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Career Exploration

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Also called: 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

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

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

Realistic

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

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

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Medical software

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

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $77,070

Education

Master's degree or certificate after college is usually needed.