Orthotists and Prosthetists
Overview
Orthotists and prosthetists create life-changing medical devices like artificial limbs, braces, and other supportive equipment for people who need them. You'll work directly with patients to design, build, and fit custom devices using advanced materials and cutting-edge technology like 3D printing and computer modeling. This career combines engineering creativity with healthcare compassion, as you'll measure patients, select the best materials, and teach people how to use their new devices. Many professionals in this field work in collaborative clinic settings where they partner with doctors, physical therapists, and patients to improve mobility and quality of life.
Did you know?
Becoming an orthotist or prosthetist requires completing an accredited master's degree program and obtaining state licensure, which can be a lengthy and competitive process.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$75,789.78 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Critical Thinking
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
- Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
- Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
- Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
- Maintain patients' records.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
- Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
- Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
- Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
Career Considerations
Educational and Licensing Requirements
Becoming an orthotist or prosthetist requires completing an accredited master's degree program and obtaining state licensure, which can be a lengthy and competitive process.
Emotional Resilience
This profession involves working closely with patients who have experienced trauma, amputation, or congenital disabilities, requiring strong emotional intelligence and coping skills.
Growing Market Demand
The aging U.S. population and increasing rates of diabetes-related amputations are driving strong job growth prospects in this field through 2030.