Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Orthotist / Prosthetist
Job description
An orthotist and a prosthetist design, make, and fit appliances for body deformities and missing limbs following the prescription of a physician. These appliances include artificial arms and legs, neck, back and leg braces, and surgical supports.
An orthotist specializes in planning, making, and fitting orthopedic braces and similar devices such as surgical supports and corrective shoes; these are used to support weakened body parts or to correct physical defects.
A prosthetist specializes in planning, making, and fitting artificial limbs. The orthotist and prosthetist follow basically the same procedures in their work although each deals with different abnormalities, designs, and patients.
Activities may include
●
review prescriptions which specify the types of appliances or limbs to be made
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examine the patient's affected area for factors which could affect the fitting of artificial limbs and appliances
●
measure, make, correct a plaster cast of the limb or deformity
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design the appliance which will function best in meeting the patient's need and fit for comfort, alignment or appearance
●
select appropriate materials and components and give the specifications of the limb or brace to the technician
●
make a limb or brace that requires special attention
●
counsel patients on the use of the device
●
provide routine maintenance and repair of devices
●
maintain accurate patient records
Related fields
An orthotist or prosthetist may be assisted by one of the following persons:
Orthotics Assistant provides care to patients with disabling conditions of the limbs and spine by fabricating and fitting supportive or corrective devices known as orthoses; may supervise Orthotics Technicians.
Orthotics Technician makes and repairs braces and other orthotic devices such as surgical corsets and corrective shoes according to the specifications of the Orthotist.
Prosthetics Assistant provides care to patients with partial or total absence of a limb by fabricating and fitting artificial limbs or devices known as prostheses; may supervise Prosthetics Technician.
Prosthetics Technician makes and finishes artificial limbs by gluing and laminating (uniting superimposed layers of one or more materials) according to the specifications of the Prosthetist.
Salaries and benefits*
Salaries vary based on experience, education and place of employment. Entry level salary with a bachelor's degree averages $17,500 to $25,000 annually. Experienced orthotist/prosthetists average $30,000 to $50,000. As most work for a hospital or clinic they receive a full benefits package.
Training and requirements
In Washington State, an associate's degree is available from Spokane Community College and a bachelor's degree is available from the University of Washington. A bachelor's degree is usually required for full certification. It is possible to enter this field with an associate's degree in a different field by completing a certification program in orthotist/prosthetist and have four years of experience.
Necessary skills
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genuine desire to help people with disabling conditions
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strong sense of aesthetics
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good eye/hand coordination and precision
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manual dexterity and patience for minute details
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mechanical ability, craftsmanship, sculpting skills
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good listening skills and ability to communicate clearly
Licensure/Certification
There are two levels of certification:
(1) The Registered Technician is trained in community colleges and must pass an examination by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
(2) The Certified Orthotists, Prosthetist, and Prosthetist/Orthotist earn a bachelor's degree and pass an examination given by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Helpful high school courses
Include algebra, biology, psychology, chemistry, geometry, metal shop, welding, and woodworking.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Spokane Falls Community College (AAS
Technician degree)
3410 W. Ft. George Wright Dr.
Spokane, WA 99224-5288
(509) 533-3500
●
University of Washington
Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics
Box 356490
Seattle, WA 98195-6490
(206) 616-8586
Outlook*
The job outlook for Orthotist/Prosthetist in Washington State is good! Nationally, employment prospects are also good. Due to advances in technology and materials, the aging population, disease and an increasing number of accidents, this trend should continue.
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04