What does an Orthotist/Prosthetist do?

Orthotists and Prosthetists are health care professionals who specialize in designing and constructing medical supportive devices according to physician prescriptions. Although these professionals sometimes work in both specializations, Orthotists specifically develop medical supportive devices, such as spinal or knee braces, while Prosthetists develop prostheses, such as artificial limbs or other body parts. A physician will diagnose a patient and develop a treatment plan prescription for the Orthotist or Prosthetist to follow. The Orthotist or Prosthetist then evaluates the unique and detailed needs of the patient to design and fabricate an orthotic or prosthetic device that addresses these needs while also reducing pain and providing increased comfort, mobility and stability.

Orthotist/Prosthetist skills and qualifications

A skilled Orthotist or Prosthetist should have the qualifications that match your job opening, such as:

• Technical skills to be able to design orthotics or prosthetics with the appropriate materials, measurements and components
• Detail-oriented for precise patient assessments and device design and fabrication
• Communication skills to communicate with physicians and technicians on construction and device prescriptions as well as with patients with instructions on how to use devices
• Physical stamina and dexterity to work with precise tools and perform physically demanding tasks including examining patients and working with equipment
• Interpersonal skills to work patiently and empathetically with patients who need additional sensitivity or attention
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to carefully assess patients’ needs and develop individualized treatment plans

Orthotist/Prosthetist experience requirements

Orthotists and Prosthetists usually complete clinical components during orthotics and prosthetics training programs and residencies, and therefore don’t need additional experience to be qualified for most roles. Additional experience may be required for more senior or complex roles.

Orthotist/Prosthetist education and training requirements

All Orthotists and Prosthetists are required to complete a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics. Students are required to complete a clinical component during which they work while under the supervision of an Orthotist or Prosthetist. Following graduation, candidates are required to complete a residency accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education.

Some states require Orthotists and Prosthetists to be licensed and certified. To earn a certification from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, candidates must complete a CAAHEP-accredited master’s program, an NCOPE-accredited residency program and pass several exams.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Orthotist and Prosthetist job description doesn’t match what you’re looking for, consider these similar roles and titles:

• Occupational Therapist
• Physician
• Physical Therapist

Orthotist/Prosthetist job description FAQs

What is the difference between an Orthotist and a Prosthetist?

An orthotist is trained to work with supportive medical devices such as knee or spinal braces. They may also make casts and molds to design and construct devices such as foot orthotics. Prosthetists are trained to design and construct prostheses such as artificial limbs or other body parts. An individual can choose one of these fields or train for both during their residency by completing one year in each specialty or 18 months combined.

What qualities make a good Orthotist or Prosthetist?

Orthotists and Prosthetists needs to be precise, attentive to detail and communicative to best understand the unique needs of patients. As patients are often in physical distress when they receive orthotics and prostheses, individuals need to be empathetic and patient. They must also possess problem-solving skills and physical abilities to spend long periods of time assessing patients and designing devices.

What are the day-to-day duties of an Orthotist or Prosthetist?

The daily duties of an Orthotist or Prosthetist include completing patient assessments and interviews, measuring or taking impressions of patients’ body parts and educating patients on the use and care of their devices. They may also design and fabricate devices or perform adjustments or repairs on existing devices.

What should you look for in an Orthotist or Prosthetist resume?

Ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary education, certification and license. Look for keywords in their skills, qualifications and experience details that match the needs of your job opening, such as good communication or empathy skills.