Orthopaedic Technologists - Casting Calls

Orthopaedic technology is evolving as more of its practitioners add to their education and become certified. A lack of schools hasn't stopped them; rather, they work together to educate each other for careers assisting orthopaedic physicians and surgeons in applying and removing casts and setting up patients with traction.

By Nancy Crotti, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 19, 2009 - 2:50 PM

There aren't any schools for orthopaedic technologists in the Upper Midwest, but that hasn't stopped these allied health professionals from getting the education they need.

Last year, a core group founded the Northern Lights Association of Orthopaedic Technologists to promote education among their colleagues in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. The group is affiliated with the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists, NAOT, (www.naot.org) and some members have taken the certifying examination offered by the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (www.nbcot.net) at the University of Minnesota.

Working Together

In order to be certified, orthopaedic technologists must become expert in applying and removing plaster and synthetic casts and splints, and setting up skin and skeletal traction, according to the NAOT. They may assist surgeons in the operating room and must be able to fit and adjust walkers, crutches and braces and instruct patients in their use. Most orthopaedic technologists in Minnesota have been trained on the job, many coming into the field from other allied health positions.

"I've had 36 years of orthopaedic experience," explains Vicki Richardson, president of the Northern Lights Association and an orthopaedic technician at Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center. "I love being able to teach this stuff, and I love being able to learn from each other because it's all about patient care."

The association's members educate one another on advanced casting techniques and may attend national conventions for further education. "We network together and try to find out who is not as strong in a certain kinds of casts and then we have an advanced casting workshop and teach each other," Richardson says.

Certification Increasing

Celina Richardson (no relation to Vicki) took the certification exam last year with several colleagues at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. A former medical assistant, she takes care of children with disabilities and adults who have been patients at Gillette since childhood. Most of her job is casting and traction for orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians and nurse practitioners.

"Orthopaedics for children, is more difficult, I think, because they are growing and we are casting for different sorts of deformities," she explains. "We don't just cast for a fractured leg or a fractured arm."

Pay for orthopaedic technologists may top $40,000, depending upon experience.

"When the healthcare systems and their providers become familiar with the higher standard of your work, they freely refer you for positions," says Vicki Richardson. "That's how you really get the job."

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