Everyone knows that the medical field is the safest industry to establish a career. It shouldn't surprise you that a career in Orthopedics is such a high paying and in demand career choice. In the medical specialty of Orthopedics the focus is on diagnosing, repairing and treating bones, ligaments, joints and muscles. This often includes torn ligaments, spinal injuries and broken bones. While most know that Orthopedics is mainly a surgical specialty, there are some physicians and other medical professionals who serve as non-surgical orthopedics.

Although this career takes a considerable amount of additional schooling, the payoff is well worth the time and effort. It is, after all; a great investment in your future. However, before you embark on an Orthopedic career path, you should know your options.

5 Orthopedic Career Choices

- Orthopedic Surgeon

An Orthopedic Surgeon operates on various body parts, to include; feet, knees, shoulders, elbows, etc. Indicating that where ever joints and bones are located in the body surgery can be performed. There are Orthopedic Specialist who focus on a specific body part, such as; knees.

- Physical Therapists

Once a person has received orthopedic surgery, he would then be referred to a physical therapist for rehabilitation. The physical therapist will work on the area for which the patient received surgery, strengthening those joints and muscles. Again, considerable schooling is involved. This is necessary because a physical therapist has to know how the muscles and joints in the body actually function in order to be effective in their career.

- Orthopedic Nursing

Not as demanding as being a doctor but you can still work in the field. An Orthopedic Nurse assists the surgeons when a patient requires surgery due to a musculoskeletal problem. The Orthopedic nurse often has the responsibly of educating the patient and their families about symptoms, prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.

- Orthopedic Sales

This involves selling the equipment that is used by Orthopedic Doctors. While this may require the least amount of education of any of your choices, there is usually quit a bit of on-the-job training required. However, knowing about how the muscles and joints function is important in order to be able to effectively sell the equipment.

The only way to make a wise decision about which choice is best for you, is to explore and understand the full scope of what is involved in each area of Orthopedics. You want to count the cost and make sure that it is something that you are committed to. It isn't a decision to take lightly. You may even want to consider conducting 'fact finding' interviews. This means finding others in the industry that will be able to answer some of questions that might help you in your decision process. Conducting a 'fact finding' interview could also lead to your finding a mentor.