Founded in 1972, the Canadian Society Of Orthopaedic Technologists, (C.S.O.T.), recognized the importance of identifying and credentialling competent Orthopaedic Technologists.
  IF YOU DON'T INCLUDE YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM WHEN PAYING YOUR FEES, YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. IF YOU ARE REGISTERED, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE CEP FORM.
     
ENQUIRIES RE MEMBERSHIP   IMPORTANT NOTICE

At present, there are no courses available that are recognized by the CSOT.  However, your board is diligently working with a college in London Ontario and hope to have a program available in 2014. There will be online and practicum components that will reach all of Canada.

A survey was sent to all employers in Canada and they see the need for and are willing to support this programme. All respondents agreed that the college being affiliated with the CSOT adds credibility to the programme. The number of candidates will be 15. No flooding of the industry will take place.

After successfully passing the college programme, all candidates will be required to pass the CSOT examination in order to receive their registration. All candidatese will be expected to become Student members of the CSOT.

In the meantime, the majority of our members are trained in hospital via their orthopaedic surgeon and/or registered orthopaedic technologist, much like an apprenticeship programme.  Once a person is working 850 hours per year, they are eligible for Full membership with the CSOT.  Only full members can challenge the written, oral and practical exam. If successfully completed they are then known as a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist.

 
If you do acquire a position in a hospital as a trainee, we recommend that you apply for Student membership with the CSOT.  You would receive our journal, newsletter and other important information regarding the exam process.  
 
 A background in anatomy and physiology, nerves and muscles would be an asset. You could phone hospitals in your area to see if they would be willing to hire you as a student and train via the orthopaedic surgeon and/or registered orthopaedic technologist.

 

 

  

 
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CSOT MEMBERSHIP/REGISTRATION  MISREPRESENTATION - CLICK HERE

 

Immigrants to Canada, including orthopaedic surgeons, should be aware that employment as an orthopaedic technician in a Canadian hospital must be acquired before you can join the CSOT. The CSOT is not set up to assess foreign credentials before you arrive in Canada. The CSOT is not a training school nor an employment agency.
 

IMPORTANT LETTER FROM THE COA

Registered Orthopaedic Technologists
skilled hands in the front lines

Ross Leighton, M.D. FRCSC, Past President
Canadian Orthopaedic Association, Halifax, N.S.

As printed in the COA Bulletin, Spring 2012

Many hands make light work, as the old saying goes, and never more so than when those helping hands belong to registered orthopaedic technologists. In fracture clinics and some emergency rooms, typically overflowing with patients, they do yeoman's service splinting and casting limbs, allowing surgeons to see more patients and fully focus on their injuries. Registered Orthopaedic Technologists are an integral part of delivering quality orthopaedic care in Canada.

Since its inception in 1972, the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists (CSOT) has required a high level of skill and performance for someone to qualify as a registered orthopaedic technologist. Typically, candidates need to successfully complete a written examination, followed by comprehensive oral and practical exams. To maintain their registration, CSOT members must submit continuing education points annually.

Lately, in one province, licensed practical nurses can take an advanced orthopaedic course as part of their training, emerging as certified orthopaedic technicians. By comparison to the standards set by the CSOT, this program appears to fall short of imparting the practical skills and experience needed in the front lines of orthopaedics. The CSOT has taken the sensible step of offering recently graduated certified orthopaedic technicians a training pathway to qualify for CSOT membership - a strategy that the Canadian Orthopaedic Association supports fully.

Congratulations to the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists in its fortieth anniversary year, and here's to many more years of close collaboration.

November 2011

The Canadian Orthopaedic Association has reviewed your letter and we feel, as you do, that it is vitally important that anyone who participates as an Orthopaedic Technologist to have taken a reasonable course and passed a written examination plus evaluation from a preceptor. We would, therefore, support your stand that Orthopaedic Technologists in our facilities, working in the capacity of an orthopaedic technician, have a two or three year window to join the CSOT for further training. They should ultimately become a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist within your Society. Many of our COA members would be willing to act as advisors to the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists and act as mentors, as have Dr. Ted English and Dr. Richard Buckley in the past. We feel our two associations have worked extremely well together over the years and will continue to forge ahead in concert as leaders and advocates of "The Best Care" for our orthopaedic patients.

