Orthopedic Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced healthcare, the role of orthopedic technicians has never been more crucial.

As medical science progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can effectively assist orthopedic surgeons, ensure patient care and maintain orthopedic equipment continues to grow.

But what exactly is expected from an orthopedic technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of orthopedic care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable orthopedic technician job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Orthopedic Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Orthopedic Technicians are trained healthcare professionals who specialize in assisting orthopedic surgeons during surgical procedures, applying casts, splints, and braces, and providing preoperative and postoperative patient care.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist orthopedic surgeons during surgical procedures and examinations
• Prepare and apply orthopedic devices like casts, braces, and splints
• Explain the care and maintenance of orthopedic devices to patients and their caregivers
• Adjust or remove orthopedic devices, as needed, under the direction of an orthopedic surgeon
• Perform wound care and dressing changes
• Take and develop X-rays, if trained to do so
• Assist in setting up and stocking examination rooms and operating rooms
• Maintain patient records and document patient progress
• Follow infection control procedures to ensure a clean, safe environment for patients
• Provide education and support to patients and their families about postoperative care and recovery
• Order and maintain orthopedic supplies and equipment

 

Orthopedic Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Orthopedic Technician to join our healthcare team.

This role involves assisting orthopedic surgeons during procedures, applying and removing casts, educating patients on orthopedic care, and performing necessary administrative tasks.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of orthopedic procedures and patient care, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, and is highly organized.

A strong commitment to patient safety and confidentiality is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist orthopedic surgeons during procedures
• Apply, adjust and remove casts, splints, and braces
• Provide care and education to patients regarding orthopedic treatments and procedures
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Perform administrative tasks including updating patient records and scheduling appointments
• Comply with all health and safety regulations
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Orthopedic Technician or similar role in the healthcare field
• Knowledge of orthopedic procedures, equipment, and patient care
• Ability to work with a team and communicate effectively with patients and staff
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Certification from the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists (NBCOT) or similar credential is preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent; further training will be a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Orthopedic Technician
• Work Environment: This job primarily takes place in a medical office or hospital setting. Physical demands include standing for long periods of time and assisting patients with physical limitations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Orthopedic Surgeon or Hospital Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $38,000 minimum to $58,000 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 Technician Do?

Orthopedic Technicians are medical professionals who work closely with Orthopedic Surgeons and other healthcare providers in treating patients with musculoskeletal issues.

They are skilled in creating and applying casts or splints to patients who have broken bones or other injuries.

They are also trained to remove these casts when the healing process is complete.

Orthopedic Technicians assist during orthopedic surgical procedures, preparing the operating room, sterilizing and arranging surgical equipment, and ensuring the patient is properly positioned.

They play a crucial role in patient care, as they are often involved in educating patients about their injury and explaining the treatment plan.

They also monitor patients’ progress and report any concerns to the supervising physician.

In addition, they may be responsible for adjusting and fitting orthopedic braces, prosthetics, and supportive devices based on the physician’s prescription.

Furthermore, they perform administrative tasks such as maintaining patient records, ordering supplies, and coordinating appointments.

Orthopedic Technicians typically work in hospitals, orthopedic clinics, or private practices, providing critical support in the treatment and recovery of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

 

Orthopedic Technician Qualifications and Skills

An Orthopedic Technician should possess a set of skills and qualifications in order to effectively provide care and support to patients with musculoskeletal issues.

These include:

• Medical knowledge and skill in orthopedics to assist patients with various orthopedic conditions and provide appropriate treatment.
• Technical abilities to operate and maintain medical equipment, and perform tasks like casting, splinting, and brace application.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with patients, explaining their condition, treatment plan, and any necessary post-treatment care in a clear and understandable manner.
• Attention to detail in assessing patients’ conditions, implementing treatment plans, and ensuring that all necessary procedures are correctly carried out.
• Interpersonal skills to build trust with patients and work collaboratively with the orthopedic team, including surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists.
• Problem-solving skills to identify complications or issues in a patient’s condition or treatment plan and work towards a solution.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and assist patients with physical tasks.
• Ability to manage stress and maintain composure in emergency situations.

