Orthotists and Prosthetists
Additional Information
Duties
In general, orthotists and prosthetists will:
- Determine a patient's needs by doing an evaluation and interviewing them.
- Take measurements or imprints of the part of a patient's body that will be fitted with a brace or an artificial limb.
- Work with doctors to create custom orthotic and prosthetic devices.
- Materials for the orthotic or prosthetic device should be chosen in advance.
- Carefully demonstrate how to operate and maintain patients' equipment.
- To adjust, repair, or replace prosthetic and orthotic devices.
- In patients' records, write down the care they received.
Orthotists and prosthetists can specialize in one or the other of orthotics and prosthetics. Specialized training is required for orthotists who operate with medical support devices such as braces for the spine or knees. Prosthetic limbs and other body parts are the specialty of prosthetists, who get specialized training.
Some orthotists and prosthetists make their own prosthetics and orthotics for their patients. ' Others oversee the medical appliance technicians who build orthotic or prosthetic devices.
Education
To become an orthotist or prosthetist, one must have earned at least a master's degree in the field. Courses on orthotics and prosthetics for the upper and lower limbs, spinal orthotics, and plastics and other materials utilized in fabrication are included in these courses. A clinical component is also part of orthotics and prosthetics training programs, in which students collaborate with an orthotist or prosthetist.
The majority of master's programs last two years. Anyone with a bachelor's degree in any area who wants to pursue a master's degree in science or math can do so. Each software has its own set of specifications.
Allied Health Education Programs Commission (CAAHEP) accreditation covers orthotics and prosthetics programs (CAAHEP).
Training
Those who have completed a master's degree program in orthotics and prosthetics are required to undergo a residency certified by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). A one-year residency program in orthotics or prosthetics is standard. Both orthotics and prosthetics residency training must be completed by individuals who wish to become certified in both fields, which requires an 18-month residency in both fields.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
Licensed orthotists and prosthetists are required in several states. Orthotists and prosthetists are frequently required to be certified by the states in which they are licensed to practice, but this varies by state. Many orthotists and prosthetists pursue certification despite of state mandates since it indicates their proficiency.
Orthotists and prosthetists can be certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). Three tests are required to become certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Qualities that may matter
Skills in verbal and non-verbal communication. They must be able to interact well with the technicians who typically make the medical gadgets. They must also be able to explain to patients how to utilize and care for the equipment they are using and providing.
Dedicated to the finer points of a project. To guarantee that devices are constructed and fit correctly, orthotists and prosthetists need to be extremely accurate when documenting measurements.
Patience. Patients with particular needs may require the attention of orthotists and prosthetists for lengthy periods of time.
Strength and agility. Handiwork skills are essential for orthotists and prosthetists. Orthotics and prostheses with complex mechanical components can be made by them.
Stamina of the body. Orthotists and prosthetists need to be able to operate with shop equipment and hand tools without feeling uncomfortable. While examining or measuring patients, they may have to stoop, kneel, or lean over.
Pay
The median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $78,310 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,730.
Job Projections
Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.