Ross K. Leighton, MD FRCSC
Past President, COA

Reply Letter sent from Pat Ennis to Dr. Leighton

Once again, thank you and your members for supporting the CSOT.

I would like to clarify the candidate examination process to become a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist.

After completing the initial criteria, a candidate must do a written examination. When the written exam is successfully completed, they will then do a comprehensive oral and practical exam. Once registered, all CSOT Registered Orthopaedic Technologists must submit on a yearly basis mandatory continuing education points to maintain their registration.

We also have a student membership category where the student is mentored by an Orthopaedic Surgeon and preceptorship is provided by a CSOT Registered Orthopaedic Technologist.

Best Regards,

Pat Ennis, R.T. (Orthopaed)
President CSOT

 

Orthopaedic Technician - A person gainfully employed and actively working in the fracture / cast / emergency room of a Canadian Hospital for at least one year (minimum 850 hours per year) and has NOTcompleted the CSOT registry examination process.

Registered Orthopaedic Technologist (R.T.Orthopaed) - a person who has successfully completed the written, oral and practical examinations of the CSOT, has current membership in the Society and maintains certification through the continuing educational programme.

What Is An Orthopaedic Technician/Technologist?

Orthopaedic Technicians/Technologists are medically trained individuals who work under the direction of physicians and in collaboration with other members of the health care team of professionals. They are experts in plaster and synthetic cast application and are responsible for instructing patients on this form of treatment. They provide care to clients with orthopaedic problems through the application, adjustment and removal of a variety of casts, splints and traction fittings. Orthopaedic technologists perform casting services primarily in hospital fracture rooms. Some medical clinics now offer limited orthopaedic services as well. The duties of orthopaedic technicians/technologists vary from one place of employment to another and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

  • applies and removes dressings, assesses condition of the wound prior to further treatment. Consults with physicians for further orders when problems are identified. Debride wounds as directed
  • cast application - using plaster or synthetic materials. This involves adjusting, removing, repairing, bivalving, wedging and windowing of casts
  • measure and fit patients for orthopaedic devices and ambulatory aids. Instruct patients regarding care and proper use
  • Assist in the application, maintenance and adjustment of traction (skin, skeletal and manual). This includes patient education of traction therapy.
  • remove sutures, K wires, pins and external fixators using sterile technique
  • fabricate and apply splints and bandages (ie., finger splints, wrist splints, velpeau bandages, pressure dressings, humeral splints, knee splints, etc.)
  • instruct patient/family in the care of the cast, slab or brace as well as skin care. Reinforce the teaching of the medical information given by the physician regarding the specific injury, treatment plan, procedure and expected outcomes
  • order and maintain equipment. Manage orthopaedic supplies
  • collaborate with other health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as required
  • interact with other departments (medical records, radiology, service coordination) to obtain the resources needed to assist in patient care
  • establish effective helping relationships with patient and family
  • responsible for patient visit assessment maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality
  • provide on the job instruction and demonstration of casting techniques to other health professionals (medical students, interns, residents) on request
  • charting, documentation and maintaining accurate notes and records
  • participate in ongoing education and development
  • Is certified in the Added Nursing Skills and Sanctioned Delegated Medical Acts defined for the orthopaedic clinic area

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGISTS 2010 - please scroll down to see THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TECHNICIAN,  REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGIST AND AN ADVANCED REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC
TECHNOLOGIST

This job description outlines the duties and responsibilities of an  Orthopaedic Technologist and can be used as a guideline for updating  and creating job descriptions at your respective place of employment.

Summary of Duties: The Orthopaedic Technologist is a paramedically trained individual who performs their duties under the direction of a Physician. The Orthopaedic Technologist collaborates with other members of the health care team, primarily in the orthopaedic department, and occasionally in other areas such as the Plastic Surgery and Emergency Departments. Casting services are provided to both inpatients and outpatients, usually in the orthopaedic clinic, but also as needed in the inpatient areas and operating rooms.

The Orthopaedic Technologist organizes the workload and fulfills the responsibilities of the position with a high degree of autonomy, within established guidelines and procedures. Clinical direction and support are provided by the attending physicians or house staff for unexpected or unusual clinical problems.

