Orthotist / Prosthetist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$79,494
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+17.43%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Orthotist or Prosthetist designs supportive devices, such as artificial limbs and braces, and fits devices for patients. Works specifically with supportive devices like braces or with prosthetic limbs. Works for a medical equipment manufacturer or health and personal care store, or in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- 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.
- Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
- Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
- Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
- Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
- Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
- Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
- Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
What to expect as an Orthotist / Prosthetist
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
44% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Orthotist / Prosthetist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
231 openings for Orthotists / Prosthetists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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