ORTHOPEDIC CAST TECHNICIAN

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a skilled and compassionate Orthopedic Cast Technician to join our outpatient orthopedic team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Orthopedic Cast Technician will be responsible for assisting orthopedic surgeons and healthcare providers in the application, adjustment, and removal of casts, splints, and braces. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in orthopedic care, with a focus on patient comfort and safety. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Essential Duties

Cast Application & Removal:

• Apply, adjust, and remove a variety of orthopedic casts, splints, and braces under the direction of an orthopedic surgeon or healthcare provider.
• Ensure proper fitting, alignment, and comfort of orthopedic devices to support patient recovery and mobility.

Patient Education & Care:

• Educate patients and their families on proper cast care, including hygiene, signs of complications, and activity restrictions.
• Provide instructions on the use of crutches, walkers, or other mobility aids as needed.
• Monitor patients for any complications related to casts or splints, such as pressure sores or circulation issues, and report concerns to the healthcare provider.

Rooming & Patient Vitals:

• Room patients efficiently and take accurate vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
• Document patient information in the electronic medical records (EMR) system prior to the providers examination.

Patient Care Coordination:

• Coordinate patient care by managing work authorizations and processing workqueues, ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are in place.
• Schedule follow-up appointments and manage referrals to other specialists or services as needed.

Orthopedic Assistance:

• Assist orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare providers during procedures, including fracture reductions, wound care, and the fitting of orthopedic appliances.
• Prepare and maintain orthopedic equipment and instruments, ensuring they are clean, sterile, and in good working condition.

Documentation & Record Keeping:

• Accurately document procedures, patient interactions, and any changes in patient condition in the EMR system.
• Maintain up-to-date records of orthopedic supplies and equipment inventory.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with the orthopedic team, including surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists, to coordinate patient care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members to ensure a positive patient experience.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure. Add in position summary.

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with the scheduling of patient appointments and follow-up visits related to orthopedic care.
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the orthopedic department.
• Stay informed about new techniques, products, and best practices in orthopedic care by attending relevant workshops and training sessions.

Required Experience

• MA and/or casting experience required

Preferred Experience

• A minimum of 1-2 years of experience as an Orthopedic Cast Technician or in a similar role within an orthopedic or clinical setting is preferred.
• Experience in an outpatient orthopedic office is a plus.
• Proficiency in the application, adjustment, and removal of orthopedic casts, splints, and braces.
• Strong patient care skills with a focus on comfort, safety, and education.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and basic computer skills.
• Sound judgment in deciding when to consult with other team members or management on various issues.

Required Licensure/Education

• Current CPR certification is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Certification as an Orthopedic Technologist (OTC) through the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists (NBCOT) is upon hire, must be completed within 18 months of hire

Preferred Education

• Bachelors Degree preferred

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to: 

• Chemicals: Bleach, alcohol, peroxide, and liquid nitrogen. 
• Video Display Terminals: Average 
• Blood and Body Fluids: Some potential due to vomit, diarrhea, blood and other body fluids, but the use of Universal Precautions and protection reduces risk. 
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Exposure to patients. 

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed for presentations/training, telephone communication, facilitate meetings. 
• Vision: Needed to read memos and literature. 
• Smell: Electrical/fire safety. 
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communications, meetings, and listening to employee concerns. 
• Touch: Need to write, do computer entry, filing. 

Activity/Lifting Requirements:  

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10% 
• Twist: 5% 
• Stand: 40% 
• Crawl: 0% 
• Walk: 20% 
• Kneel: 0% 
• Lift: 5% 
• Drive: 5% 
• Squat: 5% 
• Climb: 0% 
• Bend: 5% 
• Reach above shoulders: 5% 

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently 
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required 
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required 
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required 

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): Carry charts from file cabinets to exam room or desk; stock rooms with supplies, carry supplies from med room to patient room. Place supplies in cabinets, move chairs and boxes. Put babies on scale, walk from room to scale in hall, then back to room. 

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 10 
• Twist: 5 
• Stand: 55 
• Crawl: 0 
• Walk: 15 
• Kneel: 0 
• Lift: 10 
• Drive: 0 
• Squat: 10 
• Climb: 0 
• Bend: 2 
• Reach above shoulders: 0 

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): 

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. 
• Normal weight: 70% 
• Pushing &pulling Normal weight: 50-200
• Fine Manipulation: Writing, computer keyboard. 

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Not Required  

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent): 
• Inside hours: 8 
• Outside hours : 0 
• Temperature: Normal Range 
• Lighting: Average 
• Noise levels: Average 
• Humidity: Normal Range 
• Atmosphere: Odors 
• Special Hazards: Body fluids, bleach, alcohol, peroxide, liquid nitrogen. 
• Protective Clothing Required: