What You Need to Know About Orthotists and Prosthetists
Orthotist or Prosthetist Definition Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
List of Orthotist or Prosthetist Job Duties
- Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
- Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.
- Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- Construct and fabricate appliances or supervise others constructing the appliances.
Qualities of an Orthotist or Prosthetist
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.
Related Job Titles
- Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist CPO and Area Practice Manager APM
- Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist (LPO)
- American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist)
- Prosthetist
- Artificial Limb Fitter
Orthotist or Prosthetist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,800 jobs in the United States for Orthotists and Prosthetists.
New jobs are being produced at a rate of 22.2% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Orthotists and Prosthetists by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Orthotist or Prosthetist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Orthotists and Prosthetists are North Carolina, Michigan, and New York.
Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Delaware, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Orthotist or Prosthetist Average Salary
The salary for Orthotists and Prosthetists ranges between about $40,090 and $108,780 a year. The median salary is $69,120.
How much do Orthotists and Prosthetists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
California |
$88,460 |
|
Louisiana |
$83,060 |
|
Texas |
$82,730 |
|
New Hampshire |
$81,460 |
|
Illinois |
$81,090 |
|
New York |
$79,990 |
|
Virginia |
$79,290 |
|
Massachusetts |
$79,020 |
|
North Carolina |
$78,910 |
|
Maine |
$78,620 |
|
Minnesota |
$76,920 |
|
Missouri |
$76,540 |
|
Kansas |
$76,480 |
|
Michigan |
$76,430 |
|
Rhode Island |
$75,310 |
|
Washington |
$74,100 |
|
Idaho |
$72,720 |
|
Wisconsin |
$71,380 |
|
Arizona |
$71,010 |
|
New Jersey |
$70,900 |
|
Nevada |
$70,510 |
|
Ohio |
$69,380 |
|
Oregon |
$68,860 |
|
Georgia |
$67,830 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$67,320 |
|
West Virginia |
$67,130 |
|
North Dakota |
$66,810 |
|
Iowa |
$66,490 |
|
South Dakota |
$66,260 |
|
Kentucky |
$66,080 |
|
Maryland |
$65,620 |
|
Nebraska |
$64,740 |
|
South Carolina |
$64,300 |
|
Tennessee |
$62,800 |
|
Hawaii |
$62,590 |
|
Alaska |
$62,070 |
|
Alabama |
$61,600 |
|
Arkansas |
$59,150 |
|
Colorado |
$58,740 |
|
Indiana |
$58,460 |
|
Montana |
$55,690 |
|
Oklahoma |
$55,080 |
|
Florida |
$54,830 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Orthotists and Prosthetists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Orthotists and Prosthetists:
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Infinity CAD Systems AutoSculpt
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Seattle Systems Shapemaker
- Microsoft Access
- Polhemus FastSCAN
- Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Vorum Research Corporation CANFIT-PLUS
Who Employs Orthotists and Prosthetists?
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Orthotist or Prosthetist may also be interested in:
- Podiatrists
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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