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Life As an Orthotist or Prosthetist
Position Description Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Life As an Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
- Maintain patients’ records.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians’ prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Construct and fabricate appliances or supervise others constructing the appliances.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
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Things an Orthotist or Prosthetist Should Know How to Do
When polled, Orthotists and Prosthetists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Prosthetics Assistant
- Certified Prosthetist (CP)
- Certified Orthotic Fitter
- Prosthetist
- Certified Orthotist (CO)
Job Outlook for Orthotists and Prosthetists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,800 jobs in the United States for Orthotist or Prosthetist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 21.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Orthotist or Prosthetist by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Orthotist or Prosthetist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Orthotist or Prosthetist are Colorado, Virginia, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Delaware, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Orthotists and Prosthetists Salary
The salary for Orthotists and Prosthetists ranges between about $40,090 and $108,780 a year.
Orthotists and Prosthetists who work in New Hampshire, Texas, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Orthotists and Prosthetists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,600 |
| Alaska | $62,070 |
| Arizona | $71,010 |
| Arkansas | $59,150 |
| California | $88,460 |
| Colorado | $58,740 |
| Florida | $54,830 |
| Georgia | $67,830 |
| Hawaii | $62,590 |
| Idaho | $72,720 |
| Illinois | $81,090 |
| Indiana | $58,460 |
| Iowa | $66,490 |
| Kansas | $76,480 |
| Kentucky | $66,080 |
| Louisiana | $83,060 |
| Maine | $78,620 |
| Maryland | $65,620 |
| Massachusetts | $79,020 |
| Michigan | $76,430 |
| Minnesota | $76,920 |
| Missouri | $76,540 |
| Montana | $55,690 |
| Nebraska | $64,740 |
| Nevada | $70,510 |
| New Hampshire | $81,460 |
| New Jersey | $70,900 |
| New York | $79,990 |
| North Carolina | $78,910 |
| North Dakota | $66,810 |
| Ohio | $69,380 |
| Oklahoma | $55,080 |
| Oregon | $68,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,320 |
| Rhode Island | $75,310 |
| South Carolina | $64,300 |
| South Dakota | $66,260 |
| Tennessee | $62,800 |
| Texas | $82,730 |
| Virginia | $79,290 |
| Washington | $74,100 |
| West Virginia | $67,130 |
| Wisconsin | $71,380 |
What Tools & Technology do Orthotists and Prosthetists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Orthotists and Prosthetists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Gait analysis software
- Seattle Systems Shapemaker
- Vorum Research Corporation CANFIT-PLUS
- Computer graphics software
- Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System
Becoming an Orthotist or Prosthetist
Are there Orthotists and Prosthetists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
Related Careers
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References:
Image Credit: Barbara E. Carver via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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