Orthotists & Prosthetists

social interests patient appliance prosthesis diagnostic records information jaw development customer dental knowledge

Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist (CPO), Orthotist

What they do:
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
On the job, you would:
  • Maintain patients' records.
  • Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
  • Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.

Knowledge

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • understanding people's reactions

Abilities

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Integrity
  • Concern for Others
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Medical software

  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • OPIE Practice Management Suite

Education

Education: (rated 5 of 5)
master's degree or
certificate after college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
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Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about orthotists and prosthetists.