The Orthopaedic Technician/Technologist works in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety policies, procedures and provisions established by management. Responsible for recognizing unsafe work practices and other potential hazards in the work area and for reporting these situations to the supervisor.

Orthopaedic Technicians/Technologists are under the controlled medical act delegated by a Physician (Regulated Health Professions Act). The Registered Orthopaedic Technologist is able to practice independently in collaboration with the physician.

This job description indicates the conditions under which they perform their duties, but their duties are not set forth for limiting the assignment of work.

To perform their duties the Orthopaedic Technologist must have basic knowledge of:

1. Anatomy and physiology related to orthopaedics 
2. Orthopaedic diseases and related principles of patient care
3. Orthopaedic injuries and related principles of patient care 
4. Basic nursing functions 
5. Aseptic techniques 
6. Their responsibilities as related to legal and medical ethics 
7. Office, departmental and hospital procedures.

MAIN DUTIES

Under the direction of a Physician

l. The Orthopaedic Technologist: 
1.1 Is responsible for cast application, adjustment and removal.
The repairing of casts, application of walking devices, univalving, bivalving, wedging and windowing of casts. 
1.2 applies and removes dressings, assesses condition of the wound prior to further treatment. Consults with the physician for further orders when problems are identified. 
1.3 Measuring and fitting patients for orthopaedic devices and ambulatory aids. Instruct patients regarding care and proper use. Assists in the application, maintenance and adjustment of traction (skin, skeletal and manual). This includes patient education of traction therapy 
1.4 removes staples, sutures, K-wires, pins and external fixators using appropriate technique 
1.5 is responsible for maintenance of orthopaedic equipment and the use of such, and the management of orthopaedic supplies. 
1.6 fabricates and applies required splints and bandages using various materials, e.g., finger splints, wrist splints, velpeau bandages, pressure dressings, humeral splints, knee splints, etc. 
1.7 applies specialized casts, i.e., fracture brace, body cast, hip spicas 
1.8 Assists physician with procedures, ie., closed reductions, minor surgical treatment with or without anaesthetic using sterile technique. This includes the preparation of surgical trays and medications required for the procedure 
1.9 is responsible for patient visit assessment, maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality 
1.10 is responsible for charting and documentation and maintaining accurate notes and records 
1.11 Is certified in the Added Nursing Skills and Sanctioned Delegated Medical Acts defined for the Orthopaedic Clinic Area.

EXPANDED DUTIES - these duties and responsibilities may not necessarily be practiced in all health care facilities by the orthopaedic technologist and may require 

• Custom knee bracing (should include a certified fitter's course) 
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) 
• application, maintenance and removal of Halo body vest only. This does notinclude application or maintenance of Halo ring and pins (should include certification of training)

2. The Orthopaedic Technologist provides patient/family teaching: 

2.1 independently teaches patient/family care of cast, slab or brace, and care of skin, based on knowledge of potential problems and follow up assessment of the patient/family learning needs 
2.2 reinforces the teaching or medical information conveyed by the physician to the patient/family regarding the specific injury, treatment plan, procedures and expected outcomes. Establishes effective helping relationships with patients and families 
2.3 responds to telephone enquiries from patients/families by providing information or referring the problem to the appropriate member of the health care team

3. The Orthopaedic Technologist functions collaboratively with other members of the health care team: 

3.1 utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to establish effective helping relationships with patients/families 
3.2 effectively organizes workload and sets priorities to provide timely care to patients on the high volume, rapid turnover orthopaedic service
3.3 collaborates with health professionals such as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists as required, to provide optimum patient care 
3.4 interacts regularly with support service departments such as medical records, radiology, and service coordination to obtain needed resources and to facilitate the flow of patient care

4. The Orthopaedic Technologist participates in ongoing education and development: 

4.1 participates in the C.S.O.T. Biennial Convention, chapter meetings, continuing education programme the journal  BodyCast and the newsletter NewsCast 
4.2 completes self-appraisal and identifies performance objectives annually 
4.3 identifies and seeks opportunities to meet own learning needs 
4.4 keeps informed of changes in casting equipment and materials, and new procedures in accordance with the orthopaedic surgeons' practices 
4.5 Registered Orthopaedic Technologists maintain annual re-certification as mandated by the C.S.O.T. 
4.6 provides on-the-job instruction and demonstration of casting techniques to other health professionals, such as medical students, interns or residents, on request

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Full Membership is available to all persons who are gainfully employed and actively working in the orthopaedic fracture clinic,  emergency room and/or cast room of a Canadian Hospital and have done so for at least ONE FULL YEAR (minimum of 850 hours per year).

