Orthotist Job Description

Orthotist and Prosthetist Job Description: Orthotics and Prosthetics is the evaluation, fabrication and custom fitting of artificial limbs and orthopedic braces.  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. 

Prosthetic hands, arms, and legs help amputees or people who were born without limbs carry out the activities of daily living and even run marathons. Braces help people with damaged limbs walk. Prosthetic ears and noses help minimize the stares that severely disfigured people must endure.

These allied healthcare professionals usually work in workshops either in private practice or as part of a larger healthcare clinic or hospital.  They often work with machinery and equipment that can be noisy and poses some potential for injury.  They usually do not work week-ends or holidays. 
 

Training and Qualifications - what you have to do to be one

Those 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.  A bachelors degree in prosthetics or orthotics from an accredited college and an internship with a qualified Orthotist or Prosthetist is required.

Licensing and Credentialing

Many states have licensing requirements but not all do.  A degree from an accredited school in the appropriate healthcare training is usually a requirement prior to applying for any healthcare license.  Some healthcare professions must pass an exam to validate the required knowledge and competency levels.  Inquiry with your state board of healthcare licensing to find out if you must be licensed in the state you are planning to be practicing in.

Orthotists and Prosthetists may also choose to take a specialized exam to become a Certified Orthotist or Prosthetist.  Many employers prefer certified Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Significant Points

A four year degree is required to become an Orthotist or Prosthetist.
The ability to fabricate and some artistic talent is very useful in this field
Employment should grow faster than average
Earnings can be expected to be higher than average but subject to government regulation, Medicare reimbursement and insurance company cost cutting efforts

Advancement - chances for promotion

As orthotics and prosthetics businesses become more successful, they are vulnerable to consolidation, as larger firms swallow up smaller ones. Over time the field will probably become far less entrepreneurial, and there will be less room for people to move up and become the owners and managers of their own businesses. In addition, like all medical fields, orthotics and prosthetics is funded primarily through Medicare and insurance companies. Changes in their funding regulations, which can come very abruptly, can have a large impact on employment.

Anesthesiologist Job Description , Athletic Trainer Job Description , Audiologist Job Description , Cardiologist Job Description , Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Job Description , Chiropractor Job Description , Dental Hygienist Job Description , Dentist Job Description , Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Job Description , Dietetic Technicians Job Description , Dietitians and Nutritionists Job Description , Esthetician Job Description , Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedic Job Description , Family and General Practitioners Job Description , Healthcare Administrator Job Description , Internist Job Description , Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Job Description , Massage Therapist Job Description , Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Description , Medical Coding Job Description , Medical Records Clerk and Health Information Technician Job Description , Neurologist Job Description , Neurosurgeon Job Description , Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description , Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Anesthesiologist Job Description , Obstetrician and Gynecologist Doctor Job Description , Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technician Job Description , Occupational Therapist Job Description , Dispensing Optician Job Description , Optometrist Job Description , Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description , Orthodontist Job Description , Orthotist and Prosthetist Job Description , Pediatrician Job Description , Pharmacist Job Description , Pharmacy Technician Job Description , Phlebotomist Job Description , Physical Therapist Job Description , Physician Assistant Job Description , Podiatrist Job Description , Prosthodontist Job Description , Psychiatric Technician Job Description , Psychiatrist Job Description , Psychologist Job Description , Radiation Therapist Job Description , Recreational Therapist Job Description , Registered Nurse Job Description , Respiratory Therapist Job Description , Speech-Language Pathologist or Speech Therapist Job Description , Surgeon Job Description , Surgical Technologist Job Description , Veterinarian Job Description , Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Description