How To Become an Orthotist and Prosthetist

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Orthotists and Prosthetists design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

Salary
$74120
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

We did a survey to ask other Orthotists and Prosthetists what degree they had when they became an Orthotist and Prosthetist. Here are the results.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
42.42%


Bachelor’s Degree
30.3%


Master’s Degree
21.21%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Orthotists and Prosthetists or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Orthotists and Prosthetists what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Orthotist or Prosthetist
Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering

Orthotists and prosthetists need at least a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics and certification before entering the field. Both orthotists and prosthetists must complete a 1-year residency before they can be certified.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Very Hard

You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge and experience to be an Orthotist and Prosthetist. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, a surgeon must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Careers in this difficulty category may need some on-the-job-training, but most of these careers assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, and work-related experience and training. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, neurologists, and veterinarians.


Related work experience required
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
54.55%


2 to 4 years
24.24%


None
9.09%


Job training
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
45.45%


6 months to 1 year
18.18%


None
12.12%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Requirements vary by state

Some states requireOrthotists and Prosthetists (O&P) professionals to be licensed; requirements vary by state. States that require licensure often require certification in order to practice. Most O&P professionals become certified by passing the exam administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). To qualify for the exam, an O&P professional must complete a master’s program in orthotics and prosthetics and a residency program. Many O&P professionals become certified regardless of state requirements.


Skills required

We asked other Orthotists and Prosthetists if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Speaking what does this mean
2. Reading Comprehension what does this mean
3. Active Listening what does this mean
4. Critical Thinking what does this mean
5. Service Orientation what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Orthotists and Prosthetists are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Customer and Personal Service what does this mean
2. Medicine and Dentistry what does this mean
3. Production and Processing what does this mean
4. English Language what does this mean
5. Mechanical what does this mean


Learn more about Orthotists and Prosthetists

Summary
Job Description
Salary
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Quiz

Related to Orthotists and Prosthetists Requirements

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