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Orthotists and
Prosthetists design, construct, and fit artificial limbs and orthopedic
devices for patients with body deformities and disorders. Prosthetists
specialize in designing and making artificial limbs, while Orthotists
specialize in designing and fitting orthopedic braces such as surgical
supports and corrective shoes. These professions are similar and an
individual may be both an orthotist and a prosthetist, even though they
deal with different abnormalities and designs. Some of there duties
include reviewing prescriptions that specify the type of appliance to be
made, performing examinations of the patient’s affected area, and making
plaster casts to determine the type and design of the device needed. They
use high-tech tools like computers to design these special devices, and
more traditional tools such as hammers, drills, and rotary saws to
manufacture them. Orthotists and Prosthetists take special care in
selecting the appropriate materials and components so that the devices
work properly. After the device is completed, they fit it on the patient
and make adjustments to maximize comfort, alignment, and appearance. They
also counsel patients on how to use the devices and proper maintenance.
These professionals usually work with several technicians and assistants.
Work Environment:
Orthotists and Prosthetists may work
independently in private offices or work in larger facilities. They may
work in rehabilitation centers, laboratories, or hospitals. They often
work in workshops, which are usually noisy and pose the possibility of
injury due to the abundance of moving machinery.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in becoming a Prosthetist or Orthotist should take high school
courses in algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, metal shop,
woodworking, welding, English, computer skills, health occupations/medical
professions education, psychology, and social studies.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in a career as a
Prosthetist or Orthotist must have a high school diploma or the
equivalent. They must also complete a bachelor’s degree program in
prosthetics or orthotics; them complete a residency program under a
licensed professional. To become certified, an individual must take an
examination given by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Students interested in orthotics or
prosthetics should contact schools for information on admission and course
of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
The career outlook
for Prosthetists and Orthotists is excellent because this field is
currently experiencing a shortage of trained professionals. There will
also be an increase in demand for qualified technicians and assistants.
Even though medical technology has grown by leaps and bounds, there are
many injuries and deformities that cannot be corrected by surgery and
other procedures. For individuals that have good hand-eye coordination and
manual dexterity and enjoy collaborating with other professionals, a
career in orthotics and prosthetics would be very rewarding.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$55,300
Salary Range
$45,400-$65,500
Professional Organizations:
Organization of Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
330
John Carlyle Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (571) 431-0876
Fax: (571) 431-0899
www.aopanet.org
The
American Academy of
Orthotists
& Prosthetists
526 King Street,
Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703)
836-0788
Fax:
(703) 836-0737
www.oandp.org
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics
330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 836-7114
Fax: (703) 836-0838
www.abcop.org |