 

Orthopedic Technician Experience Requirements

To become an Orthopedic Technician, candidates generally need to complete a certified Orthopedic Technician program where they gain valuable theoretical and practical experience.

These programs are typically one to two years long and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, orthopedic casting, and patient care.

Entry-level Orthopedic Technicians are often required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, usually obtained through internships or part-time roles within a hospital or clinic setting.

They may also gain experience through roles such as Medical Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience typically have honed their technical skills in casting, splinting, and bracing, and have had exposure to a variety of orthopedic conditions and surgeries.

At this level, they may be able to step into a specialized role, such as working with sports injuries or pediatric orthopedics.

Orthopedic Technicians with more than 5 years of experience often have some leadership experience, such as supervising junior technicians or managing a casting room.

With this level of experience, they may be ready for more advanced positions such as Orthopedic Technician Manager or Orthopedic Surgical Technician.

In addition to these experience requirements, Orthopedic Technicians should hold the Certified Orthopedic Technologist (O-TC) certification, which demonstrates their proficiency in the field.

 

Orthopedic Technician Education and Training Requirements

Orthopedic Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic education requirement.

Post secondary education or vocational training in orthopedic technology or a related field is also often required.

This training usually takes around two years to complete and offers in-depth knowledge of orthopedic care, including casting, splinting, and assisting in orthopedic surgery.

Following their education, aspiring Orthopedic Technicians are often required to gain practical experience through an internship or on-the-job training.

This helps in refining their skills and allows them to practice what they learned in a real-world medical setting.

Orthopedic Technicians usually need to be certified through organizations such as the National Association of Orthopedic Technologists (NAOT) or the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals (ASOP).

This certification requires passing an exam and can greatly enhance a technician’s job prospects.

Continued education is also important in this role due to the constantly evolving nature of medical technology and techniques.

This can be achieved through seminars, workshops, or specialized courses.

Some employers may also prefer candidates who have completed a CPR or basic life support course, as these skills can be essential in emergency situations.

 

Orthopedic Technician Salary Expectations

An Orthopedic Technician earns an average salary of $42,577 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing healthcare institution.

 

Orthopedic Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does an orthopedic technician need?

Orthopedic technicians should possess excellent technical skills to work with different kinds of orthopedic equipment.

They should have a sound understanding of anatomy, particularly the musculoskeletal system.

Good interpersonal skills are also important as they are required to communicate with patients, explain procedures and provide reassurance when necessary.

 

Do orthopedic technicians need a degree?

Orthopedic technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a specialized training program in orthopedic technology.

Some technicians may also have an associate degree in the field.

After their education, they usually need to become certified through the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists.

 

What should you look for in an orthopedic technician resume?

An orthopedic technician resume should detail the individual’s educational background, including any specialized training or certification.

Look for experience in orthopedic settings, like hospitals or clinics, which indicate hands-on experience with patients and orthopedic equipment.

Additional skills to look for include patient care, cast application and removal, and orthopedic brace fitting.

 

What qualities make a good orthopedic technician?

A good orthopedic technician demonstrates patience and empathy, as they often work with people in pain or discomfort.

They should have good manual dexterity for precision tasks such as applying and removing casts.

Additionally, they should be detail-oriented to ensure that all procedures are carried out according to guidelines and to maintain patient records accurately.

 

What are the daily duties of an orthopedic technician?

On a typical day, an orthopedic technician might assist doctors in physical examinations, apply and remove casts, fit patients with orthopedic braces or devices, and provide post-operative care instructions.

They may also need to maintain orthopedic instruments or equipment, order supplies, and keep patient records updated.

They often work closely with orthopedic surgeons and nurses to ensure optimal patient care.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexity and vital role of being an orthopedic technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about casting and splinting.

It’s about restoring mobility, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive orthopedic technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly positioned to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool to create accurate job listings or fine-tuning your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every patient treated is a step towards a healthier community.

Let’s create a world of seamless mobility. Together.

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