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68B Career Guide

Army

68B: Orthopedic Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Orthopedic Specialist (68B)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 68B veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Orthopedic Technologist

$55K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Orthopedic Technologist (OTC) or Technician (OT)

Medical Assistant

$42K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)Electronic Health Records (EHR) proficiency

Surgical Technician

$52K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Operating room protocols

Medical and Health Services Manager

$110K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Healthcare Administration or related fieldProject managementHealthcare finance

Healthcare Trainer/Educator

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Curriculum developmentAdult learning principlesSpecific healthcare certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS instructor)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 68B training built — and where they transfer.

Team Synchronization

As a 68B, you've coordinated care between physicians, nurses, and other specialists to ensure seamless treatment plans for orthopedic patients. You understand how to orchestrate efforts for optimal patient outcomes.

This ability to synchronize team efforts directly translates to managing project workflows, coordinating staff, and ensuring everyone is aligned toward common goals in a civilian setting.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict medical protocols and regulations is paramount in orthopedic care. You have experience meticulously following procedures to guarantee patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Your dedication to procedural compliance ensures consistent quality and reduces errors, a valuable asset in any highly regulated industry.

Situational Awareness

Whether it's a bustling clinic or a busy surgical setting, you maintain heightened awareness of your surroundings, anticipating needs and potential issues to proactively support the medical team and patients.

Your keen situational awareness makes you adept at quickly assessing environments, identifying potential risks, and making informed decisions under pressure.

Resource Optimization

Managing orthopedic clinics and ancillary sections requires efficiently allocating resources, from medical supplies to personnel, to ensure smooth operations and optimal patient care within budget constraints.

Your experience in optimizing resource allocation makes you well-suited for roles where you need to maximize efficiency and minimize waste, whether in project management or operations.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Healthcare Administrator

SOC 11-9111.00

You've already demonstrated your ability to manage medical environments and coordinate care. You've been responsible for optimizing resources, ensuring procedural compliance, and maintaining situational awareness in high-pressure situations, which are all vital skills for a Healthcare Administrator. Your experience supervising teams and assisting physicians directly translates to overseeing healthcare facility operations, managing budgets, and ensuring quality patient care.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

Your expertise in managing medical supplies and equipment within an orthopedic setting translates perfectly to coordinating logistics in various industries. You've been responsible for ensuring the right supplies are available at the right time, a crucial skill for efficient supply chain management. You're adept at optimizing resource allocation, tracking inventory, and problem-solving to maintain smooth operations.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

Your meticulous adherence to medical protocols and regulations makes you an ideal candidate for a Compliance Officer role. You've been responsible for ensuring that medical procedures are followed correctly, and you understand the importance of maintaining standards. You're well-equipped to develop, implement, and monitor compliance programs to prevent violations and ensure ethical conduct.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Medical Education and Training Campus, Fort Sam Houston, TX

280 training hours7 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Orthopedic Conditions and Injuries
  • Casting and Splinting Techniques
  • Orthopedic Equipment and Supplies Management
  • Patient Assessment and Documentation
  • Clinical Procedures and Protocols
  • Infection Control and Safety
  • Medical Terminology

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)60% covered

Study general industry safety standards, hazard communication, and safety management systems. Focus on OSHA regulations and consensus standards.

Medical Assistant (various certifications)40% covered

Formal medical assisting programs cover phlebotomy, medication administration, EKG, and administrative tasks in greater depth. Review these topics.

Recommended Next Certifications

Orthopedic Technologist Certification (OTC)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Bone Cement Mixing SystemsMedical-grade polymer mixing equipment
Arthroscopic Surgical EquipmentMinimally invasive surgical tools and video systems
Operating Room Management Systems (ORMS)Hospital operating room scheduling and resource management software
Electronic Health Records (EHR) - specifically AHLTA/MHS GENESISElectronic Health Record (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
Casting and Splinting Materials (various types)Orthopedic casting and bracing materials
Digital Radiography SystemsDigital X-ray imaging systems
Sterilization Equipment (Autoclaves, etc.)Medical equipment sterilization devices

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