orthopedic technician

Orthopedic Technologist Position

This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Surgical Services duties: Responsible for medical services involving the excision or incision of a patient's body, such as interventional pain management and other procedures. This position also works to provide a safe environment for patients undergoing invasive procedures or surgery. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. An entry-level role typically requiring little to no prior knowledge or experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Work is routine or follows standard procedures, is closely supervised, and communicates information that requires little explanation or interpretation.

This position is responsible for supporting doctors with the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal and bone injuries and disorders. Helps provide general care and support to patients who have undergone surgery or other orthopedic treatments. Works closely with other healthcare and medical professionals to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care. Maintains all equipment necessary to perform duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Orthopedic Technologist Certification (OTC).

3. One (1) year of progressive experience as an orthopedic technician.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in medical-related field.

2. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

3. Three (3) years of progressive experience as an orthopedic technician.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Provides technical assistant to the Orthopedic Surgeon/PA/NP or other MD.

2. Applies casts, splints, traction, soft goods, crutches, fracture braces, external fixation equipment, and other immobilization devices.

3. Acts as a resource to the Nursing Staff.

4. Applies casts, splints, soft goods, fracture and cast braces, functional knee braces, external fixation devices, continuous passive motion devices, ambulation devices, traction, and other support devices per order of the physician.

5. Removes and adjusts these per order of the physician.

6. Assists the orthopedic surgeon in the Emergency Department, Cast Room, Operating room, and patient units with minor orthopedic procedures that are either invasive or non-invasive.

7. Evaluates orthopedic patients' conditions, develops intervention, plans and executes same, communicating with physicians and nursing staff as is appropriate and clinically indicated.

8. Works directly or indirectly with orthotists in fabrication, measuring, fabricating application, adjustment, and removal of braces, prosthetics and orthotics within scope of practice.

9. Enters orders and submits daily charges using prescribed format.

Physical Requirements:

1. Unpleasant working conditions include noise of the cast cutter, solid cases and equipment, and plaster dust.

2. Exposure to such hazards as strains from lifting, exposure to infections, possibility of cuts, and inhalation of plaster dust.

3. Frequent contact with patients and in the case of pediatric patients, parents, and/or guardians.

4. Frequent contact with physicians, nurses, and other staff.

5. Excellent manual dexterity.

6. Ability to walk, stand, and lift heavy weight.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Ability to obtain complete medical history of patient

2. Ability to conduct physical examinations of patients.

3. Ability to view and interpret radiographic studies.

4. Ability to educate patients regarding physician protocols, procedures, and devises.

5. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

6. Ability to recognize common orthopedic conditions and injuries.

7. Strong organizational, developmental and leadership skills.

8. Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to work with staff in supervising, and training, and conducting reviews and evaluations.