Orthopaedic Technology

Overview

Orthopaedic Technology is a growing career in New England, with NHTI having the only program. Job Placement for graduates is excellent.

You will not only be trained in casting in splinting but a thorough education in anatomy and physiology of the body and patient care specific to the field.

Our students have the ability to complete externships through the Children Hospital in Washington DC as well as Massachusetts General Hospital.

The students in the Orthopaedic Program are very active on campus with the Orthoblast Club.

You will complete hands-on training within the on-campus lab as well as externships throughout New Hampshire and in the United States. The Orthopaedic Technology program at NHTI is one of only seven in the country. This program is recognized by the National Board for Certification of Orthoaepdic Technologists (NBCOT)All courses and clinical externships are taught by industry professionals and leaders.

Why NHTI

Upon completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Registry Exam and have the ability to work anywhere in the country.

This program is financial aid eligible. 

Orthopaedic Technology Certificate

FIRST YEAR

Externship

Our program has developed excellent practicum opportunities for you to foster hands-on learning while simultaneously receiving credit. Nonetheless, our first priority must be to ensure that patients/clients/children/families are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences.Therefore, students in internship, externship, practicum, service learning, and clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties and changing circumstances that characterize patient/client/child/family responsibilities. Furthermore, you are expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships and confidentiality with employees, customers, and/orpatients/clients/children and their families.Our program offers externships for you in the clinic and operating room. Externships are offered throughout New Hampshire and the country.

Health, Character and 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 Chair 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.

Specific Admission Requirements

Preference will be given to applicants whose applications are complete (with the exception of the interview) and received by the NHTI Admissions Office no later than March 5, 2021, for Fall 2021 admission.

1. High school diploma or proof of high school equivalency;
2. Personal Interview;
3. Applicants must write an essay on their desire to enter the Orthopaedic Technology program; instructions on how to complete this requirement are available from the Admissions Office at (603) 230-4011, or you may access the instructions for completing this requirement in the Essay Instructions (PDF);
4. Applicants must complete a course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Airway Obstruction Management for health care providers/professional rescuer. This is to be done after acceptance.

Please Note: Students who wish to enter the Orthopaedic Technology Degree program and are currently enrolled in another NHTI program must complete and submit the Change of Program form (PDF) prior to the application date listed above. Departmental signatures will not be required for the Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 semesters due to COVID-19.