Mpa Ortho Specialist

About the role

Cooper Norcross Health, formerly Cooper University Health Care, is a leading academic health system affiliated with Cooper Norcross Medical School of Rowan University. Headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, Cooper Norcross Health has revenues of more than $3 billion and an A+ credit rating from both S&P and Fitch Ratings. The health system employs nearly 14,000 team members, including more than 2,200 nurses, more than 1,200 employed physicians representing 95 specialties and subspecialties, and more than 700 advanced practice providers. It operates MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper as well as four hospitals: the 663-bed flagship Cooper Norcross University Hospital in Camden (the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey), the 229-bed Cooper Norcross University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, Children’s Hospital at Cooper Norcross Health in Camden, and The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, a substance abuse rehabilitation and inpatient treatment facility in partnership with Advanced Recovery Systems. The ambulatory network encompasses three outpatient surgery centers, seven urgent care centers, a wound care center, and more than 130 physician, physical therapy, and radiology offices extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore. More than 2.54 million patients visit Cooper Norcross Health facilities annually. The system was named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2026 by Forbes, ranking among the top 200 in the nation.

The MPA (Medical Practice Assistant)/Orthopedic Specialist provides a broad spectrum of advanced clinical expertise and direct patient care within the orthopedic and sports medicine specialties in the orthopedic ambulatory practices as well as hospital coverage. The MPA/registered orthopedic technologist mentors and precepts new hires and those pursuing credentials as a registered or certified orthopedic technologist, as well as Medical Practice Assistants new to the specialty of Orthopedics. The role coordinates all activities related to casting, bracing, DME, wound care, suture/staple removal, ordering and maintenance of supplies, inventory, and care of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively and interact with patients, team members, physicians, and other customers in a courteous, pleasant, and efficient manner.
• Articulate descriptions of orthopaedic conditions based on an understanding of anatomical structures and their relationships.
• Mentor, train, and precept new hires as medical practice assistants and those pursuing designation as orthopaedic technologist (registered or certified) to bridge the gap between theory and actual practice.
• Orient new staff to the practices and all sub-specialty specific casting, bracing, and related procedures.
• Teach and demonstrate knowledge of proper application of aseptic techniques in dressing changes and removal of sutures or staples.
• Prepare and assist with complex and basic wound care and dressing changes as directed by physician.
• Provide advanced orthopaedic technologist clinical support across a broad spectrum of orthopaedic sub-specialties including hand, joints, spine, trauma, and sports medicine.
• Perform a wide variety of orthopaedic clinical activities including, but not limited to, removing sutures/staples, applying and removing casts, splints, braces, and other orthopaedic devices (e.g., Halo).
• Under the guidance of surgeons, fabricate splints and manage other simple medical technology, including braces.
• Apply knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures.
• Instruct and teach patients to use walking aids such as canes and crutches; fit and adjust equipment as necessary.
• Effectively assist in the documentation of physician orders such as prescriptions, physical and occupational therapy, studies performed by outside facilities requiring written documentation, and return-to-work/physical activity slips.
• Consistently develop and maintain a complete inventory of required clinical items.
• Clean and stock patient exam, treatment, storage rooms, and medical devices.
• Greet patients promptly, courteously, and professionally; assist patients into the examination room completing all initiation-of-visit requirements (including rooming, taking vital signs and patient history, and assisting with minor procedures).
• Develop and improve skills in the organization of work and in assisting the physician for economy in time, motion, and materials.
• Assist with coordination of ongoing education, including hands-on training of orthopaedic technologists and those pursuing their credentials, in partnership with physicians, the Director of Clinical Practice, the Director of Ambulatory Operations, DME and surgical vendors.
• Accurately and efficiently perform administrative duties including in-basket and telephone communication, documentation in the medical record, obtaining reports, completion of insurance and/or disability forms, precertification and/or authorizations.
• Assist in making follow-up appointments and consultation appointments with other specialists for patients.

Requirements

• 0–2 years of experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a Certified Orthopaedic Technology or Registered Orthopaedic Technologist training program.
• National certification as a Registered Medical Practice Assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or as a Certified Medical Practice Assistant through the American Association of Medical Practice Assistants (AAMA).
• Current CPR certification and current health records.
• Credentials as a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist or Orthopaedic Technologist Certified.

Pay

USD $29.00 – $48.00 per hour.