Career Details :: Orthotists and Prosthetists
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.
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Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, Material
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Communicating With Persons Outside Organization
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 XapPack |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant |  [ add ] |
| Medical Assisting | [ add ] |
| Medical Studies/Physician Assistant | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.