If you feel inspired by the thought of working in a hospital or clinic, alongside a team of medical professionals, helping patients recover from their injuries, then orthopaedic technician training may be the perfect career prep for you. After your interest has been piqued the next step is understanding, precisely, what your roles and responsibilities will be and exactly how to make your way from research, to study, to career launch.
This is your guide to recognizing what it takes to become, and where you can take a career as, an orthopaedic technician. And if after this read, or even along the way, you have specific questions or want help navigating the details, know that you can contact us directly and we’ll be happy to walk you through the steps personally. If you’re just at the stage of trying to figure out how to match your interests with a potential path, why not take the “Anderson College Orthopaedic Technician Training Readiness” Quiz?
For those honing in on an orthopaedic technician program/orthopaedic technician course, how to obtain an orthopaedic technician diploma and what you’re going to do with once you graduate, this is for you.
5-Step Guide to Becoming an Orthopaedic Technician in Ontario
1. Understand What You’re Getting Yourself Into
The first step is to determine what an orthopaedic technician does and to see if it feels like a fit for you. As an orthopaedic technician, you will work directly with orthopaedic surgeons and apply, adjust, and remove casts, splints and traction equipment utilized in the care of orthopaedic patients. In addition, you will observe, monitor, report, and document changes in the patient’s physical, mental and emotional state, while providing safe, effective and quality care and support. For this position, it is essential that you have strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to work as a cohesive team member, and independently, in a fast-paced environment. Undoubtedly, for this to be a fit for you, you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and, above all, a passion for caring for patients.
2. Find Your Ideal Training Fit
Your ability to launch a successful career in this field, hinges on where you decide to study an orthopaedic technician program. You want to ensure that you are learning from industry experts, those who have the in-depth knowledge to guide you with. You want to find a program that meets your career goals and provides you with a balance between theoretical and practical training, between classroom learning and practicing your skills in a simulated learning lab.
Specifically, Anderson College’s Orthopaedic Technician program is 47 weeks and covers areas such as: the fundamentals of orthopaedic care, fractures, treatments and rehabilitation, splinting, casting, wound care, medical terminology, how to use orthopaedic equipment and appliances, and interpersonal skills and patient care. It provides a balance between theoretical instruction and hands-on training in our state-of-the-art laboratory. During your clinical labs, you will learn how to cast and splint, gain an understanding of how to operate and adjust traction equipment, crutches, walkers, and other aides.
3. Gain Practical Training with Potential Employers
It is essential that you choose a training college that has connections and quality relationships with potential employers in the community. You not only want a program that offers you a theoretical and simulated learning environment, but a practicum that allows you to apply what you’ve learned and network with healthcare teams who may be open to offering you a position upon graduation. With a rich history and a reputation for ensuring our graduates are skilled and in demand and Anderson’s 11-week practicum in this particular program, you will be career ready and linked into potential job opportunities.
4. Research You Career Opportunities
Find out what job opportunities are available for you. Scout out job postings and sign up for alerts for upcoming positions on various job search engines, like Job Bank, and Indeed. If you’re looking to find out what a ‘day in the life’ may be like for an orthopaedic technician, you can always reach out to some orthopaedic surgeon offices and ask to conduct an informational interview with an orthopaedic technician, or connect with Anderson’s Career Services team and see if you can schedule an interview with a former graduate.
5. Create and Present Your Wow Factor
Now you know where your passion lies. You know what the job market is like and you’re ready to prepare to seek out positions and present yourself in a way that outshines the competition and empowers you to land your dream job. Here are some stellar resources to get you there.
- Tips for Writing a Winning Resume
- Ace That Job Interview by Using These Proven Steps
- 5 Ways to Leverage LinkedIn for Job Search Success
- Starting Over in Canada? Inspiring Student Advice for Newcomers
If you’re ready to launch your new career as an orthopaedic technician in just 47 weeks, we’re here to walk you through these steps and get you started! Book a virtual appointment with one of our Admission Advisors today!
Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!
We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:
