Monroe Evening News Article 3-24-2009

Some students finding jobs are out there

by Ray Kisonas , last modified March 24. 2009 11:31AM

- Evening News photo by BRYAN BOSCH With the assistance of Dr. Claire Schmidt, Sal Cosentino, 19, of Monroe examines Keith Buckner, 14, of Newport Thursday at Reed Vision Associates, 1180 N. Monroe St. Sal recently received his ophthalmic assistant certificate from Monroe County Community College and was observing and training with the doctors at Reed Vision. The demand for assistants is so high Sal has landed a job in Canton.

In the middle of this deep recession, Sal Cosentino of Monroe has landed a good job close to home. And just last week he considered accepting a position at another firm when he received an offer.
In a world of economic gloom and doom, Sal is one of the job searchers finding employment successs.
"For this economy, I don't seem to have trouble finding a job," said Sal, a 19-year-old technician at Rahmani Eye Institute in Brownstown Township. "It's a big relief, especially for someone my age."
Sal is part of a growing number of people who are taking advantage of a program that trains workers in the optometry field that is short of employees.
Most of the students who have successfully completed the six-week program are landing full-time, decent-paying jobs with benefits.
Created by Dr. Stephen Reed, a Monroe resident and president and chief executive officer of Reed Vision and Reed Medical Systems, the program trains potential employees to learn to become technicians in the world of eye care.
taking classes at Monroe County Community College, students who complete the course successfully earn an ophthalmic assistant certificate.
"There is so much need for this type of employee," Dr. Reed said. "That's why we have so much success. We're trying to make a positive impact on the community."
Of the 18 students who have completed the course, most have landed jobs or are in the interview process, said Tina Pillarelli, who oversees the program at MCCC. She said most of the students who landed jobs are being paid $12 to $15 an hour with benefits.
"I think that is pretty successful," Ms. Pillarelli said. "They're usually getting interviews right out of school."
Jennifer Collins completed the course and is now an ophthalmic assistant at Reed Vision in Monroe. As an assistant or technician, the new employees have significant responsibilities that include photographing patients' eyes, running equipment and other tasks related to eye care.
"It's just worked out really well," Jennifer said.
Donna Campbell, director of ophthalmic technical training at Reed Medical Systems and MCCC ophthalmic assistant program director, said the tuition for the program is $2,295 and the next available course will be in April.
She said she has been happy with the results of the program. Students who graduated have landed jobs in Huron Township, Southfield and other areas in hard-hit southeast Michigan.
"Considering the economy and our geography, I can't complain," Ms. Campbell said. "There is a big need for good technicians. And most people are in it for the long haul. It's not just a paycheck."
Dr. Reed believes the program will continue to grow and create professionals who will stay in the area. He believes there are many technicians who will continue to pursue careers in other areas of optometry.
"People are always going to need eye care," Dr. Reed said. "Right now this program is a pipeline. This is just the beginning."
It seems to be only the beginning for Sal. When he graduated from high school he wasn't sure what his career goals were. Now optometry is in his future. In the meantime, he's got a good job with a decent wage.
"I very much enjoy what I do," he said. "I see this as a long-term commitment."
Those who are interested in taking the six-week ophthalmic assistant certificate program can call 384-4127 for more information. Four-week internships also are available upon completion of the coursework.