Orthotists & Prosthetists
Also called: Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO), Orthotist, Orthotist/Prosthetist
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:
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- 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.
Knowledge
Business
- customer service
- management
Health
- medicine and dentistry
- therapy and counseling
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Skills
Basic Skills
- talking to others
- 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
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- use rules to solve problems
Hand and Finger Use
- put together small parts with your fingers
- hold or move items with your hands
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Integrity
- Concern for Others
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Self Control
- Cooperation
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Medical software
- Gait analysis software
- OPIE Practice Management Suite
Computer aided design CAD software 
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Education
certificate after college or
bachelor's degree
usually needed
bachelor's degree
usually needed
Examples of Registered Apprenticeship programs include:
- Orthotist
- Prosthetist
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$66,240
$36,050
$104,900
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