Established in 1982, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNOLOGISTS (NAOT) is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through the continued educational development of orthopaedic allied health care professionals who specialize in casting, splinting and bracing. NAOT offers a number of valuable benefits to members, including a subscription to two publications written specifically for orthotechs, reduced registration fees to educational workshops and conferences, on-line education, annual compensation and benefit information and discounts to take the certification examination and log credits for re-certification.

NAOT News

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Important CMS Rule Change, Effective March 10, 2010
Orthotechs, especially those involved DME coding, should be aware of the latest Medicare and Medicaid rule changes that were included in CMS transmittal 297, issued on August 7, 2009.
[click here for more information] - posted September 30, 2009


2010 SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE!

Orthotech pay increases by 3% in 2008
The average salary for an orthopaedic technologist increased slightly between 2006 and 2008, according to the results of the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists’ (NAOT) compensation and benefits survey.  The report, based on data provided by nearly 300 orthotechs from around the country, found the average 2008 salary was $44,458, a 3% increase from the 2006 average of $43,231. The NAOT salary survey provides average salaries based on years of experience, geographic region, type of employment, level of education, and certification.  In addition, valuable data on after-hour-call pay, health and life insurance benefits and flex time was collected.
[click here to read the entire article] - posted July 3, 2008

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Due to the last survey, I went to my employer for a raise and went from $44,600 to $50,000!
-Orthotech, Southwest

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Orthotech Professional On-line

Advancements in Shoulder Arthroplasty by Sean Conkle, OTC Shoulder arthroplasty, most commonly known as shoulder replacement surgery, is a procedure in which a surgeon resurfaces damaged bone and cartilage at the ends of the bones in a patient’s affected shoulder joint. The procedure involves the use of metal alloy and polyethylene (plastic) implants designed to reduce or eliminate pain and restore motion in the shoulder by inhibiting painful bone-on-bone contact. [click here to read the entire article] - posted January 14, 2010

Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee by Shannon Hickman, NHTI 2009 Graduate Articular cartilage injuries are the cause of significant musculoskeletal morbidity for both the young and aging population. Articular cartilage lesions can be located on one focal aspect of the tibiofemoral or patellofemoral joint, or can be very large and involve many compartments of the knee, often referred to as osteoarthritis. Currently surgical treatment options offer reparative, and restorative treatment strategies. The purpose of this article is to discuss the basic science of articular cartilage, current treatment options available, and the rehabilitation protocols for each treatment and progression post-surgically. [click here to read the entire article] - posted October 28, 2009

Understanding Patterns of Domestic Abuse by Roberta Charlesworth, OTC. RTR Domestic violence touches the lives of more than 60 million Americans each year and as many as a quarter of all American families, 95% of which are women.  As many as 35% of women who visit hospital emergency rooms are there for symptoms related to ongoing abuse.  Domestic abuse cuts across all barriers, including economic, racial, ethnic, age, and sex.  While family violence can effect both men and women, women are most often the victims.  Estimates are that as many as 4 million are battered each year by husbands, boyfriends, or lovers. [click here to read the entire article] - posted August 14, 2009

Knee Osteoarthritis by Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC Arthritis is a health care epidemic, costing America over 81 billion dollars annually on treatment and management. More than one in every 5 adult Americans suffers from arthritis. The painful effects of arthritis limit everyday physical activity more than cancer, heart disease or diabetes. [click here to read the entire article] - posted April 1, 2009

Become a Certified Orthopaedic Technologist
Earn the OTC credential -- the only legitimate and accredited certification for orthopaedic technologists. The certification exam is offered at more than 300 test sites around the world. For more information, visit www.nbcot.net or (866) 466-2268.