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Orthotists and Prosthetists
Industry: Healthcare
Area: Rehabilitation
Prosthetists and Orthotists provide care for anyone requiring an artificial limb (prosthesis) or a device to support or control part of the body (orthosis). They will also advise on rehabilitation.
Orthotists provide a range of splints, braces and special footwear to aid movement, correct deformity and relieve discomfort.
Prosthetists provide the best possible artificial replacement for patients who have lost or were born without a limb. A prosthetic limb should feel and look like a natural limb.
Work Settings
Orthotists work in private clinics and device manufacturing companies, hospital rehabilitation departments and government agencies, and ambulatory care services and special treatment facilities (e.g. arthritis centers). Some orthotists set up their own companies and work independently.
Education
Orthotists are required to take a two-year college program in prosthetics and orthotics technology followed by two years of supervised practical training.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for Prosthetists and Orthotists is excellent.
Salary
The median expected salary for a typical Prosthestist/Orthotist is $57,455.
Work Schedule
Usually, they work a standard five-day workweek, but some weekend work may be required for emergency cases.