Mpa Ortho Specialist

Cooper University Hospital•Sicklerville, NJ

2d•$29 - $48

About The Position

The MPA (Medical Practice Assistant)/Orthopedic Specialist provides advanced clinical expertise and direct patient care in orthopedic and sports medicine ambulatory practices and provides hospital coverage. The role supports a broad range of orthopedic subspecialties, including hand, joints, spine, trauma, and sports medicine. The specialist mentors and precepts new Medical Practice Assistants and staff pursuing registered or certified orthopedic technologist credentials, helping bridge theory and practice through orientation and hands-on training. The position coordinates casting, bracing, durable medical equipment (DME), wound care, suture and staple removal, supplies and inventory, and equipment maintenance. Under physician guidance, the specialist applies and removes casts, splints, braces, and other orthopedic devices; fabricates splints; assists with wound care and dressing changes; and instructs patients in using walking aids. The role also rooms patients, obtains vital signs and histories, assists with minor procedures, documents physician orders, and performs administrative and follow-up coordination duties. The specialist maintains the required professional credentials, CPR certification, and health records.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
0–2 years of experience.
Completion of a Certified Orthopaedic Technology or Registered Orthopaedic Technologist training program.
National certification as a Registered Medical Practice Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT), or as a Certified Medical Practice Assistant through the American Association of Medical Practice Assistants (AAMA).
Current CPR certification and current health records.
Maintain credentials as a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist or Orthopaedic Technologist Certified.

Responsibilities

Mentor, train, and precept new Medical Practice Assistants and staff pursuing registered or certified orthopedic technologist credentials.
Orient staff to orthopedic practices and subspecialty-specific procedures, including casting and bracing.
Coordinate casting, bracing, DME, wound care, suture and staple removal, supplies, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
Apply and remove casts, splints, braces, and other orthopedic devices, including devices such as a Halo.
Fabricate splints and manage simple medical technology, including braces, under surgeons’ guidance.
Prepare and assist with complex and basic wound care and dressing changes as directed by physicians; demonstrate aseptic techniques for dressing changes and suture or staple removal.
Support clinical activities across orthopedic subspecialties, including hand, joints, spine, trauma, and sports medicine.
Instruct patients in the use of walking aids such as canes and crutches, and fit or adjust equipment as needed.
Assist with documentation of physician orders, prescriptions, physical and occupational therapy, outside-facility studies, and return-to-work or physical-activity slips.
Maintain an inventory of clinical items and clean and stock examination, treatment, and storage rooms and medical devices.
Greet and room patients, complete visit initiation requirements, take vital signs and patient histories, and assist with minor procedures.
Assist physicians by organizing work efficiently and improving the use of time, motion, and materials.
Coordinate ongoing education and hands-on training with physicians, clinical and ambulatory operations directors, DME providers, and surgical vendors.
Maintain required Medical Practice Assistant and orthopedic technologist credentials, CPR certification, and current health records.
Handle in-basket and telephone communications, medical-record documentation, report retrieval, insurance and disability forms, and precertification or authorization tasks.
Assist with follow-up appointments and consultation appointments with other specialists.
Communicate and interact courteously and efficiently with patients, team members, physicians, and other customers.