What You Need to Know About Orthotist or Prosthetist
Position Description Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
What Do Orthotists and Prosthetists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- Maintain patients’ records.
- Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
- Construct and fabricate appliances or supervise others constructing the appliances.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians’ prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
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What Every Orthotist or Prosthetist Should Know
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.
Types of Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Orthotics Assistant
- Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist CPO and Area Practice Manager APM
- Pedorthist
- Certified Orthotic Fitter
- Licensed Certified Orthotist
Orthotist or Prosthetist Job Outlook
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.
Average Orthotists and Prosthetists 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:
What work experience do I need to become an Orthotist or Prosthetist?
Where Orthotists and Prosthetists Work
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
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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