When he was 16, Sam Brown broke his ankle and discovered a career.
“My orthopedic surgeon introduced me to sports medicine 24 years ago,” said Brown, director of orthopedic technology at Southern Crescent Technical College. “It must have been a calling, because it came very easy for me and I was never without a job.”
There are only six or seven programs in the United States that train people in this lesser-known health care occupation, but two of them are in Georgia, Brown said. Southern Crescent Tech offers an associate of applied science degree in orthopedic technology on its Griffin campus. Central Georgia Technical College has a program in Macon.
“As long as athletes and weekend warriors continue to play sports and people have car accidents, there will always be a need for this health care occupation,” said Brown, a certified orthopedic technologist. “It was always rewarding to meet patients who were hurting and [then] helping them get back to doing what they wanted to do. Now I’m passing the torch to others and starting them in their careers.”
An orthopedic technologist is usually the first person to interview a patient in an orthopedic surgeon’s office. He or she might also apply or remove casts and braces, set up traction, schedule surgeries, remove surgical dressings, take care of wounds, and educate patients about treatment. With experience, technologists may work as first assistants to surgeons in the operating room.
“The job calls for someone who is both outgoing and nurturing. They must be able to walk into an examining room, where someone is in pain, and want to make them feel better,” Brown said.
They also must be able to handle stress and take initiative. Most surgeons want assistants who can anticipate their needs and do what needs to be done, Brown said.
Southern Crescent accepts around 20 students each fall. Admission is competitive. Applicants must complete pre-requisite courses in English, math, psychology, anatomy and biology, and take an exam used to assess the aptitude of candidates for health care fields.
When Brown entered sports medicine, the field was dominated by men, but he has seen many women go through the program and do well. His students range in age from 19 to 55.
Students in the program take classes in orthopedic techniques (such as cast formation and removal), medical terminology, orthopedic surgical techniques and advanced anatomy and physiology.
“They’ll complete more than 400 hours working with patients in clinical sites that include Grady Health System, Atlanta Medical Center, Emory Orthopaedics, Resurgens and other private practices,” Brown said.
Graduates are prepared to take the certification exam given by the National Board of Certified Orthopaedic Technologists, which allows them to practice in any state.
“Pay typically starts at about $15 to $17 an hour, but experienced technologists who assist with surgery can make $70,000 to $90,000 a year, on the upward end,” Brown said.
For information about the program, go to Southern Crescent’s website (www.sctech.edu) or e-mail Brown (sbrown@sctech.edu) or Christy Coker (ccoker@sctech.edu). Call 770-228-7348 for admissions information.
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