YSU launches hybrid Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program for Fall 2026

Youngstown State University is expanding its healthcare education offerings with the launch of a new hybrid Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program through the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services beginning in the fall 2026.

The three-semester certificate program is designed to prepare students for careers assisting ophthalmologists in clinical eye care settings. Coursework will be delivered online in an asynchronous format, while hands-on lab experiences and clinical training will take place in person at the new Campbell Health and Community Development Center, located at 444 Struthers-Coitsville Road, Lowellville, Ohio, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open prior to the program launch.

Latrice Jones-Bey, program director, said the program was created to provide students with a flexible and direct pathway into a growing healthcare field.

“The benefits of becoming an ophthalmic assistant are that it offers students the opportunity to be a part of the medical field through focused, specialized training,” Jones-Bey said. “This is a one-year program, and after students complete the program, they are prepared to move forward into employment in an ophthalmology office.”

Students in the program will study anatomy and physiology of the eye, ocular disease and conditions, diagnostic imaging and patient care procedures. Through in-person lab experiences and clinical placements, students will learn how to perform vision testing, obtain ocular images and complete patient workups to assist ophthalmologists in practice.

“During lecture, students learn the fundamentals behind each skill and why those skills are important,” Jones-Bey said. “Then during lab and clinical experiences, they are able to practice and become comfortable working directly with patients.”

The hybrid structure was designed to accommodate both traditional and non-traditional students, including high school students who can begin taking courses before graduation, recent graduates, working adults and individuals seeking a career change. Students who complete the program and are at least 18 years old upon graduation are eligible to sit for the certification exam.

“With this program being hybrid, our goal is to accommodate every type of student,” Jones-Bey said. “Whether you are coming directly from high school, changing careers or balancing family responsibilities, this program creates an accessible path into healthcare.”

The program will follow a cohort model with a new class beginning each fall semester. Students will progress through the curriculum together while completing clinical experiences in ophthalmology practices under the supervision of clinical mentors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for ophthalmic medical technicians and assistants continue to grow as demand for vision and eye care services increases. Professionals in this field play an important role in patient care by assisting ophthalmologists with examinations, diagnostic testing and clinical procedures.

“The field of ophthalmology is constantly growing,” Jones-Bey said. “Students who complete programs like this and gain hands-on experience through clinicals are well-positioned for employment opportunities in the field.”

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification examination, the entry-level credential for ophthalmic medical personnel. Jones-Bey said the profession also offers opportunities for career advancement into imaging, ultrasound, research, management and administrative roles.

Sara Michaliszyn, dean of the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, said the program reflects the university’s continued commitment to workforce development and healthcare education in the region.

“This program expands access to healthcare education while helping meet a growing workforce need,” Michaliszyn said. “The combination of flexible online coursework, hands-on training and direct clinical experience provides students with the skills and preparation needed to enter a high-demand healthcare profession.”

Prospective students interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend one of our four virtual information sessions. During the 30-minute sessions, participants will meet Program Director Latrice Jones-Bey, learn more about careers in ophthalmic care and the Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Virtual information sessions will be offered:

• July 16, 2026, at noon EST
• July 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. EST
• July 30, 2026, at noon EST
• July 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. EST

For more information about the Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program or registration for the virtual sessions, visit the Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program website.