Orthopedic Technology Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement
Refer to Admission: Orthopedic Technology (OT) Program in Admission Information for special admission procedures and criteria.
A program designed to train students as Orthopedic Technologists, preparing graduates with lifetime professional skills in an expanding allied health field. Orthopedic Technologists are employed in hospitals, clinics, or private practice offices for applying, adjusting, and/or removing of casts, splints, and braces. In addition, the Orthopedic Technologists set up, adjust, and maintain all traction configurations, assist with the care of the acutely injured orthopedic patients, and assist the physician in the reduction and/or manipulation of orthopedic injuries. This program prepares the graduate to take the national certification examination (NBCOT).
Students are admitted to the Orthopedic Technology Program based on the date a completed application packet is submitted to include the following: OT application, completed immunizations and/or tests and official transcripts of all science prerequisites if taken outside of GCCCD. Program applications are accepted year round and is a separate process from an application to Grossmont College.
For all information on admission criteria, see the Orthopedic Technology Program website at https://www.grossmont.edu/academics/programs/health-professions/orthopedic-technology/.
Grossmont College prepares the student for an Associate Degree in Science as an Orthopedic Technologist or, upon successful completion of the Orthopedic Technology courses, a Certificate of Achievement. In addition to the orthopedic technology courses, the major requires selected general education courses to be successfully completed for the degree. Upon completion of all degree requirements, the graduate is eligible to sit for the certification exam as a Certified Orthopedic Technologist administered by the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists, Inc. (NBCOT).
Important: Any prior conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may influence eligibility for licensure or certification as an Orthopedic Technologist. A flagged background check or drug screen may also prohibit participation in the program, certification exam, or securing employment. Applicants with prior convictions are urged to contact the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists, Inc. (NBCOT) at 866-466-2268.
Career Opportunities
https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php
Orthopedic Assistant
Orthopedic Cast Specialist
Orthopedic Surgical Technician
Orthotic Assistant
Orthotics-Prosthetics Assistant
Prosthetics Assistant
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:- Articulate descriptions of orthopedic conditions based on the knowledge of anatomical structures and their relationships to one another.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply, adjust, and remove all common orthopedic devices per hospital policy.
- Demonstrate the knowledge of and the ability to execute aseptic technique when performing orthopedic procedures.
- Demonstrate an adherence to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the National Association of Orthopedic Technologist that will reflect the ethical, legal and moral responsibilities of the Orthopedic Technologists.
All Allied Health and Nursing students adhere to the graduation requirements outlined in the college catalog for the academic year in which they enter the program.
Associate Degree Major Requirements
Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| OT-110 | Orthopedic Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| OT-111 | Orthopedic Techniques I | 4 |
| OT-112 | Introduction to Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| OT-210 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders I | 5 |
| OT-211 | Orthopedic Techniques II | 4 |
| OT-212 | Supervised Hospital Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| OT-214 | Supervised Hospital Clinical Practicum II | 4 |
| OT-215 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders II | 3 |
| Total Units | 31 | |
Plus General Education and Elective Requirements
Certificate of Achievement
Any student who chooses to complete only the courses required for the above major qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement in Orthopedic Technology. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.