Kellogg Addresses Technician Shortage with Ongoing Training Program “We need more technicians!” It’s a plea heard from ophthalmology practices across the country and in the corridors of Kellogg Eye Center and its community clinic sites. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are only about 60,000 ophthalmic technicians to assist the country’s 19,000 practicing ophthalmologists. Kellogg addressed the need for technicians by developing its own competitive technician training program in 2012. The program has graduated an average of two classes per year, each with three to nine students, since 2013.
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The program attracts applicants from Some are looking to gain clinical experience before further medical training, some are transitioning from other allied health areas, and some are entering healthcare for the first time. The 12-week program combines classroom
THE STRONG SUPPORT OF
David Beck with trainer Karen Ward, COT, OSC, Allied Health Supervisor and Stephanie Wietholter, M.S., COA
FACULTY AND LEADERSHIP MADE
THE PROGRAM POSSIBLE, THAT SUPPORT
CONTINUES TO BE THE KEY TO ITS SUCCESS.
and clinical instruction. Coursework is designed
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many different backgrounds.
— Karen Ward Director of Technical Education
to build the comprehension and hands-on skills required for certification by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). “The early weeks are weighted toward classroom instruction, introducing students of all backgrounds to the basics of ophthalmology,” says Karen Ward, Director of Technical Education at Kellogg, who has guided the training since 2018. “Students then transition to practical experience, rotating through subspecialty clinics, working with experienced technicians to learn the latest skills, including facilitating video and virtual visits” To date, the program has graduated 74 technicians. “Several
Timothy Costello, CRA, COA (background) and Rachel Wishart with Cathy Huebner, B.S., COA
have gone on to leadership positions at Kellogg,” says Clinical Administrator Catherine Huebner, “making contributions in our clinics, ophthalmic imaging unit, and clinical research.” “The strong support of faculty and leadership made the program possible,” she adds. “We continue to make changes
please contact:
each year to enhance the skills of our graduates, including more
Catherine Huebner cathhueb@med.umich.edu
exposure to imaging and other testing that has become critical to
Karen Ward karmward@med.umich.edu
eye care.” 24
For more information about the program,