Studying To Work In The MD Orthopedic Section Of A Hospital

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.

Whether you choose to be a surgeon or a nurse, you should be prepared to face several years of intense education. You must be ready to study for long hours in order to pass the relevant exams, and be willing to take part in internship programs that will provide you with hands-on experience. You will not be allowed to enter the field of orthopedics if you do not have qualifications. Slightly different careers to follow include those of a technician and a sales rep.

Technicians are medical personnel who work under the supervision of the surgeon, and who are trained in the maintenance and preparation of casts, braces and all other relevant equipment. They will take care of patients by adjusting, applying and removing the splints or casts that are necessary. Technicians could work in orthopedics, in the plastic surgery department or in the emergency section of a hospital.

In order to study as a technician you must have achieved good grades in high school, or have a GED qualification. You will not be able to study further if you don't. In high school, subjects such as mathematics, science, biology and physics are helpful. Various courses will then be studied by the technician, such as orthopedics and physiology, and the NBCOT examination will need to be passed.

Nurses who work in the orthopedics section of a hospital care for the patients with broken bones, arthritis etc. To become an orthopedic nurse, you first need to qualify as an RN (registered nurse) by following a nursing degree program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. You will then need to work for a certain number of hours (usually at least 1000) before you can apply to work in the orthopedics section of the hospital.

In order to become a surgeon you will really need to be dedicated to your profession. There are a great number of years required for study, and it will be quite costly as well. It is wise to perhaps spend some time with a surgeon to see what the work involves so that you are sure it is what you want. You must also choose a good school to attend, perhaps a school for osteopathic medicine.

If you don't want to be a nurse or doctor, but still work in orthopedics, you can become a sales representative, selling various appliances to hospitals and medical professionals. For this job you will often be required to have a bachelor's degree in marketing or business, and maybe in biology too. Although you won't work with patients, you must know about orthopedics. You are more likely to secure a rep position if you have previous sales experience.

Whether you choose to become an MD orthopedic nurse, technician, surgeon or sales rep, you will need to be a hardworking individual who is dedicated to your job. Those who are working with patients should like to be around people. Professionals in orthopedics can expect to be rewarded for their hard work with a good rate of pay.




About the Author: