The Education Required For An MD Orthopedic Career

By Jeannie Chapman


A career within a particular medical field is always demanding, but rewarding. If you aspire to be a nurse or even a surgeon, perhaps you are considering taking up an MD orthopedic position. An expert in orthopedics will deal with patients who suffer from muscular and bone issues and deformities, and will tend to broken bones as well. A surgeon will be required to perform relevant surgical procedures.

Nurses, technicians, surgeons and even marketing professionals work within the area of orthopedics, and you can choose the type of career which will best suit your personality. However, each will require several years of education and internship programs so that you can become sufficiently qualified. You will need to pass exams with good grades, and therefore it is best if you are dedicated to the job at hand.

Surgeons require the assistance of technicians to help prepare and maintain the equipment necessary for their patients. These may include braces, casts and splints. A technician is usually found working within a hospital, helping to adjust, apply and remove these appliances, but could work in different departments, and not only orthopedics. The plastic surgery and emergency departments also often require the expertise of technicians.

Colleges who train individuals to become technicians require a high school diploma or a GED qualification. They will also check to see if you have acquired adequate grades. It is beneficial if you have done science, maths, physics and similar subjects in high school. You will then take several courses, attend an internship program and be required to successfully pass the NBCOT exam before you can begin work.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse who works with orthopedic patients, you will first need to become an RN, or registered nurse. You will also need to work as an RN for a number of hours before you can work in orthopedics. RN's must pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, by working through a nursing degree program.

Surgeons require great dedication to their work, and will undergo many years of education. It is recommended to ensure that this is the type of career that you want before spending the time and money required for the education. Do adequate research before you choose a school, considering schools of osteopathic medicine as well.

Sales representatives, or marketers, do not have to take care of patients, but will rather be selling orthopedic equipment to medical facilities and practitioners. For this a marketing or business degree is needed, as well as sufficient knowledge regarding orthopedics. The marketer will take the equipment from the manufacturer and demonstrate it to the hospital administrators.

A good MD orthopedic nurse, technician or surgeon is dedicated to his or her job, and likes people. They will work hard, but will be well rewarded in terms of salary as well. You can get further information about training from your local colleges.




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