Orthotists and Prosthetists

What the job really is

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-2091
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
• Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
• Maintain patients' records.
• Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
• Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
• Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
• Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
• Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
• Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
• Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
• Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
• Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Alibre Design, Allen wrenches, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association CodingPro, Anvils, Artsco OrthoPro Complete

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
• Medical Appliance Technicians
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Podiatrists
• Audiologists
• Orthodontists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Paramedics

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Orthotists and Prosthetists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.