Orthopedic Technician - Overview
Orthopedics is the branch of medicine involved with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The orthopedic technician (sometimes referred to as cast tech or ortho tech) is a certified health care worker who directly assists physicians or orthopedic surgeons in the care of orthopedic patients.
The job responsibilities of the orthopedic technician are applying casts, splints, traction, braces and prosthetics; assisting the orthopedic surgeon in fracture reduction (resetting broken bones); assisting patients with crutches, walkers, and other orthopedic appliances; and acts as an assistant during orthopedic surgical procedures in the operating room. Other duties such as patient documentation, inventory, and clerical work may be performed as well. The orthopedic technician works under the direction of a physician or orthopedic surgeon.
The duties of the orthopedic technician will tend to overlap several other medical specialties in a number of areas. Among those health care professions which share a portion of the orthopedic technicians job description are physical
therapy, occupational therapy, medical technician, athletic trainers, surgical assistants, and orthopedic physicians assistants.
Orthopedic Technician Training and Certification
Formal training for the orthopedic technician is generally though a 1 year certificate program which may be available through community colleges, hospital based programs, or technical schools. Prior to certification the training program must be followed by an externship or subsequent employment as an orthopedic technician for one to two years. Many also receive on the job training in lieu of formal programs. In particular, those employed as radiologic technologists or medical technicians are well suited to on the job training to advance their present skills.
Following training and a demonstrated work history or externship the orthopedic technician must pass a certification examination in order to practice in the field. There are two organizations which certify orthopedic technicians.
The National Board for the Certification of Orthopedic Technologists is an independent credentialing board which offers two levels of credentialing for orthopedic technologists. The first is Orthopedic Technologist Certified which offers entry level credentials for the practice, and the second is Orthopedic Technologist - Surgery Certified which offers the basic credential plus certification to work in the operating room as a first assistant in orthopedics.
The second organization which provides credentialing is The American Society of Orthopedic Professionals (ASOP). They also offer two levels of credentials. The first,Certified Orthopedic Allied Professional [OAP(C) is for practitioners such as medical technicians or radiology technician who do not apply casts. The second, Registered Orthopedic Technologist (ROT), is for practitioners who do apply casts.
The National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists (NAOT)focuses on continued professional development and education of orhtopedic technicians.
Orthopedic Technician Job Prospects
Orthopedic technologists may find employment in hospitals, private surgical centers, or as an assistant to an orthopedic surgeon. In most all cases, certification is a prerequisite.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics does not currently collect specific information about orthopedic technologists. While there are no specific job prospect estimates, job growth in the health care field in general is projected to be very strong for the immediate future.
Related Reference Material
CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics, Fourth Edition 
Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Exam Secrets Study Guide: OT Test Review for the Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Exam
Professional Organizations
National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists
National Association of Orthopedic Technologists
