Orthotist and Prosthetist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although humans try to be careful about the situations in which they put their physical body, sometimes accidents occur and limbs or other parts of the body are injured. Military personal bravely sacrifice their safety when they enter armed combat, and sometimes they are injured so severely that amputation of one of their body parts is the only answer. While these kinds of injuries used to mean that their quality of life would be greatly reduced, advances in modern medical technology have made it possible to replace these lost limbs with artificial ones that are just as good, if not better. Orthotists and prosthetists are the medical professionals that are responsible for designing, creating, fitting and repairing these artificial limbs. Specifically, orthotists are responsible for creating braces to support patient limbs after surgery, or correct posture, and prosthetists are responsible for creating supplemental limbs.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$55,300
Salary Range
$45,400 - $65,500

Work Environment

Although it is not uncommon for orthotists and prosthetists to work at independent medical supply companies, they are also often employed at research hospitals or universities. They work in a workshop environment that involves moving machinery that is loud and sometimes dangerous.

High School Preparation

Those high school students that are interested in pursuing a career as either an orthotist or prosthetist should spend their high school career increasing their knowledge about biology, anatomy and mechanical engineering. Supporting courses for this line of work include algebra, geometry, metal working, woodworking, welding, computer skills, and psychology.

Requirements

Once students have completed their high school diploma or approved equivalent, it is essential that they enroll in an accredited program for orthotics or prosthetics at a traditional college or university. Once the undergraduate degree is completed, it is necessary to be accepted into a residency program during which they will get hands on experience with a licensed orthotist or prosthetist. After completing their residency program, students are eligible to take the national exam offered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics to become certified.

Career Outlook

Those interested in pursuing a career as an orthotist or prosthetist will be encouraged to know that the medical industry is currently suffering from a lack of qualified professionals in these areas. There is a high demand for trained orthotists and prosthetists that are able to help individuals who have damaged or lost their limbs in car accidents and military operations. Those candidates that have achieved excellent market throughout their education and show a real talent for design and engineering will be the most desirable.

Professional Organizations

The American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
526 King Street,
Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 836-0788
www.oandp.org