Dear Members of the COA,

We are writing to inform you that in the forthcoming years, the health care sector in Canada could be facing a shortage of Registered Orthopaedic Technologists. This shortage will have a direct impact on your group since your Fracture Clinics will be facing a resulting staffing crisis of qualified Orthopaedic Technologists.

This shortage phenomenon is attributable to normal attrition which is being faced by many other health professions, but compounded by the fact that we currently do not have a sanctioned training programme for Orthopaedic Technology. In the absence of a training programme, the lone option individuals have to become qualified Registered Orthopaedic Technologists lies with the apprenticeship programme combined with the rigorous examination process through the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists (CSOT). This is a proven and effective process for developing skilful individuals, but it does take time. As staffing needs are raised in your respective clinics and practices, please appreciate the extensive lead time required to develop and nurture individuals into skilful technologists using the aforementioned method.

Kind Regards,

Norm Ellsworth
President
Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists