Orthopedic Technician: Roles, Responsibilities & Career Path

Orthopedic technicians work alongside orthopedists to help people who have musculoskeletal problems. Most orthopedic technicians have completed a program at a community college, and many also complete a certification program through the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists. Orthopedic technicians have several responsibilities.

Dressings

• Orthopedic technicians are responsible for applying and removing dressings on injuries or surgery sites.

Splints and Casts

• Orthopedic technicians are typically responsible for putting on casts and splints on injured body parts such as broken limbs or hips.

X-Rays

• An orthopedic technician can order X-rays to be done on a person who might have a broken or fractured limb.

Sterilize Equipment

• Orthopedic technicians will often be responsible for sterilizing equipment that is going to be used in the medical office where they work.

Assessing Patients

• An orthopedic technician will often be one of the first people a patient sees and can determine whether his condition requires the orthopedist.