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What Does it Take to Be an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
Orthotist or Prosthetist Job Description Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Daily Life Of an Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
- Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
- Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
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Orthotist or Prosthetist Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Orthotists and Prosthetists say are important on the job.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Orthotist or Prosthetist Job Titles
- Certified Orthotic Fitter
- Certified Prosthetist, Vice President
- Prosthetist
- Certified Prosthetist, Licensed Orthotist
- Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO)
Job Outlook for Orthotists and Prosthetists
In the United States, there were 7,800 jobs for Orthotist or Prosthetist in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does an Orthotist or Prosthetist Make?
Orthotists and Prosthetists make between $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 each U.S. state?
| 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 do Orthotists and Prosthetists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Orthotists and Prosthetists may use on a daily basis:
- 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
- Computer graphics software
- Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System
- Seattle Systems Shapemaker
- Vorum Research Corporation CANFIT-PLUS
How do I Become an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
What kind of Orthotist or Prosthetist requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
Orthotists and Prosthetists Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Orthotists and Prosthetists employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Orthotist or Prosthetist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Barbara E. Carver via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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