Online Courses for Orthopedic Technicians

What Do Orthopedic Technician Courses Cover?

Most courses are only available in person. Through them, you will learn to identify fractures and broken bones. With clinical experiences, you will work firsthand with doctors and nurses, completing various orthopedic procedures, such as applying, adjusting and removing casts.

Online courses in orthopedic technology are rare. The online classes that are available tend to focus on medical terms, human anatomy and physiology. You might find some distance learning opportunities offered by professional organizations. The following courses may be available online:

Medical Terminology

A medical terminology course covers the proper use, spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of medical terms. The aim is to improve medical communication between technicians and health care practitioners.

Orthopedic Anatomy and Physiology

A course in anatomy and physiology might cover the basic functions of the organ systems and how these systems work together. The class may spend a majority of the time on the muscular and skeletal systems as these are often the affected systems treated in an orthopedic office.

Basic Radiology

Radiology courses could discuss viewing and interpreting basic imaging, including radiographs, MRI, and ultrasound. A goal of the basic radiology course may be to describe fractures as seen on radiographs.

Casting and Splinting

Casting and splinting courses discuss the proper steps to cast and splint orthopedic injuries. Other topics these classes often include are complications that may arise associated with casting or splinting injuries.

Sterile Techniques

Classes in sterile techniques cover the cleaning and preparation of medical instruments. The courses can prepare students to keep a sterile environment for patients to avoid infections while assisting in orthopedic procedures.

At What Level Are Courses Offered?

Online orthopedic technology courses are most commonly available through various health-related undergraduate certificate programs. Some schools also offer individual for-credit courses online. Select programs are designed to prepare you for the certification exam given by the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists.

How Do Courses Work?

Most orthopedic technology courses are not available online, but can only be taken on campus. These include clinical experiences, which are completed at facilities approved by the school, where you gain practical experience working with patients and assisting physicians. Orthopedic technology courses that are available online or through distance learning often rely on video and audio presentations. They may have scheduled dates and times or might be accessible around the clock.