Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the role of orthopedic surgical technologists has never been more crucial.

As medical technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can assist, facilitate, and ensure the safety of orthopedic surgical procedures is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an orthopedic surgical technologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A medical recruiter defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of orthopedic surgical technology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable orthopedic surgical technologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s get started.

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Duties and Responsibilities

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists play a crucial role in the surgical team focusing on orthopedic surgeries involving the musculoskeletal system.

They assist surgeons, prepare operating rooms, and ensure a sterile and safe surgical environment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing operating rooms for orthopedic surgeries
• Assisting in the positioning and immobilization of patients
• Handling and sterilizing orthopedic instruments and equipment
• Assisting surgeons during procedures by providing necessary instruments and supplies
• Maintaining a sterile field to ensure patient safety during surgical procedures
• Monitoring and maintaining surgical equipment including lights, suction machines, and diagnostic tools
• Assisting in the application of casts, splints, and braces as directed by the surgeon
• Documenting and maintaining inventory of all surgical tools and equipment
• Following post-operative procedures for cleaning and storing surgical instruments
• Collaborating with nursing staff to ensure patient care before and after surgery

 

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Orthopedic Surgical Technologist to join our surgical team.

The Orthopedic Surgical Technologist will be responsible for assisting surgeons during orthopedic procedures, preparing the operating room, and ensuring all surgical instruments are sterilized and in place.

Candidates should have extensive knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and the ability to work well under pressure.

The successful candidate should be meticulous, quick-thinking, and ready to provide vital support to our surgeons during surgical procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning and disinfecting incision sites.
• Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of surgical equipment and supplies.
• Prepare the operating room for surgery, set up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
• Assist surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
• Help in applying casts and dressings.
• Perform postoperative duties including cleaning and restocking the operating room.
• Maintain a sterile environment in the operating room at all times.
• Ensure all equipment functions properly.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist or a similar role in the medical field.
• Knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies.
• Ability to handle a stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities.
• Certification from an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• BLS/ACLS certification.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Orthopedic Surgical Technologist
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. May require weekend, evening or holiday hours depending on the needs of the medical facility.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Surgeon or Surgical Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Do?

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists are specialized technologists that assist in surgeries involving the musculoskeletal system.

They work closely with Orthopedic Surgeons and other members of a surgical team.

This often includes anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and other surgical technologists.

They are responsible for preparing the operating room for surgery, ensuring that all necessary tools and equipment are sterilized and ready.

They also prepare patients for surgery, which may involve positioning them on the operating table and disinfecting incision sites.

During surgery, Orthopedic Surgical Technologists assist by passing instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons.

They may also hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists are also responsible for monitoring and maintaining sterile field during surgery, and alerting the team of any breaches to prevent infection.

After surgery, they assist in applying dressings and may help in transferring patients to recovery rooms.

In some cases, they may also clean and restock the operating room to prepare for the next surgery.

Due to the nature of their work, Orthopedic Surgical Technologists need to be well-versed in surgical procedures, as well as the use and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment.

 

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Qualifications and Skills

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists play a vital role in the successful execution of surgeries and require a host of technical and interpersonal skills, such as:

• Strong technical knowledge of orthopedic procedures, instruments, and implants to assist surgeons during operations.
• Proficiency in sterilization techniques and infection control to ensure a safe surgical environment.
• High attention to detail and organization skills to arrange surgical equipment in a systematic manner and ensure all equipment is functional and ready for use.
• Good physical stamina and dexterity to stand for extended periods and handle delicate surgical instruments.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with the surgical team, understand surgeons’ needs and respond to instructions promptly during surgeries.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations, demonstrating calm and composed behavior during emergencies.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively address any issues that may arise during a surgical procedure.
• Strong knowledge in patient care and safety protocols, including patient positioning, preoperative preparations, and postoperative care.

 

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Experience Requirements

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists generally need to graduate from an accredited surgical technologist program, where they accumulate substantial theoretical and practical skills in their field of study.

Initial experience can be gained through clinical internships or placements during their academic program, which provides the necessary hands-on exposure to orthopedic surgical procedures, sterile field maintenance, and patient care.

These entry-level candidates usually have 1-2 years of experience.

Following their graduation, Orthopedic Surgical Technologists may start working in hospitals, surgery centers, or orthopedic clinics to further build their professional experience.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of orthopedic surgical procedures, surgical instrumentation, and patient safety protocols.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have taken on additional responsibilities such as training new technologists, assisting in complex surgical procedures, and even managing surgical supplies and inventory.

They might be prepared for a supervisor or team leader position in an orthopedic surgery department.

Additionally, continuous professional development through advanced certifications or specialization in areas like orthopedic neurology or cardiothoracic surgery can also add to the professional experience of an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist.

 

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Education and Training Requirements

To become an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist, it is generally required to complete a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, leading to a diploma, certificate or associate degree.

They provide theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills training, including patient care, aseptic technique, surgical procedures, and equipment sterilization.

Most states require Orthopedic Surgical Technologists to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) by passing an exam conducted by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

To maintain this certification, technologists must earn 60 continuing education credits every four years or retake and pass the certifying exam.

For specialization in orthopedics, technologists can also pursue further training or certification in orthopedic surgery.

This may include on-the-job training, attending specialized courses, or earning a specialized certification like the Certified Orthopedic Technologist (COT) certification.

Prior experience in healthcare, such as in nursing or as a medical assistant, may be beneficial but is not typically required.

Overall, becoming an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist requires a combination of education, certification, and ongoing learning.

 

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Salary Expectations

An Orthopedic Surgical Technologist earns an average salary of $48,720 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on factors such as experience, certification, geographical location, and the hospital or medical facility they work for.

 

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist need?

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists need to have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle surgical tools with precision.

They should also have a solid understanding of medical procedures, terminology, and human anatomy, especially pertaining to the musculoskeletal system.

Strong communication skills are needed to effectively collaborate with surgical teams.

Attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to handle stress and work under pressure.

 

What are the educational requirements for an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist?

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists typically need to have a diploma or certificate from an accredited surgical technology program, which can take 9 to 15 months to complete.

Alternatively, they may complete an Associate’s degree program, which usually takes 2 years.

After education, certification is strongly recommended and often required by employers.

This can be obtained by passing an exam from a nationally recognized certifying organization.

 

What should you look for in an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist resume?

On a resume, look for an accredited surgical technologist program diploma or certificate and a surgical technologist certification.

Look for any specialties or areas of focus, such as orthopedics.

Consider the candidate’s experience in surgical technology, including the types of procedures they’ve assisted with and the size and type of the surgical teams they’ve worked on.

Also, keep an eye out for any additional relevant training or certifications, like CPR or BLS.

 

What qualities make a good Orthopedic Surgical Technologist?

A good Orthopedic Surgical Technologist is highly detail-oriented, ensuring all surgical instruments are prepared and accounted for before and after surgery.

They are team players, capable of effectively communicating and collaborating with the surgical team.

They are also adaptable, able to quickly respond to changes during surgical procedures.

Physical stamina is another key quality, as this job often requires standing for long periods.

 

What are the daily duties of an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist?

Orthopedic Surgical Technologists are responsible for setting up and sterilizing the operating room before surgeries, preparing surgical instruments and assisting surgeons during operations.

They may also be responsible for transporting patients to and from the operation room, and may assist in patient preparation before surgery.

Post-operatively, they are often tasked with cleaning and restocking the operating room for the next procedure.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the intricate world of an orthopedic surgical technologist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about assisting in surgeries.

It’s about being a part of a team that restores mobility and alleviates pain, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive orthopedic surgical technologist job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-equipped to embark on this rewarding career path.

But why stop here?

Take a deeper plunge with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precision-tuned job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every procedure you assist with contributes to a bigger purpose.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

How to Become an Orthopedic Surgical Technologist (Complete Guide)

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