Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
A subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Sample of reported job titles:
General Surgeon, Hand Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, Physician, Surgeon
You will be leaving O*NET OnLine to visit our sister site My Next Move. You can return by using the Back button in your browser, or by choosing “O*NET OnLine” from the O*NET Sites menu at the bottom of any page in My Next Move.
You will be leaving O*NET OnLine to visit our sister site My Next Move for Veterans. You can return by using the Back button in your browser, or by choosing “O*NET OnLine” from the O*NET Sites menu at the bottom of any page in My Next Move for Veterans.
Saldrá de O*NET OnLine para visitar nuestro sitio afiliado Mi Próximo Paso. Puede regresar usando el botón Atrás en su navegador, o eligiendo “O*NET OnLine” en el menú Sitios O*NET en la parte inferior de cualquier página en Mi Próximo Paso.
Tasks
-
Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
-
Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
-
Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
-
Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
-
Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
-
Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
-
Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
-
Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
-
Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
-
Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
-
Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
-
-
Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.
-
Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
-
Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
back to top
Technology Skills
-
Graphics or photo imaging software — Computer imaging software
-
Human resources software — Human resources management system HRMS
-
Medical software — Electronic medical record EMR software; Epic Systems
; MEDITECH software
; Three-dimensional 3D virtual surgery software
; 5 more
-
Operating system software — Microsoft Windows
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
back to top
Detailed Work Activities
-
Diagnose medical conditions.
-
Operate on patients to treat conditions.
-
-
Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
-
Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
-
Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
-
Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.
-
Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
-
Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
-
Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.
-
Manage healthcare operations.
-
Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
-
Order medical supplies or equipment.
-
Prescribe treatments or therapies.
-
Record patient medical histories.
-
Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
-
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
-
Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
-
Supervise patient care personnel.
-
Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
back to top
Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Related Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
- SVP Range
- (8.0 and above)
back to top
Training & Credentials
- State training
-
- Local training
-
- Certifications
-
- State licenses
-
back to top
Apprenticeship Opportunities
back to top
Interests
-
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
-
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
back to top
Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2023)
- $115.00+ hourly, $239,200+ annual
- State wages
-
- Local wages
-
- Employment (2023)
- 16,000 employees
- Projected growth (2023-2033)
-
Average (3% to 5%)
- Projected job openings (2023-2033)
- 400
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2023)
-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data
external site and 2023-2033 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
back to top
Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
-
- Local job openings
-
back to top
back to top
Professional Associations
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.
View the list of Allies
National Associations
Regional Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions
back to top