Orthopaedic Technology Certificate Program

The Orthopaedic Technology Certificate program educates students in the care of orthopaedic patients, concentrating on the art of casting and splinting. Students will be specially trained to assist orthopaedic physicians in hospitals, clinics and private practice offices in the care of patients with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. CPR certification (one and two person, infant, child and adult, airway obstruction management) is required before registering for Orthopaedic Technology courses. Upon successful completion of this program, candidates will be prepared to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Certified Orthopaedic Technologists. This program is accredited by the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists (NAOT). This program is financial aid eligible. To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must submit an official, final high school transcript, or the equivalent documentation that demonstrates high school completion, to the NHTI Admissions Office.

Specific Admission Requirements
Preference will be given to applicants whose applications are complete and received by the NHTI Admissions Office no later than March 5, 2010 (with the exception of the interview) for Fall 2010 admission.

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Personal Interview

Technical Standards
Standards have been established to provide guidance to students as to the skills and abilities required to function successfully in the program and ultimately in the profession. Applicants who think they may not be able to meet one or more of the technical standards should contact department head or faculty to discuss individual cases.

1. Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs and to understand instructions, emergency signals and telephone conversation.
2. Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, and interpret data: visual acuity sufficient to ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, read fine print/writing and calculate fine calibrations.
3. Sufficient verbal ability to express and exchange information and ideas and to interact with patients, family members, physicians, peers and other ancillary medical personnel.
4. Sufficient writing skills to record medical data and communicate with other medical professionals; ability to express ideas to educate the client and exchange information with other health professionals, including typing on a computer.
5. Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.
6. Sufficient strength and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: manual dexterity in handling and lifting equipment; frequent moving and lifting of patients; stooping and bending for sustained periods of time; and, performing CPR.
7. Standing for sustained periods of time and walking most of the work day to accomplish tasks.
8. Frequent reaching and manual dexterity in handling Durable Medical Equipment.
9. Ability to secure transportation to practicum sites and classes.
10. Will be exposed to some latex during clinical settings.

*$500 specialty supplies fee will be added to the cost of ORTH 105
**$500 specialty supplies fee will be added to the cost of ORTH 106

Revised: 18 Aug 2010

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