Orthopedic Technician I - Orthopedic Surgery

Washington University in St. Louis • St. Louis, MO

1d • $16 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

Functions as an assistant to physician’s and staff in the application, maintenance, and removal of splints, casts and other orthopedic medical devices. Cleans instruments and cast rooms as per Environmental Health and Safety regulations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Red Cross
• No specific work experience is required for this position.
• Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within one month of hire date. Basic Life Support certification (Online BLS certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the BLS requirements)

Nice To Haves

• Related work experience or training as an Orthopedic Technologist, Medical Assistant, Cast Technician or Certified Athletic Trainer.
• Casting (1 Year)
• Orthopedic (1 Year)
• Ambulation
• Athletic Training
• Chart Preparation
• Clinical Supplies Management
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Continued Learning
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Medical Care
• Orthopedics
• Orthopedic Splints
• Patient Lifting Equipment
• Professional Etiquette
• Staple Removal
• Suture Removal
• Telephone Communications
• Workplace Organization

Responsibilities

• Performs splinting and casting under the direction of an orthopedic physician or resident.
• Removes casts with care.
• Performs direct and indirect patient care activities within the scope of practice of an orthopedic technologist, i.e. assisting with dressing changes, suture and staple removal, etc.
• Documents the care administered into electronic medical records.
• Prepares exam rooms and monitors physician schedules as necessary.
• Assists the Medical Assistants in clinical areas, by preparing charts, x-rays and exam rooms when necessary.
• Adjusts canes, walkers, crutches, and give ambulation instructions.
• Requests prior authorizations, communicates with patients regarding price to see if they want us to order the product and the status of their order.
• Knows where to find the insurance grid regarding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) items that are covered by insurance and when pre-authorizations are needed.
• Cleans and organizes the cast room so that supplies are stocked and ready for use.
• Ensures that the end of day checklist is reviewed, and all tasks are completed before leaving for the day.
• Schedules Durable Medical Equipment (DME) appointments when necessary.
• Checks email multiple times throughout the day for updates to the orthopedic technicians' schedule that may impact the location reporting to the following day.
• Educates patients on proper cast care.
• Performs pre-surgical education on some medical appliances and equipment.
• Applies, adjusts, measures and educates patients on medical appliances and equipment.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED