Air Force AFSC · Medical

45BX Orthopedic Surgeon

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

Overview

An Orthopedic Surgeon examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. The surgeon uses conservative and surgical methods to treat conditions ranging from sports injuries to degenerative disorders.

Core Skills

  • Conservative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions
  • Management of orthopedic surgery services

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric

Military experience diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases and injuries through surgical and conservative means directly overlaps civilian orthopedic practice.

How to prepare: Review your existing medical education, specialty training, licenses and credentials with the intended state's medical board and prospective employer to identify any gaps. All states require physician licensure, but requirements vary by state.

What the civilian work involves
  • Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
  • Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Computer imaging software
  • Image-guided surgery software

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (3 documents)
  1. DAFOCD, 30 Apr 26: ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON (45BX)

    [1] Specialty Summary section "ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON"; normalized cached text lines 8221-8241; family-level section (45B4, 45B3, 45B1)

    Supports: Conservative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, Management of orthopedic surgery services, Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric (O*NET 29-1242.00)

  2. O*NET: Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric (O*NET 29-1242.00)

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons

    [3] What They Do; Duties; How to Become One, Training and Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations; retrieved 23 September 2026

    Supports: Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric (O*NET 29-1242.00)

Defense contractor jobs for 45BX

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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