It is a given fact that the bones are among the most important parts of our body, as they enable us to move from one place to another. Without our bones, it will be impossible to move and perform our daily routine. Although bones may look tough, in reality, they are very fragile. Once they are broken, they require the necessary treatment and attention. One of the persons who can help you with such is the orthopedic technician. Such professional is responsible for healing fractures and educating patients about how to take care of their bones.
Career Information
The main role of the orthopedic technician is to provide assistance to healthcare workers, which include doctors and surgeons. They use technological and stabilization devices to examine the human bones. They also cut and remove the plaster casts that provide support to the damaged bones. They need to have excellent communication skills because they talk to the patients, especially when educating them about how to take care of their bones to avoid further damage, how to take care and remove the cast, and other essential information that patients need to know about their condition. They also give recommendations to patients with regards to the exercise routines they can do. It is important for the orthopedic assistant to exercise fragility and care on the job.
Job Outlook
Some of the most common employment settings for orthopedic assistants would include large hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They can be working in private clinics and other locations wherein the patients can visit them personally during their treatment. The jobs that will be expected from these people will largely depend on their location and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected increase in the demand for these professionals because of the rise in the general population.
Salary Outlook
According to the National Salary Data, the annual media salary for orthopedic technicians in 2011 is $37,325. The salary may differ, which will depend on the regulations of the state, experience, educational background, and employer. With better education and experience, you can expect that your salary will be higher.
Educational Requirements
In order to build a career in this field, you will need to have high school education or diploma. This is the minimum requirement of many employers, certifying organizations, and other organizations. You can opt to take certification programs, which will most likely take about a year or two to complete. Certification can be obtained from hospitals, community college, and vocational schools. Some of the courses that will be taken during such are those related to psychology, anatomy, physiology, and medical anatomy.
The major areas of the study will deal with muscles and joints. The certification programs that are offered will be different, depending on the policies of the state at which you are leaving, or the institute at which you are studying. As part of your education, you may also take one year of externship. This will provide you with practical experience on the job. If you do not have the time to go to the campus to attend lessons for your certificate course, you can opt to have it taken online instead.
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