The Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists
and Twenty-Eight Years Examining Candidates

Pamela Smith
Registrar, Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists

The Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists (CSOT) became incorporated under Federal Letters Patent on February 25, 1974 as a non-profit society.

Its purposes and objectives are:

a) To promote and develop training programmes for those persons interested in the profession of orthopaedic technology.

b) To promote and maintain such professional standards as will make a constructive contribution to the science of medicine and the community.

c) To encourage uniform training programmes and uniform examinations throughout Canada and work for the highest possible standards for the purpose of providing well qualified Orthopaedic Technologists for hospitals and medical clinics.

d) To promote and facilitate cooperation between Orthopaedic Technologists and the medical profession, hospitals, related companies and other agencies interested in orthopaedic technology.

The society has the support of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Edward English of Scarborough Ontario and Dr. Richard E. Buckley of Calgary Alberta have been appointed by the COA as the Advisors of this Society.

Registry Examinations:
Credentialing is done initially by a written, oral and practical examination and subsequently by accumulating continuing education units or through retaking the examination.

The first examination was conducted at the Wellesley Hospital on September 16, 1978. Since that date, we have examined over 500 candidates in 95 different examination sites. One of the goals of the CSOT is to ensure that the process of certification and continuing education will provide to the general population and the medical community qualified and competent registered orthopaedic technologists.

Registered Orthopaedic Technologists are trained health professionals who assist orthopaedic surgeons with preventing or correcting disorders of the locomotor structures of the body, including the skeleton, muscles, joints, ligaments and cartilage. Working in a variety of settings, orthopaedic technologists play a necessary role in patient care for orthopaedic conditions and anomalies.

The Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists endorses the concept of voluntary certification by examination for orthopaedic technicians. The certification process is designed to promote excellence in the practice of orthopaedic technology.

The purpose of certification is to:

1) Establish a standard of knowledge required for certification thereby assisting employers, physicians, members of the health professions and the public.

2) Measure the level of knowledge required for certifying orthopaedic technicians.

3) Encourage professional growth of orthopaedic technology.

4) Formally recognize those individuals who meet all the requirements of the examination regulations of the CSOT.

Continuing Education Programme
The CSOT has chosen the concept of a continuing education programme for REGISTERED MEMBERS = educational development. It is compulsory that Registered Members take part in this programme. Members must have a minimum of 35 points each year. Those not in compliance will be required to write a recertification exam.

Publications
BODYCAST is the official publication of the CSOT. This journal is published four times per year and is distributed free of charge to all members. NEWSCAST is the CSOT newsletter and is published quarterly. Standards of practice and Guidelines for Orthopaedic Technology have been developed.

Convention
The CSOT holds a biennial convention in the Spring. This consists of educational lectures, workshops, demonstrations, industrial exhibits and the general meeting of the Society. The 2008 Convention will be held May 2, 3 and 4, 2008 in Toronto, ON at the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel.

Membership Categories
Full Membership: Is available to all persons who are gainfully employed and actively working in the orthopaedic fracture and/or cast room of a Canadian hospital and have done so for at least ONE FULL YEAR (minimum of 850 hours per year). 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 Member.

Registered: A Registered Member is a person who has satisfactorily completed the examinations for Registry as outlined in the Registry Regulations, i.e., written, oral and practical exam completed.

Associate: Is available to all persons working in fields related to orthopaedic technology or who reside and practice outside Canada. This category of membership is also available to graduates of an orthopaedic technologist programme. Members in this category are ineligible to write the exams.

Industrial: Is available to persons who are engaged in the manufacture or sale of orthopaedic equipment or supplies. Members in this category are ineligible to write the exams.

Student Membership: Is available to students enrolled in a CSOT approved college programme or in the process of being trained in hospital. Members in this category are ineligible to write the exams.

We are a versatile group and over the past thirty five years have offered consistency in our programme and expectations. Because of the expertise of Registered Orthopaedic Technologists, surgeons are able to see more patients in a day. We have earned their trust and are able to work unsupervised which, in turn, enables a much higher efficiency level. In reality, we could, in some cases, be a part of the surgical team assisting orthopaedic surgeons in their clinics; particularly in a non-teaching facility. Registered Orthopaedic Technologists are integral to the efficient functioning of clinics.

We encourage all orthopaedic surgeons to ensure they have Registered Orthopaedic Technologists in their clinics.