Orthopedic Technician/DME

CAO; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is seeking an Orthopaedic Technician to support patient flow and clinical operations in a fast-paced orthopedic setting. You will escort patients, collect history and vitals, and assist with casts, bracing, and rehab protocols.

The role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to follow physician protocols while maintaining HIPAA and OSHA compliance. Join a large, physician-led organization with a patient-centered approach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Certification as an Orthopaedic Technician (OTC through NAOT) or medical assistant, OR equivalent clinical experience in an orthopaedic or surgical setting.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment and managing multiple patients simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to move easily between clinical and conversational language when working with patients and physicians.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to follow physician protocols consistently and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Owns the patient experience from check-in to check-out — escorting patients to their room and taking medical history, medication, vitals, and chief complaint information.
• Serves as the clinical liaison between the patient and physician, making sure the right information reaches the right person at the right time.
• Collects and documents patient history and clinical data accurately in the EHR.
• Applies and removes casts, splints, and orthopaedic bracing; fits patients for crutches and other assistive devices; and provides clear patient education on use and care.
• Provides patients with home exercise protocols as directed by the physician, ensuring patients understand and can follow their care plan.
• Maintains strict compliance with HIPAA and OSHA guidelines at all times, including safe handling of blood and bodily fluids.
• Takes and interprets vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiration, temperature), flagging abnormal results.
• Performs suture or staple removal for post-operative patients.
• Assists the physician directly during in-office procedures.
• Performs wound care and dressing changes.
• Monitors the clinical phone line and patient portal, responding to patient questions and providing follow-up instructions.
• Assists with clinical inventory management, tracking, and ordering.
• Coordinates or assists in coordinating MRI authorizations.

Job description

Position Summary/Scope of Responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

Our patients are often navigating some of the most physically frustrating moments of their lives — a new injury, a post-surgical recovery, a condition that’s kept them on the sidelines. The Orthopaedic Technician is one of the first people they interact with and one of the most consistent presences throughout their visit. You set the pace, the tone, and the standard for what it feels like to be a patient at our practice. Behind the scenes, you're the connective tissue that keeps physicians focused on clinical decisions and patients moving confidently through their care.

Core Responsibilities

These are the responsibilities this role is measured on day-to-day. They reflect the heart of the job: keeping patients moving smoothly through their visit while giving physicians accurate, timely clinical support.

• Owns the patient experience from check-in to check-out — escorting patients to their room and taking medical history, medication, vitals, and chief complaint information.
• Serves as the clinical liaison between the patient and physician, making sure the right information reaches the right person at the right time.
• Collects and documents patient history and clinical data accurately in the EHR.
• Applies and removes casts, splints, and orthopaedic bracing; fits patients for crutches and other assistive devices; and provides clear patient education on use and care.
• Provides patients with home exercise protocols as directed by the physician, ensuring patients understand and can follow their care plan.
• Maintains strict compliance with HIPAA and OSHA guidelines at all times, including safe handling of blood and bodily fluids.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Takes and interprets vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiration, temperature), flagging abnormal results.
• Performs suture or staple removal for post-operative patients.
• Assists the physician directly during in-office procedures.
• Performs wound care and dressing changes.
• Monitors the clinical phone line and patient portal, responding to patient questions and providing follow-up instructions.
• Assists with clinical inventory management, tracking, and ordering.

Coordinates or assists in coordinating MRI authorizations.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Certification as an Orthopaedic Technician (OTC through NAOT) or as a medical assistant, OR equivalent clinical experience in an orthopaedic or surgical setting.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment and managing multiple patients simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to move easily between clinical and conversational language when working with patients and physicians.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to follow physician protocols consistently and accurately.

Preferred

• Prior experience in an orthopaedic, sports medicine, or surgical clinic.
• Casting and splinting experience.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Experience with wound care, suture/staple removal, or assisting with in-office procedures.
• CPR/BLS certification.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

This is an active, hands-on clinical role. Candidates should be able to:

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, stretch, and stoop for extended periods throughout the clinic day.
• Lift and assist patients as needed, including support during transfers or ambulation.
• Demonstrate fine motor control and eye-hand coordination sufficient for casting, splinting, wound care, and suture or staple removal.
• Hear and see clearly enough to interact with patients directly and accurately document information in the electronic chart.
• Manage high-stress, fast-paced situations while multitasking and communicating effectively with patients, physicians, and staff.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.