by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Orthopedic Technology involves the study of A Program That Prepares Individuals, Under The Supervision Of Physicians, To Cast, Splint, And Brace Orthopedic Injuries. Includes Instruction In Patient Assessment; Casting, Splinting, And Orthopedic Appliances; Radiographic Interpretation; Traction; And Wound Care. Read on to learn the key facts every orthopedic technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering orthopedic technology programs.
In the U.S., orthopedic technology draws strong interest, with 22 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Orthopedic Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 2 schools to determine the best overall colleges for orthopedic technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of orthopedic technology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Orthopedic Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations orthopedic technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a orthopedic technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a orthopedic technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several orthopedic technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 22 |
People currently working in careers related to orthopedic technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 19.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 19.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 16.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 15.0% |
| Master’s degree | 13.6% |
| Some college courses | 7.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 2.7% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in orthopedic technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in orthopedic technology prepares you for numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to orthopedic technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to orthopedic technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Representatives | 3,368,169 | 4.8% |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | 3,206,816 | 12.2% |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | 2,908,248 | 9.4% |
| Neurodiagnostic Technologists | 1,852,560 | 14.1% |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of orthopedic technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,845 |
| 4 years | $61,295 |
| 5 years | $69,015 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for orthopedic technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers orthopedic technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $153,940 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | $153,819 |
| Neurodiagnostic Technologists | $81,316 |
| Patient Representatives | $47,419 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,663 |
With 2 different orthopedic technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased orthopedic technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering orthopedic technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
