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Prosthetists and Orthotists Job Overview

Prosthetists and orthotists help to evaluate and custom fit the artificial limbs and braces. They help the patients use the damaged parts of their bodies and even replace them if necessary. They also help to correct malformations. The prosthetists and orthotists work with doctors' prescriptions and carefully design the braces and artificial limbs so as to suit the specific needs of the patients. They craft the braces and artificial limbs from wood, aluminum, rubber, steel, leather, plastic, and cloth. After manufacturing the devices, it is the responsibility of the prosthetists and orthotists to fit them properly on their patients. If necessary, they also make adjustments.

Prosthetists and Orthotists Schools and Degrees

For those wishing to take up the profession, it is necessary to pursue a bachelor's degree. College graduates can sit for the exams conducted by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetists and orthotics only after completing supervised clinical practice. One can also earn an associates degree in order to become a certified orthotist and prosthetist.

Job Requirements

Usually, a bachelor's degree is required for the entry level positions. However, one may also complete certificate programs in prosthetists and orthotics. The job requires technical knowledge and an aptitude for science and mathematics. The certificate programs require one year of study in case one already has a bachelors degree in any science-based field. To become prosthetists and orthotics, it is also necessary to have at least four years of work experience in the field. The study program usually includes amputational surgery, anatomy, immediate post surgical prothesis, and orthopedics.

The possibilities for advancement for prosthetists and orthotics largely depend on experience, education, and skills. They need to work well with machines as well as with their hands. The job of prosthetists and orthotics also requires strong interpersonal skills as they need to communicate with their patients. To excel in the field, one should also be sensitive towards the sufferings of the patients.

Nature of Work

Prosthetists and orthotists can either work for hospitals, laboratories, and shops, or be self - employed. The combination shop-laboratories where most of the prosthetists and orthotists work are generally examined by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetists and Orthotics. In large hospitals or clinics, the prosthetists and orthotists can also work as department heads. While some become researchers, teachers, and sales persons, others can start with their own practices.

Generally, prosthetists and orthotists work in a clinical setting. In fact, the equipments with which they work are placed in large spaces so as to ensure freedom of movement. Though they also provide outdoor trials to patients, most of their work is carried out indoors. Prosthetists and orthotists also work in patient examination clinics, fabricating units, and trial rooms.

Prosthetists and Orthotists Jobs and Outlook

According to the statistics of 2007, there are around approximately prosthetists and orthotists in the US. As per the projections, the job market is expected to grow faster than the average in the next ten years. The highest levels of employment for orthotists and prosthetists are offered through the following industries:

• Federal Executive Branch
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Health and Personal Care Stores
• Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
• Offices of Physicians

Though the salary may vary with education, skills, place of employment, and experience, the mean hourly wage of the prosthetists and orthotists is $30.90, and the average annual earnings are around $64,280.

Job Numbers and Growth

There were about 6,000 prosthetists and orthotists across the US in 2008. Unemployment for workers was considered very low in the recent past, relative to other occupations. The percentage of employees unemployed in 2008 was 2%.

Area Job Conditions

The cities with the most prosthetists and orthotists per capita are Columbia (South Carolina), Greenville (South Carolina), and Seattle (Washington), while the worst cities are Minneapolis (Minnesota), Washington (District of Columbia), and Dallas (Texas).

The highest salaries for workers are in and around Jacksonville (Florida), Greenville (South Carolina), and Columbus (Ohio). The lowest-paying areas are Columbia (South Carolina), Boston (Massachusetts), and Atlanta (Georgia).

Training and Education

Education or job training for employees typically involves a bachelor's degree. At least 27% of prosthetists and orthotists had a degree of four or more years. About 45% of workers had some college below a bachelor's degree. An estimated 28% of employees had just a high-school diploma. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

An estimated 15% of prosthetists and orthotists work part-time. An estimated 7% of workers were self-employed.

Prosthetists And Orthotists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Ohio

South Carolina

Texas

Washington