The new hybrid program will begin in the Fall 2026 semester and will be offered through the university’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.
Youngstown State University is launching a new healthcare certificate program in the Fall 2026 semester. The Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program, which will be offered in a hybrid format, is part of the university’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services and will prepare students for careers assisting ophthalmologists.
According to an article on Youngstown State University’s website, Sara Michaliszyn, who serves as the dean of the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, was quoted as saying of the new program offering, “This program expands access to healthcare education while helping meet a growing workforce need. 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.”
The program is a three-semester course that offers classes online in an asynchronous format, with hands-on clinical and lab experiences taking place at the new Campbell Health and Community Development Center, which will open prior to the start of the new program. The hybrid nature of the program is intended to accommodate a variety of student situations, including those who are adults already working, or high school students who have not yet graduated.
Latrice Jones-Bey is the director of the new program. She said, “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. This is a one-year program, and after students complete the program, they are prepared to move forward into employment in an ophthalmology office. During lecture, students learn the fundamentals behind each skill and why those skills are important. Then during lab and clinical experiences, they are able to practice and become comfortable working directly with patients. With this program being hybrid, our goal is to accommodate every type of student. Whether you are coming directly from high school, changing careers or balancing family responsibilities, this program creates an accessible path into healthcare. The field of ophthalmology is constantly growing. Students who complete programs like this and gain hands-on experience through clinicals are well-positioned for employment opportunities in the field.”
Students will learn anatomy and physiology of the eye, ocular disease and conditions, diagnostic imaging, and patient care procedures, and will gain the skills needed to perform vision testing, obtain ocular images, and complete patient workups. Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification examination.
Those interested in learning more about the new program are invited to attend a virtual information session on July 30.
For more information about Youngstown State University, visit the school’s website.