What is 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.
Life As an Orthotist or Prosthetist: What Do They Do?
- Maintain patients’ records.
- Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians’ prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Make and modify plaster casts of areas that will be fitted with prostheses or orthoses, for use in the device construction process.
- 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.
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What an Orthotist or Prosthetist Should Know
Orthotists and Prosthetists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist (LPO)
- Orthotic/Prosthetic Practitioner
- Certified Orthotist/Practitioner Manager
- Licensed Prosthetist
- Certified Orthotic Fitter
Orthotist or Prosthetist Employment Estimates
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. 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 average yearly salary of an Orthotist or Prosthetist ranges between $40,090 and $108,780.
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 to Become an Orthotist or Prosthetist
Learn what Orthotist or Prosthetist education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Orthotists and Prosthetists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
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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