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Orthopedic Technologist Program

 

The Orthopedic Technologist Program provides students with in-depth knowledge and skills necessary for immobilization, traction, casting, splinting, and assisting physicians with orthopedic care. Completion of this program will qualify you for employment as an Orthopedic Technologist and to sit for the Certification exam by the National Board of Certified Orthopaedic Technologists (NBCOT).

Accepting Orthopedic Technician Applications

  June 1- June 25, 2021 for Fall 2021

 

Due to COVID-19 concerns, we will not be accepting applications in person. You are to submit your application to the Health Science and Nursing office. 

Mail your completed application to:
     Rio Hondo College
     Attention: Carolyn Gonzales, Health Science and Nursing
      3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601
(Must be postmarked by 6/25/2021, Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.)

Prepare NOW:

  1. Apply to Rio Hondo College
  2. Obtain a Rio Hondo College ID number.
  3. See a Counselor
  4. Meet the Reading and English Proficiency Requirement- Assess at or above Reading 043 and English 035 level (Proficiency- met through one of the following means: Multi-criteria approval from a counselor, -OR- passing appropriate assessment test or course at Rio Hondo College, -OR- have a 2 year or 4 year degree from a regionally accredited institution.) Click here for catalog information
  5. Complete Biology 125 (Human Anatomy) with a grade of C or better
  6. Complete Program Application – Application Period, June 1- June 25, 2021 for Fall 2021 start
    Prerequisites and application must be complete at time of submission to be considered.

Please submit your completed application to the Health Science and Nursing office. (S206)

Application and Selection Process

Application Process:
Follow these steps to ensure you have completed the application process thoroughly and accurately. Read the entire checklist to ensure completed process.

  1. Apply to Rio Hondo College to obtain Student Identification Number (ID). (NOTE: Applying online to Rio Hondo College serves as admission to the college, not as admission to the Orthopedic Technologist Program.)
  2. Submit Official Transcripts to Admissions and Records. All transcripts must be sent directly to Admissions and will ONLY be accepted when sent by colleges or educational institutions. (Contact Admission & Records to ensure receipt of your transcripts: 562-908-3415).
    Rio Hondo College Admissions and Records address:
    Rio Hondo College
    Admissions and Records
    3600 Workman Mill Road
    Whittier, CA 90601
  3. Transcripts from another country must be evaluated from a NACES approved agency and sent directed to Admissions and Records by the company. Click here for a list of Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies
  4. Submit Orthopedic Technologist Application to the Health Science and Nursing Division (S206), along with required documentation.  (Applicants who submit incomplete applications or who are missing any required documents, will be automatically ineligible.)

Selection Process:

SELECTION is based on the following:

1. Completion of all requirements at the time the application is submitted.
2. Anatomy course grade: Grades of A, then B, then C will be admitted, based on space availability.
3. Should there be more applicants than spaces available, applicants within the same grade range will be selected at random.

After Selection:

1. Provisionally selected applicants and alternate applicants will be notified by electronic mail (email) and required to attend orientation and the first day of class.

2. Provisionally selected applicants that are not present on the first day of class will forfeit their place in the program and need to reapply for the following year. The space will be made available for the provisionally selected alternate that is present on the first day of class.

3. After admission to the program, students will be required to provide copies of the following no later than December 1:

  • 2×2 color photo
  • Official transcripts documenting previous college course completion
  • Purchase and complete the Background Check and Drug testing (information provided on the first day of class)
  • History and Physical (using the RHC HSN form)
  • Current American Heart Association BLS certification,
  • Proof of T-DAP and Influenza vaccines,
  • Two-Step-Non-reactive TB Skin test -OR- Negative Chest X-ray if TB skin test is positive, and
  • Titer levels for Varicella, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, & Hepatitis B showing immunity.

Click here for Orthopedic Technologist Program Application

Length of Program

  • Three Semesters: August – August (1 Calendar Year)
  • 20 Units including prerequisites

Lecture/Lab/Clinical

  • Fall semester: 2 Evenings a week
  • Spring semester: 1 Evening a week and Saturday labs
  • Summer: Internship at assigned clinical facility, scheduled labs on campus.

Prerequisite

  • Human Anatomy (Bio 125)
  • Meet the RHC Reading and English Proficiencies

Cost

  • $46.00/Unit + Books/Supplies
  • Student  Casting Supply Kit

Salary Range

  • Starting Salary:  $17.00 – 18.00/hour
  • Experienced: $25.00 – 30.00/hour
For more information, contact the Health Science and Nursing Division at 562-908-3421.
Click here for Orthopedic Technician Program flyer

This program was initiated by the California Community College Chancellor’ s Office Workforce & Economic Development Division to promote the advancement of California’s health care workforce through quality education and services; pursuant to grant #15-156-004, DSN Health awarded to Rio Hondo College.