Life As 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?
- Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- Construct and fabricate appliances or supervise others constructing the appliances.
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Orthotist or Prosthetist Required Skills
These are the skills Orthotists and Prosthetists say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Certified Orthotist/Practitioner Manager
- Orthotic/Prosthetic Practitioner
- Artificial Limb Fitter
- Pedorthist
- Orthotist
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.
How Much Does an Orthotist or Prosthetist Make?
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Orthotists and Prosthetists 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?
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
Becoming an Orthotist or Prosthetist
What education is needed to be an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
What work experience do I need to become an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
Where Orthotists and Prosthetists Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
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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