What Does it Take to Be an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
Orthotist or Prosthetist Example Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
What Do Orthotists and Prosthetists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- Make and modify plaster casts of areas that will be fitted with prostheses or orthoses, for use in the device construction process.
- Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
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What an Orthotist or Prosthetist Should Know
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.
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.
Other Orthotist or Prosthetist Job Titles
- Orthotic/Prosthetic Clinician
- American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist)
- Orthotics Assistant
- Prosthetist
- Upper Extremity Prosthetics Clinical Director
Are There Job Opportunities for Orthotists and Prosthetists?
There were about 7,800 jobs for Orthotist or Prosthetist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Salary for an Orthotist or Prosthetist
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 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
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?
Who Employs Orthotists and Prosthetists?
Orthotists and Prosthetists work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being an Orthotist or Prosthetist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Barbara E. Carver via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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