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Orthotists and Prosthetists

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Certified Orthotist (CO)
  • Certified Prosthetist (CP)
  • Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO)
  • Orthotist
  • Certified Pedorthist
  • Licensed Orthotist

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