WVU Medicine Student Visual Field Technician: Your Path to a Healthcare Career

Role Overview

As a Student Visual Field Technician at the WVU Medicine Eye Institute, you'll play a crucial role in providing comprehensive eye care to patients. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in ophthalmic testing and patient care while supporting a team of skilled physicians and technicians. You will be responsible for performing visual field testing, lensometry, keratometry, and assisting with ophthalmic imaging. This role is perfect for students looking to build a foundation in healthcare and gain valuable skills in a dynamic clinical environment.

A Day in the Life

Your day will be filled with a variety of tasks that contribute to the smooth operation of the Eye Institute. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect: * **Patient Interaction:** Greeting patients, explaining testing procedures, and ensuring their comfort throughout the process. * **Visual Field Testing:** Administering visual field tests using automated perimetry and other methods to assess a patient's field of vision. * **Lensometry and Keratometry:** Measuring the refractive power of lenses and the curvature of the cornea to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning. * **Ophthalmic Imaging Assistance:** Helping with OCT scans and other imaging procedures. * **Data Recording:** Accurately recording patient information and test results in electronic medical records. * **Equipment Maintenance:** Ensuring ophthalmic equipment is properly calibrated and maintained. * **Clinical Support:** Assisting clinical staff and faculty with various tasks to ensure efficient patient care.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. As the home of West Virginia University, it's a vibrant college town with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city boasts a low cost of living, making it an attractive place for students and young professionals. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Appalachian Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and skiing. Morgantown is also conveniently located within driving distance of major cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., providing easy access to cultural attractions and travel options.

Career Path

This position serves as an excellent stepping stone for a career in healthcare. With experience as a Student Visual Field Technician, you can pursue advanced roles such as: * **Ophthalmic Technician:** Perform a wider range of diagnostic tests and assist with surgical procedures. * **Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA):** Obtain certification to demonstrate your expertise in ophthalmic assisting. * **Optometrist or Ophthalmologist:** Pursue further education to become a primary eye care provider or a specialist in eye diseases and surgery. * **Healthcare Administration:** Transition into administrative roles within a healthcare organization. The skills and experience you gain in this role will be highly valuable as you advance in your healthcare career.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for this position is between $27,000 and $35,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, which may include: * Health, dental, and vision insurance * Retirement plan options * Paid time off (PTO) * Employee assistance program (EAP) * Employee discount programs * Tuition reimbursement (if applicable)

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing high-quality patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a Student Visual Field Technician, you'll be part of a team that values teamwork, respect, and continuous learning. WVU Medicine fosters a culture of innovation and encourages employees to develop their skills and advance their careers. You'll have opportunities to participate in training programs, attend conferences, and contribute to research projects. WVU Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

How to Apply

To apply for the Student Visual Field Technician position, please visit the WVU Medicine careers website and submit your application online. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience, including any coursework or volunteer work related to healthcare. A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and your commitment to patient care is also recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. **What are the minimum education requirements for this position?** A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 2. **Is prior experience in ophthalmic testing necessary?** No, prior experience is not required. Training will be provided on the job. 3. **What skills are most important for success in this role?** Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team are essential. 4. **What is the typical work schedule for a Student Visual Field Technician?** The scheduled weekly hours for this position is 4 hours, a part-time position. 5. **Are there opportunities for advancement within WVU Medicine?** Yes, WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. 6. **What is the work environment like at the Eye Institute?** The work environment is a normal outpatient clinical setting. Incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and communicable disease and ophthalmic lasers. 7. **What is the dress code for this position?** The dress code typically involves professional attire, such as scrubs or business casual clothing. 8. **What kind of training will I receive?** You will receive on-the-job training in visual field testing, lensometry, keratometry, and other relevant procedures. 9. **Is this position eligible for benefits?** Eligibility for benefits depends on the number of hours worked per week. Discuss benefit options with the HR department. 10. **Whom can I contact if I have questions about the application process?** You can contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department for assistance with the application process.