What is an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
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.
Life As an Orthotist or Prosthetist: What Do They Do?
- Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
- Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Maintain patients' records.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.
- Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
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What Every 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
- Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist CPO and Area Practice Manager APM
- Prosthetist
- Certified Orthotist, Practice Manager
- Certified Orthotist (CO)
- Licensed Prosthetist
Is There Job Demand 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.
Orthotist or Prosthetist Salary
The typical yearly salary for Orthotists and Prosthetists is somewhere 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 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
- Seattle Systems Shapemaker
- Vorum Research Corporation CANFIT-PLUS
- Computer graphics software
- Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System
How to Become an Orthotist or Prosthetist
Individuals working as an Orthotist or Prosthetist have obtained the following education levels:
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.
You May Also 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
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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