Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

Median Annual Wage: $64,040

Education: Post-baccalaureate certificate (42%); Bachelor's degree (30%); Master's degree (21%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO); Certified Prosthetist (CP); Orthotist/Prosthetist; Orthotist; Certified Orthotist (CO); Orthotic/Prosthetic Practitioner; Prosthetist; Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist (LPO); American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist); Pedorthist

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Orthotists and Prosthetists.

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
  • Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
  • Maintain patients' records.
  • Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
  • Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
  • Make and modify plaster casts of areas that will be fitted with prostheses or orthoses, for use in the device construction process.
  • Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
  • Construct and fabricate appliances or supervise others constructing the appliances.
  • Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
  • Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
  • Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
  • Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
  • Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
  • Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Orthotists and Prosthetists.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Orthotists and Prosthetists.

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