Student Aid on the Web Skip Navigation

Career Details : Orthotists and Prosthetists

   << Back    Add Career to MyFSA

Description

Assist patients with disabling conditions of limbs and spine or with partial or total absence of limb by fitting and preparing orthopedic braces or prostheses.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Tasks

  • Fits patients for device, using static and dynamic alignments.
  • Participates in research to modify design, fit, and function of orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
  • Lectures and demonstrates to colleagues and other professionals concerned with orthopedics or prosthetics.
  • Supervises laboratory activities or activities of prosthetic assistants and support staff relating to development of orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
  • Repairs and maintains orthopedic prosthetic devices, using hand tools.
  • Selects materials and components and makes cast measurements, model modifications, and layouts, using measuring equipment.
  • Evaluates device on patient and makes adjustments to assure fit, function, comfort, and quality.
  • Instructs patients in use of orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
  • Maintains patients' records.
  • Examines, measures, and evaluates patients' needs in relation to disease and functional loss.
  • Designs orthopedic and prosthetic devices, according to physician's prescription.
  • Assists physician in formulating specifications and prescription for orthopedic and/or prosthetic devices.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Provide a Service to Others
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Consequence of Error

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Medical Assistantadd Medical Assistant to MyFSA
    Medical Assistingadd Medical Assisting to MyFSA
    Medical Studies/Physician Assistantadd Medical Studies/Physician Assistant to MyFSA
       TOP    

    • End of Page