification as an ophthalmic technologist and ophthalmic associate, which culminates in an Associate’s degree from a local community college.
In addition to weekly study groups with the trainer, this training is reinforced through observation and feedback from the trainer and healthcare professionals in the clinic. A skills-based competency is conducted at the three- and six- month post-training mark. Trainees who complete the program become certified ophthalmology assistants who mentor new trainees in the study guide sessions.
Results
Some 88 percent of ophthalmology assistants have been trained. Nebraska Medicine has hired 22 new colleagues to fill positions that were previously unfilled for up to six months and saw a 60 percent increase in knowledge from pre- to post-program training.
