Orthotist/Prosthetist

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

15.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Orthotist/Prosthetist?

Orthotists and Prosthetists are healthcare professionals who design, create, and fit orthopedic braces (orthoses) and artificial limbs (prostheses). They play a critical role in enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life for individuals with physical impairments.

Sample job titles:

Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), Orthotist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Orthotist/Prosthetist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Orthotist/Prosthetist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$60K per year	$78K per year	$99K per year	$119K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Orthotist/Prosthetist do?

Work environment

Orthotists and Prosthetists typically work in specialized clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice. Their work involves patient consultations, design and fabrication work in labs, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Quick task list

Evaluates patients' needs and prescribes orthotic or prosthetic devices.
Designs and fabricates orthoses and prostheses.
Fits and adjusts devices to ensure comfort and functionality.
Provides follow-up care, including adjustments and maintenance of devices.
Educates patients and their families on device use and care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics: Focusing on devices for children, accounting for growth and development.
Upper Limb Prosthetics: Specializing in artificial arms, hands, and fingers.
Lower Limb Prosthetics: Concentrating on artificial legs and feet.
Spinal Orthotics: Creating braces and supports for spinal conditions.
Sports Orthotics: Designing devices to aid athletes, including high-performance prosthetics.

Description

Orthotists and Prosthetists combine medical knowledge with technical skill to provide life-changing devices to their patients. They must thoroughly understand anatomy, biomechanics, and material science to create devices that are both functional and comfortable. The role requires precision and creativity, as each device is often custom-made to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Patient interaction is a significant part of the job, involving initial consultations, fittings, and follow-up appointments. Orthotists/Prosthetists must possess excellent communication skills to understand patients' needs and explain complex information in an understandable way. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and surgeons, to ensure comprehensive care.

This career is suited to those who are passionate about improving the lives of others through healthcare and technology. It offers the satisfaction of directly impacting patients' quality of life and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in medical device design and fabrication.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in patients' mobility and quality of life.
The blend of patient care with hands-on technical work.
Continuous learning with advancements in technology and materials.

You might make a good Orthotist/Prosthetist if you are...

Interested in a healthcare career that combines patient interaction with technical design and fabrication.
Detail-oriented, with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and innovation.
Compassionate and empathetic, with excellent communication skills.
Intrigued by biomechanics and the use of technology in healthcare.
A team player who enjoys collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Pros:

High level of job satisfaction from improving patients' lives.
Engaging and varied work, with opportunities to use cutting-edge technology.
Growing demand in the healthcare field.

Cons:

Extensive education and training required.
The job can be physically demanding, involving standing for long periods and handling heavy materials.
Emotional challenges in working with patients who have experienced significant trauma or loss.

How to become an Orthotist/Prosthetist

Typical education

To become an Orthotist/Prosthetist, one usually needs a Master's degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics, followed by a residency. This totals approximately 6-7 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Physics to understand human anatomy and mechanics.
Mathematics for design and measurement accuracy.
Art or Design Technology to develop creative and technical skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings or rehabilitation centers.
Participating in engineering or robotics clubs.
Engaging in sports or physical activities to appreciate movement and physical challenges.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, biomechanics, or engineering.
Enroll in a Master's program in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Complete a residency program in orthotics and prosthetics.
Obtain certification through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP).

More resources

American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) - Certification and educational information.
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) - Offers a directory of accredited educational programs.
Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC) - Professional organization providing resources for Canadian practitioners.
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) - Professional development and continuing education opportunities.

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