Orthotists and Prosthetist

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  Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

Orthotists and Prosthetist

Also Called: Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Pedorthist, Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), Licensed Orthotist, LPO (Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist), Orthotic Practitioner, Orthotist, Prosthetic Practitioner, Prosthetist, Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Pedorthist, Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), Licensed Orthotist, LPO (Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist), Orthotic Practitioner, Orthotist, Prosthetic Practitioner, 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.

$42,020
Starting Salary (2023)
$78,100
Median Salary (2023)
15.4%
Projected Job Growth
8,820
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

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

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Service Orientation

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Common Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

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