They should be able to carry out these procedures with a minimum amount of direct supervision.

This is the only category of membership eligible to complete the written, oral and practical exams.

Sponsorship of an Orthopaedic Surgeon must accompany application for membership in this category. Members of this classification should be striving for reclassification as a REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGIST. 

2. Definitions:

Registered: A Registered Orthopaedic Technologist (R.T. Orthopaed) is a person who has successfully completed the written, oral and practical examinations of the CSOT, has current membership in the Society and maintains certification through the continuing education programme.

Advanced Registered Orthopaedic Technologist: A person who has current membership in the Society; maintains certification through the continuing education programme with at least eight (8) years full time work experience in a Canadian Hospital and working in the fracture/cast/emergency clinic directly in the care of orthopaedic patients; registered with the CSOT for not less than five years full time and has attended at least one National CSOT Conference. Written verification from your Orthopaedic Surgeon/Emergency Physician as well as your Manager is mandatory.

Full Member (Orthopaedic Technician): A person gainfully employed and actively working in the orthopaedic fracture clinic, emergency room and/or cast room of a Canadian Hospital and have done so for at least ONE FULL YEAR (minimum of 850 hours per year)and has not completed the examination process.

Associate: A person working in fields related to orthopaedic technology or who reside and practice outside Canada. Is not working 850 hours per year in the orthopaedic fracture
and/or cast room. Ineligible to write the exams.

Industrial: A person engaged in the manufacture or sale of orthopaedic equipment or supplies. 
Ineligible to write the exams.

Student: Is available to persons in the process of being trained "in hospital" via an orthopaedic surgeon and/or registered orthopaedic technologist. Student membership is only valid for three years.

Ineligible to write the exams.

3. The CSOT recommends that a Delegated Medical Acts form certifying that the member has been taught, examined and is competent to perform certain procedures as authorized by the hospital be issued annually.

The Orthopaedic Technologist is an extension of the Orthopaedic Surgeon and/or Physician and assists them in the care of the sick and disabled persons. The Technologist must relate well to other people and be tolerant and considerate of their condition. They are able to communicate with patients in understanding their anxieties and allaying their fears.

This job description is a composite of the task which the Orthopaedic Technologist is trained to undertake. There need not, however, be complete agreement among Orthopaedic Surgeons on the tasks they feel should be delegated. Nor does this description prohibit the Orthopaedic Surgeon from delegating responsibilities not covered if such delegation meets the approval of the medical profession and if the technologist has the required skills and ability.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TECHNICIAN,  REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGIST AND AN ADVANCED REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGIST

Registered Orthopaedic Technologists have been assuming responsibility each year for a number of health services classified as delegated medical acts. They integrate these services into their scope of daily practice in the Fracture Clinic, Operating Room, Emergency Room and private practice and have developed a unique body of knowledge and practical skills pertaining to these services/delegated medical functions.

ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNICIAN 

• Basic understanding of anatomical structures and their relationship with one another; 
• Ability to accurately describe orthopaedic conditions. 
• Ability to apply and remove all types of casts, splints and orthopaedic devices under the direct supervision of a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist and/or Physician 
• Understanding of theory and application of skin and skeletal traction. 
• Understanding of the proper application of aseptic technique in dressing change, pin and suture removal, setting up surgical fields.
• Instructs patients in the care of casts and orthopaedic devices

REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGIST

• Wider body of knowledge of anatomical structures and their relationship with one another, able to articulately describe orthopaedic conditions 
• Ability to apply, adjust and remove all common orthopaedic devices 
• Increased knowledge of theory and application of skin, skeletal and manual traction. 
• Increased knowledge of the proper application of aseptic technique in dressing change, removal of sutures, staples, pins and wires and setting up surgical fields 
• Ability to interpret common fractures and dislocations on X-ray film. 
• Ability to perform in an operating room environment.
• Ability to supervise and train students and orthopaedic technicians. 
• Ability to apply specialty casts, ie., hinged casts and assist in special procedures such as advanced wound care and fracture reductions
• Are able to work unsupervised
• Can take verbal orders 
• Can preceptor students 
• Has a proven knowledge base, skills and expertise that will benefit the patient and the hospital they serve
• has successfully completed the written, oral and practical examinations of the governing body, The Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists (CSOT) 
• must continue their education to maintain their certification with the CSOT. This is mandatory to keep certification up to date. Continuing education units must be accumulated on an annual basis

ADVANCED REGISTERED ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGIST 

Performs all of the above and has 
• Advanced body of knowledge of anatomical structures and their relationship with one another, able to articulately describe orthopaedic conditions 
• Ability to apply, adjust and remove all common and difficult orthopaedic devices 
• Advanced knowledge of theory and application of skin, skeletal and manual traction 
• Advanced knowledge of the proper application of aseptic technique in dressing change, removal of sutures, staples, pins and wires and setting up surgical fields 
• Ability to interpret most fractures and dislocations on X-ray film 
• Expert ability to apply specialty casts, ie., hinged casts, total contact casts  and assist in special procedures such as advanced wound care and fracture reductions

Advanced Clinical and Practical Knowledge 

• Serves as a technical expert to hospitals, physicians, students, orthopaedic technicians and other registered orthopaedic technologists in matters pertaining to orthopaedic devices and techniques. 
• Sets up and teaches patients and their families for home treatments 
• Instructs others in the practice of orthopaedic technology
• Educates the public in the role of an orthopaedic technician and registered orthopaedic technologist

Refer to Guidelines for Orthopaedic Technology for further information.

KNOWLEDGE 
The Registered Orthopaedic Technologist and the Orthopaedic Technician base practice on orthopaedic science and on content relevant to orthopaedic technology. The Registered Orthopaedic Technologist continues to learn throughout their professional career.

EDUCATION

High School graduate or equivalent 
and/or
Apprenticeship programme and sponsorship by an Orthopaedic Physician. 

Nursing and Medical background an asset and recommended by the CSOT

There are no orthopaedic technician/technologist courses available  that are recognized by the CSOT. The majority of our members are trained in hospital via their orthopaedic surgeon and/or registered orthopaedic technologist.

Once a person is hired as a 'trainee/apprentice' - Student membership should be taken with the CSOT. 
Student membership is valid for three years after which time Associate membership or Full membership must be taken.

Orthopaedic Technicians should be striving to gain certification by completing the written, oral and practical exam of the CSOT. Individuals joining the CSOT should do so with certification in mind, knowing that this is the highest standard one may achieve within their field as a Registered orthopaedic technologist in Canada.

The Registered Orthopaedic Technologist and the Orthopaedic  Technician both provide care to clients with orthopaedic problems,  and the clients' family members in some situations. All Technologists  and Technicians are accountable individually for their decisions and actions, whether they act independently or in consultation and collaboration with other members of the health care team.

EXAMINATION FOR REGISTRATION 
Candidates for the examination must be FULL MEMBERS of the C.S.O.T.

A Full member is one who is gainfully employed and actively working full time (a minimum of 850 hours per year), applying casts and traction assemblies in an orthopaedic setting in a Canadian Institution and has been sponsored by an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The written exam takes place in October each year.

Members joining after JULY 1st will not be eligible to take part in the October written exam. The written exam must be successfully completed before you may proceed on to the oral and practical exams. Membership must be paid in full before exams can commence.

There are three parts to this Registration exam; Written, Oral and Practical. The passing mark is 70 per cent.  Once the examination process has been started it must be completed in a specific time period.

Upon successfully completing all parts of the examination you are entitled to be known as a

"Registered Orthopaedic Technologist". (R.T. Orthopaed).

e-mail csot@look.ca
If you would prefer to write to the Society, our address is:

C.S.O.T.
18 Wynford Drive, Suite 715A
North York, Ontario
M3C 3S2 Canada
Phone (416)445-4516 Fax (416) 489-7356