Ophthalmic Medical Technician Blogs:
From Military Service to Civilian Certification: Fast-Track Your Eye Care Career with the GMLN Military Bridge Program
Are you an active-duty service member or veteran with ophthalmic training? The GMLN-OPMT Military Bridge Program at Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) is your fast track to a respected civilian career or career advancement within the military. This unique program honors your military experience while helping you grow, whether you're continuing your service or preparing for life after the military.
By Kimberly Barblock, COT
Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program Director
What is the OPMT Program?
The Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) program is a 60-credit, two-year hybrid online program that prepares students for intermediate-level certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). All lectures and labs are delivered online, while clinical rotations are completed in person at approved local sites.
If you’re currently working in a military ophthalmology clinic or hospital, you may be able to apply your paid work hours toward the program’s clinical requirements. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and are eligible to sit for the IJCAHPO COT certification exam. Clinical courses begin each fall and are offered once per year, so timely application is essential.
What is the Military Bridge Program?
The GMLN Military Bridge Program is a transfer agreement between the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) and ATCC. It awards college credit for military ophthalmic training and experience, allowing qualified service members to fast-track their degree and reduce both time and cost.
How This Program Supports Your Success
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Transfer Credits: Receive up to 18 credits for prior military training. There’s no guesswork, thanks to our pre-evaluated credit system.
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Flexible, Hybrid Format: Complete online coursework from anywhere, with local clinical rotations in your current place of employment.
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AAS Degree for Career Advancement: Gain credentials that support both military promotion and civilian employment.
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COT Certification Eligibility: Graduates qualify to sit for the IJCAHPO COT exam, an internationally recognized credential.
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Portable Career: Take your skills anywhere. This career is ideal for military families and global opportunities.
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Tuition Assistance: Eligible service members may qualify for 100% tuition coverage through military education benefits.
"I have been in the U.S. Army for 6 years and currently work as an ophthalmology technician at BAMC San Antonio. I am really glad I took advantage of the military bridge program between the Global Military Learning Network and the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at ATCC. I think it is a perfect transition for soldiers who are looking to take their craft to the next level after they are finished with tech school. Not only does it offer opportunities to be recognized in the military for sharpening your craft, and obtaining a degree, but it also provides safety and job security for soldiers looking to transition out of the military." -Lloyd Jones, Sergeant, U.S. Army
Who is Eligible?
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Must have completed training at METC, Fort Sam Houston
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The OPMT Program must be approved in your U.S. state of residence. Check here for eligible states.
How to Get Started
Apply now to start in the upcoming fall semester (begins Monday, August 25). Clinical courses are sequential and only offered once a year. Missing this year’s application deadline means waiting until fall 2026.
Join an Info Session
Want to learn more? Join one of our monthly OPMT Student Information Webinars, held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM CST. Click here to sign up for the next webinar.
We’re proud to partner with GMLN to support your journey from military service to a meaningful career in eye care. Let us help you take the next step.
CLEAR VISION, BRIGHT FUTURES: EDUCATING OPHTHALMIC TECHNICIANS
Out-of-State Students:
Students from outside Minnesota who are interested in taking this program online should verify that the program is recognized in their home state.
Minnesota's Global Military Learning Network: Military Bridge Available!
Military bridge programs through Minnesota's Global Military Learning Network (MN-GMLN) provide opportunities for U.S. military service members who have trained in specific occupations to use their training as college credit toward specific degrees, maximizing credit transfer and saving time and money toward a civilian degree.