Orthopedic Technician
Break Into Health Care as an Orthopedic Technician
Trained to work in an acute care setting such as an orthopedic physician’s office, an orthopedic clinic or a hospital emergency department, orthopedic technicians use their training to apply casts, splints and braces and aid in bone healing, and x-ray assessment to care for patients with bone and joint conditions. This is one of the fastest growing medical specialties and, according to salary.com, the yearly salary range for certified orthopedic technicians is between $30-$41K in 2010.
The ACC Continuing Education Workforce Development Orthopedic Technician program offers a comprehensive learning experience through classroom instruction as well as an off-site externship. Classes meet on weekends so you can continue to work at your current job.
After completing the training program and completing 12 months of employment experience, you will be ready to take the optional National Association of Orthopedic Technologists (NAOT) certification exam. This certification serves as a spring-board to future healthcare educational opportunities.
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the ACC Orthopedic Technician program, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be at least 18-years-old
- Have a basic understanding of computers
- Have access to the internet
- Have a current AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers certification (offered at ACC)
- Have a current negative TB testSubmit a resume
Orthopedic Technician Program Description
The Orthopedic Technician Program is designed to give you the clinical skills necessary to care for orthopedic patients in a variety of medical settings. The course combines theory and practical instruction allowing you to become proficient in:
- Identification of the anatomical components of the musculoskeletal system
- Description of the function of the musculoskeletal system
- Application of splints, casts and braces
- Documentation of care given
- Preparation of patients for procedures and required after-care
This program includes 182-hours of classroom time plus 160-hour externship. The lecture portion of the program will include lessons on:
- Identifying parts and basic functions of the musculoskeletal and nervous system
- Utilizing medical terminology in written and spoken communications
- Defining medical terminology found in medical records
- Utilizing proper aseptic technique
- Relating the process of bone healing
- Outlining types of x-rays used in fracture diagnosis
- Demonstrating the application of casts, splints and braces
- Identifying complications of fractures
- Documenting patient care
One of the more unique elements of the ACC Orthopedic Technician program is the externship where you will continue your training in a hands-on environment. You will be assigned to a clinic or doctor’s office where you will observe and put into practice the skills learned in the classroom portion of the program.
Fundamentals for Orthopedic Technician
This is part 1 of a 3 part program. Didactic and clinical instruction necessary to care for orthopedic patients in acute and clinic settings. Introduction to the anatomical components and basic function of the musculoskeletal and neurological systems for the orthopedic patient including complications related to bone healing, x-ray utilization, aseptic technique and fractures. Training in appropriate written and spoken medical terminology. The student will meet all the training requirements for the National Association of Orthopedic Technologists. Graduates will be eligible to take the optional examination for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (OTC) offered by the NAOTB after one year of full-time employment as an Orthopedic Technologist. Must enroll simultaneously in CEHPRS 1091-01, CEHPRS 1091-02, and CEMDCA 1060. Student must pass CEHPRS 1091-01 and CEHPRS 1091-02 to advance to CEMDCA 1060 (externship). No class on 09/03/11. PREREQUISITES: HS/GED Diploma; must be 18 years old; must pass basic math/English entrance exam on 1st day of class.
Clinical Skills for Orthopedic Technician
Clinical skills needed to apply casts, splints, or braces for an orthopedic patient in an acute or clinic setting. The student will meet all training requirement for the National Association of Orthopedic Technologists. Graduates will be eligible to take the optional examination for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (OTC) offered by the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists after one year of full-time employment as an Orthopedic Technician. Student must enroll simultaneously in HPRS 1091-Fundamentals of Orthopedic Technician and HPRS 1091-Clinical Skills for Orthopedic Technician, and MDCA 1060-Externship. Student must pass the first two courses to advance to MDCA 1060 (externship). Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old; pass Math/English entrance exam on 1st day of class.
Upcoming Classes:
ALVIN CAMPUS
Clinical Skills for Orthopedic Technician
Course No. Date(s) Time Day Room Instructor
CEHPRS 1091 02 01/07/2012 - 05/05/2012 09:00AM - 04:30PM S H112 R Jones
Fee(s): Tuition IN $1,000.00 Tuition OD $1,020.00 Other Fees $95.00
Externship for Orthopedic Technician
CEMDCA 1060 01 05/07/2012 - 11/05/2012 TBA TBA TBA R Jones
Fee(s): Tuition IN $1,000.00 Tuition OD $1,020.00 Other Fees $47.00
To learn more about this ACC program contact,
Susan Priest at 281.756.5613 or spriest@alvincollege.edu
