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Healthcare Clinical

Issued by JCAHPO

COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant is a professional certification issued by JCAHPO. COA is the entry credential for ophthalmic technicians — required at ophthalmology practices, eye care clinics, and LASIK centers nationwide.

→ Stable Demand 📊 Entry Level Updated 20 hours ago
At a Glance
Exam Cost$175
Renewal3 years
Experience1 year ophthalmic assisting experience
Exam FormatMultiple choice exam
Job Postings348
Avg Salary$48K

📈 Employer Demand

348
Active Job Postings
$48K
Avg Salary
$6K – $132K
Salary Range

Top Employers Requesting This Certification

#EmployerOpen RolesDemand
1 Guthrie Enterprise 5
2 UCHealth 4
3 Nmble Medical 3
4 Azul Vision 2
5 ScionHealth 2
6 Texas Children's Medical Center 2
7 CommonSpirit Health 2
8 EyeSouth Partners LLC 2
9 UIOWA 1
10 Virginia Mason Franciscan Health 1

Source: Adzuna job postings · Updated 20 hours ago

Regional Demand

📍 King County 3 postings
📍 Rowan County 2 postings
📍 Orange County 2 postings
📍 Harris County 2 postings
📍 Cook County 2 postings
📍 Bradford County 2 postings
📍 Denver 2 postings
📍 Broome County 2 postings

💼 Common Job Titles Requiring This Certification

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Ophthalmic Technician Ophthalmic Technician - Ophthalmology - Full Time Ophthalmic Assistant Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - LEAD (FT/Days) Ophthalmology Technician Ophthalmic Assistant (Salisbury) Ophthalmic Technician or Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I - COA Certified

💰 Salary Insights

Salary Distribution from Job Postings Source: Adzuna

Based on job postings that include salary data. Figures represent posted ranges, not guaranteed compensation.

📊 Return on Investment

$175
Estimated Exam Cost
+$5K/yr
Est. Salary Uplift (10%)
0 mo
Estimated ROI Period
$24K
5-Year Net Value

* ROI estimates assume a 10% salary uplift from certification attainment. Actual results vary by role, employer, and experience level.

ℹ️ About This Certification

Our Take: Ophthalmic professionals pursuing clinical expertise in healthcare frequently pursue the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant credential, issued by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). This certification validates competency in patient care, diagnostic testing, and clinical support within eye care settings, making it a meaningful credential for those committed to the field. The real-world demand is substantial, with 386 active U.S. job postings currently available and an average salary of $45,000, reflecting solid career stability. The certification process remains accessible, requiring a $175 exam fee with renewal every three years, making it a manageable investment for career advancement in clinical ophthalmology.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant worth it? +
Based on current job posting data, the COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant appears in 348 active job postings with an average salary of $48K. Demand signals suggest this certification has strong employer recognition.
Which employers request COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant? +
Top employers currently listing COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in job postings include: Guthrie Enterprise, UCHealth, Nmble Medical, Azul Vision, ScionHealth.
How much does the COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam cost? +
The COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam costs approximately $175. Costs may vary based on location, membership status, and retake fees. Always check the official issuer website for current pricing.
How often does COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant need to be renewed? +
The COA — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant requires renewal every 3 years. Renewal typically involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours. Check with JCAHPO for specific requirements.

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