Thinking of becoming an Ortho Tech...

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I signed up for an Orthopedic Technology Certificate Program at a local community college. Do you have to be a registered LPN to basically find a job as an Ortho Tech? I was interested in getting certified as an Ortho Tech, working for a little while, then pursuing to be an RN. Is this possible? I have no prior experience in nursing.

Also, if any Ortho Techs have any tips or could tell me what they think of being an Ortho Tech, that'd be great :] Thank you!

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Not where I have worked. It helps to have some kind of medical background though. A lot of ortho techs were medics in the military.

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Specializes in Global orphan care, ortho, geriatrics.

You need to have a good mechanical aptitude and logical skills to do well as an ortho tech. There are tons of screws, drills, implants, etc. because ortho surgery is a construction zone. Human carpentry.

LPN is not required in our state. But you must be an adept learner. Understanding the anatomy and prinicples of ortho surgery are invaluable. Ask a lot of questions of your MD so you can learn. If you understand the "why", the process of ortho tech becomes second nature.

You have to be able to think on your feet, be able to anticipate what the Dr. wants which is stuff they will teach you, of course. And you must have a thick hide because you will make mistakes from time to time.

MDs love good techs....they save us tons of time and make the surgery enjoyable. It's kind of like a dance. And when done well, gratifies all the team as a whole.

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Specializes in L&D, Orthopedics & Public Health.

You don't have to be an LPN or RN to be a ROT. But it will help in the pay scale area. I recently went to a workshop sponsored by ASOP. I learned how to place a cast on all extremeties & I am working on getting myself registared as a ortho tech. Then eventually a bracing tech. Go to the ASOP web site, it was very helpful for me to be able to go somewhere for a long weekend and take the class, and now do the rest of the work online to become registared. GOOD LUCK!!

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