Ortho Tech

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Setting | Non-Exempt | Part-Time

Why You'll Love Working Here

As an Ortho Tech at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll support orthopedic patient care while working alongside a collaborative, patient-centered healthcare team. Under the direction of licensed nursing staff, you'll assist in delivering safe, high-quality care while maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment.

This role is ideal for someone with a healthcare background who is compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining safety, professionalism, and excellence in patient care.

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers year-round outdoor recreation, vibrant dining and shopping, excellent schools, and the energy of Appalachian State University.

• Compensation: Starting at $17.87/hour or higher, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity.
• Schedule: [Schedule Details Needed]
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA; supplemental insurance options; student loan refinancing; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off (front-loaded for qualifying employees); paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; Love Your Life wellness incentives; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and employee discounts to regional attractions. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

What You'll Do as an Ortho Tech

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Assist licensed nursing staff in delivering patient care within the scope of training and certification.
• Support orthopedic patient needs while ensuring comfort, safety, and dignity.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe patient care environment.
• Document and communicate patient information accurately and effectively.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Demonstrate compassion and respect for the individuality and dignity of each patient.
• Follow departmental policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, leadership, and volunteers to promote a healthy work environment.
• Contribute to patient safety initiatives and quality care outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Current certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to work within the Ortho Tech scope of practice.
• Effective and courteous communication skills.
• Competency in delivering safe and effective patient care within certification limitations.
• Understanding of the continuum of care in an inpatient setting.
• Strong customer service mindset and commitment to patient-centered care.
• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems and basic data entry.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients weighing 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and mobility for hands-on patient care tasks.
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.
• Prolonged standing, walking, or sitting as required.
• Near visual acuity for detailed tasks (20 inches or less).

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.
• Frequent exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment and environmental hazards.
• Requires flexibility for days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Extended standing and walking (8 hours per shift).
• Occasional prolonged sitting (4 hours).

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Advance your career through tuition reimbursement, the Career Pathways Program, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Impactful Work: Play an important role in supporting orthopedic patients and contributing to positive patient outcomes.
• Team Culture: Join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to providing exceptional care and service.
• Mountain Lifestyle: Enjoy the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community that make Boone one of North Carolina's most desirable places to live and work.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade. UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

UNC Health Appalachian remains committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.

It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while advancing the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience.

For more information, visit unchealth.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.