Course Descriptions
Orthpaedic Technology
Number sequencingnext to course name means the following: first digit designates the number of lecture hours for the course; the second digit designates the number of lab, clinic or practicum hours; and the third digit designates the credit hours for the course.
ORTH 101 Orthopaedic Anatomy & Physiology I 3 0 3
This course is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system and related structures. Attention will be directed toward structural make-up, group composition, relationships, and location. Also covered will be normal and abnormal growth and development of musculoskeletal structures and their responses to injury and disease, as well as the response of related structures to the mechanisms of injury and disease process.
ORTH 102 Orthopaedic Anatomy and Physiology II 3 0 3
This course is a continuation of Orthopaedic Anatomy & Physiology I with a focus on common orthopaedic injuries and conditions, including the disruption to continuity, to the musculoskeletal system and related structures resulting from congenital, emergent, or opportunistic diseases and trauma, and their treatments. (Prerequisite: ORTH 101)
ORTH 103 Basic Radiology Interpretation 3 0 3
This course will cover the history of radiology, and gives the student the basics of radiographic image production. Students will be introduced to the viewing and interpretation of plain orthopaedic radiographs, MRI's, and other types of permanent imaging relating to orthopaedics, terminology relating directly to the skeletal system and fracture healing, and describing a fracture as it relates to the radiographic image.
ORTH 104 Physical Assessment of the Orthopaedic Patient 3 0 3
A comprehensive course that provides integration of knowledge and terminology utilized for physical assessment. Included are life span differences and assessment of acute and chronic patients who present with medical problems. (Prerequisite: ORTH 101)
ORTH 105 Casting and Splinting I 0 2 1
This area is an integral part of the practice of an orthopaedic technologist. Topics to be covered will include the types, application, functions, and materials of the various casts and splints, as well as basic terminology related to the subject. Students will acquire a working knowledge of anatomy specifically relating to casting and splinting, the proper use of external aide devices commonly associated with casting and splinting, such as crutches, canes and walkers, and transfer of patients from wheel chairs and beds. Attention will be given to the removal of casts and splints, as well as the skills associated with providing patient instructions.
ORTH 106 Casting and Splinting II 0 2 1
Students will learn advanced casting techniques along with windowing of a cast, protection of pins and external hardware, pin care, and wound care. (Prerequisite: ORTH 105)
ORTH 107 Sterile Techniques 0 3 1 Credit
This lab course will provide students with an understanding of invasive and non-invasive procedures, aseptic technique, instrumentation, and with the practical skills associated with assisting the orthopaedic surgeon with procedures.
ORTH 108 Medical Ethics for Orthopaedic Technology 3 0 3
This course will cover legal and ethical issues as they relate to medicine. Patient confidentiality and the Patients' Bill of Rights will be discussed along with HIPAA laws.
ORTH 110 Bracing and Durable Medical Equipment 0 3 1
This lab course will cover various orthopaedic devices, positioning of the patient, complications and contraindications of various durable medical equipment, and different brace fitting techniques. Medical coding for reimbursement for these devices will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: ORTH 101, 103, 105, and 107)
ORTH 112 Traction 0 3 1
This lab course will teach students the basic principles of traction, different types of traction, traction set-up and application, and complications and contraindications. (Prerequisite: ORTH 101, 103, 105, and 107)
ORTH 115 Clinical Externship 0 40 8
Clinical externship at an orthopaedic office for six weeks 40 hours per week (total 240 hours). During the clinical rotation the student will have the opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in the labs on real Orthopaedic patients under the direct supervision of an orthopaedic clinical supervisor. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of all other courses in the Orthopaedic Technology program.)
Revised May 16, 2008