We receive casts from practitioners of patients. We seal and fill them with plaster to create positive models of residual limbs (prosthetics); or existing limbs (orthotics). We correct the molds per medical instructions, and then construct the main part of the devices by using thermo formable plastics or laminates like carbon fiber or fiberglass. We install components like knee or ankle joints, pads, and straps. The devices are aligned and calibrated depending on the condition of the patient.
CAREER
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$70,190
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+16.9% (much faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Master's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Orthotists and Prosthetists Do
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Other Job Titles Orthotists and Prosthetists May Have
Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Pedorthist, Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist (CPO), Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist (LPO), Orthotic Practitioner, Orthotist, Prosthetic Practitioner, Prosthetist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Maintain patients' records.
- Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Orthotists and Prosthetists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Some college, no degree (35%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Orthotist/Prosthetist
Certification / License
Orthotist/Prosthetist
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
This job fits a person who has always liked to tinker with and build things. It would be a great benefit to have a working knowledge of basic shop skills including shop safety, hand tools and the ability to read a tape measure. Basic math skills to make calculations regarding volumes, dimensions, weights and measures are required. Basic familiarity with the safe operation of power tools would be a plus. And just a general desire to build really cool stuff that helps people walk!
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Embrace the concept of apprenticeship. The orthotics & prosthetics industry has an established pathway for currently certified technicians to train and prepare other technicians. Eligibility to sit for certification exams with A.B.C. (American Board of Certification) begins after only two years of apprenticeship! You can get paid while you learn! Once you become an experienced O&P technician, your salary ranges from 35k to 65k! (from Sept. 2013 salary survey, O&P Edge magazine)
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
