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Orthotist and Prosthetist
Orthotics and prosthetics are allied health professions concerned with the making and fitting of orthopedic braces and other supportive appliances (orthoses) and of artificial limbs (prostheses). The orthotist and prosthetist are part of the rehabilitation team which includes physicians, surgeons, physical and occupational therapists and social workers. The orthotist and prosthetist work with individuals who have spinal disabilities or traumatic injury to a limb and determine the needs of the patient. An individual can be trained as an orthotist, prosthetist or both.
Orthotists are trained to design, build and fit braces to individuals with limb or spinal disabilities as a result of damage, disease or deformity.
Prosthetists design, construct and fit artificial limbs to individuals with partial or total loss of a limb.
Following the physicians' prescription, the orthotist/prosthetist selects an appliance taking into consideration function, efficiency, and comfort, as well as cosmetic appearance. After the appliance has been made, the orthotist/prosthetist is responsible for evaluating its performance and also for initially assisting the physical therapist and/ or occupational therapist in training the patient to use and care for the new orthoses or prostheses.
| Some of the responsibilities for orthotists and prosthetists include: |
| • | Reviewing the prescription which specifies the type of appliance or limb to be made |
| • | Examining the patient's affected area for factors which could affect the fitting of artificial limbs and appliances |
| • | Selecting proper materials such as plastic, leather, wood, steel or aluminum |
| • | Measuring and making a plaster cast of the limb or deformity to determine the type of brace or artificial limb needed |
| • | Taking measurements to fit the brace or artificial limb |
| • | Designing the appliance which will function best in meeting the patient's needs |
| • | Fitting the appliance to the patient and noting any adjustments for comfort, alignment or appearance |
| • | Correcting irregularities and deficiencies in the plaster cast |
| • | Making a limb or brace that requires special attention |
| • | Maintaining, repairing and making any model changes |
| • | Teaching patients to care for, adjust to and properly use the device |
| • | Maintaining accurate patient records |
The orthotist/prosthetist must possess a high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical skill to operate the specialized tools that are used in the manufacturing of braces and artificial limbs.
Orthotists and prosthetists are employed in hospitals, laboratories and rehabilitation centers. Responsibilities of the orthotist/prosthetist may vary depending upon the size of the health care facility. In a small office or department, the orthotist/ prosthetist may design, fabricate and fit the appliance. In a larger facility, the orthotist/ prosthetist may only be responsible for designing, measuring and fitting the appliance and hire technicians to fabricate the orthoses and prostheses.
Job Outlook
Employment opportunities look good and are expected to increase as a result of the advancements in technology, research and the aging population. New techniques and materials are being developed which perfect and refine prostheses and orthoses creating greater usage.
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics from an accredited program is required for an orthotist or prosthetist designation. A practitioner of orthotics/prosthetics can become certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics as either a certified orthotist (CO), a certified prosthetist (CP), or a certified prosthetist-orthotist (CPO).
High school courses should include: physics, chemistry, biology, English, mathematics; and shop courses in metal, wood and plastic.
Educational Programs - Chicago Area
Northwestern University Medical School
Feinberg School of Medicine
Prosthetic/Orthotic Center
303 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 503-8649
http://www.nums.nwu.edu/
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Other Programs
California State University
Dominguez Hills Campus
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3300
http://www.calstate.edu/
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Century College
3401 Century Avenue North
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 773-3200
http://www.century.cc.mn.us/
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University of Texas
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Suite V5-400
Dallas, TX 75390
(214) 648-1585
http://www.utdallas.edu/
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University of Washington
Dept. of Rehab. Medicine
Division of Orthotics and Prosthetics
1959 NE Pacific Street
Box 356490
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 616-8586
http://www.washington.edu/
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Additional Resources
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc.
1650 King Street Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-7114
http://www.abcop.org/
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