National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists NAOT

NAOT
8365 Keystone Crossing
Suite 107
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 205-9484
(317) 205-9481 FAX
naot@hp-assoc.com
naot.org

NAOT History

The National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists (NAOT) was founded on August 29, 1982, in Boston, Massachusetts. NAOT was originally conceived in the minds and hearts of a few members of the National Federation of Orthopaedic Technologists many years prior to 1982. The group recognized that strength is fostered in unity, and professionalism is rooted in the formulation of goals and standards. A core group of orthopaedic technologists committed themselves to the formulation of an independent, self-governing organization. They presented their concepts to the full membership of the Federation in Dallas, Texas in 1981. A vote was taken, and the decision was made to prepare to launch the new association at the 1982 convention. Representatives from the various regional, state, and local groups (members of the Federation) came together in Boston to adopt a charter and by-laws for a truly national organization. Officers were elected, and the Executive Board was established. NAOT was born, and the parent Federation became a thing of the past.

Mission Statement

NAOT is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through education of orthopaedic technologists, and other related allied health care professionals, and the general public. NAOT believes that the profession of orthopaedic technology can only reach full potential and universal acceptance through widespread educational opportunities. Certification of all orthopaedic technologists underscores NAOT's commitment to these professional goals.

What is an Orthopaedic Technologist?

The Orthopaedic Technologist (OT) is a specifically trained allied health care individual who assists the orthopaedic surgeon in the practice of medicine. An OT is an extension of the orthopaedic surgeon and assists in the care of sick and disabled persons. OTs must have the ability to relate well to other people, be considerate of their conditions and able to communicate with patients in understanding their anxieties and fears. An OT is familiar with routine office and departmental procedures and is able to perform certain basic nursing functions.

An expert in plaster and synthetic cast application, an OT is responsible for instructing patients about the dangers of this form of treatment. An OT has the skill to remove casts with care and fragility, is equipped with the general principles of traction techniques, prepares or sets up specific types of traction requested by the orthopaedic surgeon and is able to assess patients in traction, detect deficiencies in the apparatus and make adjustments as necessary.

The OT may perform as a first assistant to the orthopaedic surgeon in the operating suite. To do this, OTs must understand medical and surgical asepsis. This would include preparing for surgical procedures, assembling and preparing the fracture table to the specifications of the orthopaedic surgeon.

The OT is able to fit and adjust canes, crutches and walkers, as well as giving patient instruction on the use of these walking aids. Other important responsibilities of the OT are the ability to apply simple braces, prosthetics, perform minor adjustments and repairs, as well as fabricate splints for various conditions under the direction of the orthopaedic surgeon.

All of these important duties fall under the realm of an Orthopaedic Technologist. NAOT is dedicated to the continued education of these important health professionals.

2009 NAOT National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists, 27th Annual Meeting Memphis, TN USA Aug 5 -8 2009

2010 NAOT National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists, 28th Annual Clinical Symposium, Houston, TX USA Aug 4 - 7 2010
2011 NAOT National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists, 29th Annual Clinical Symposium, Oklahoma, OK USA Aug 3 - 6 2011