This program of study will provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills necessary to work as an orthopedic technician. Skills include immobilization, traction, casting, splitting, and assisting physicians with orthopedic care. The program of study requires all applicants to complete BIOL 125 with a grade of “C” or better, and passing of the reading and math assessment tests scoring above READ 043 and ENGL 035 prior to application. Following acceptance into the Orthopedic Technician program, the students will complete four core orthopedic courses. In total the program of study is 19 units. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement and be eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Certified Orthopedic Technicians (NBCOT).
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
BIOL 125 - Human AnatomyM | 4.0 | |
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units) Advisory:BIOL 101, BIOL 105 This course is primarily a systems approach to mastering the anatomical structures of the human body. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions at a microscopic and macroscopic level, emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. This course is intended for pre-health students specifically preparing to enter careers in the health sciences. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
2nd Semester | ||
ORTH 040 - Introduction to Orthopedic TechnologyM | 4.0 | |
ORTH 040 - Introduction to Orthopedic Technology (4.0 units) Prerequisite:BIOL 125 This course will provide students with an introduction to the roles, professional responsibilities, code of ethics, and employment qualifications of an Orthopedic Technician. Instruction will also include the review of the musculoskeletal system as it relates to the field of orthopedic technology emphasizing loco-motor, neuro-muscular and peripheral vascular structures. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
ORTH 050 - Orthopedic Technician Health AssessmentM | 3.0 | |
ORTH 050 - Orthopedic Technician Health Assessment (3.0 units) Prerequisite:ORTH 040 This course will provide the student with entry level abilities to function as an Orthopedic Technician. Students will receive instruction in the physical examination of the extremities, spine and pelvis. Instruction will include joint range of motion, specific muscle group testing and measuring the loco-motor system. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 3.0 | |
4th Semester | ||
ORTH 060 - Orthopedic Technician ModalitiesM | 4.0 | |
ORTH 060 - Orthopedic Technician Modalities (4.0 units) Prerequisite:ORTH 050 This course will provide the student with entry level abilities to function as an Orthopedic Technician in the private practice, hospital and managed care facilities. Students will receive instruction in back office skills focusing on casting, splinting, application of soft goods, wound care management, client communication and surgical assisting in major and minor orthopedic procedures. The student will learn operating room etiquette, gowning, gloving, sterile back table set up for categories 1, 2 and 3 orthopedic procedures. Instruction will include seminars, demonstrations and physical examinations, hands on casting and splinting applications, surgical gowning and gloving and assisting in major orthopedic procedures. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
Summer 2 | ||
ORTH 070 - Orthopedic Technician PracticumM | 4.0 | |
ORTH 070 - Orthopedic Technician Practicum (4.0 units) Prerequisite:ORTH 060 This course will provide the student with entry level abilities to function as an Orthopedic Technician. Students will participate in clinical and hospital rotations consisting of instruction in back office skills to include casting, splinting, application of soft goods, wound care management, client communication and sterile technique. Operating room etiquette, gowning, gloving, sterile back table set up for category 3 major procedures. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
Total Units for Orthopedic Technician Program COA program | 19.0 | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
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