Orthotist and Prosthetist
Career Description
Certified orthotists (C.O.) and certified prosthetists (C.P.) fabricate and fit upper and lower limb devices designed to replace or repair limbs lost or disabled through injuries or diseases. Orthotists fabricate and fit orthopedic braces; prosthetists fabricate and fit artificial limbs. Orthotists and prosthetists supervise and are assisted by orthotic/prosthetic technicians, who make and repair the devices but do not have patient contact.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $28,642 | Mean: $44,470 | Experienced: $52,395 |
| Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, 2002-2003 Kansas City Salary Data | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $13.77 | Mean: $21.38 | Experienced: $25.19 |
| Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, 2002-2003 Kansas City Salary Data | ||
Academic Requirements
To practice as an orthotist or prosthetist, an individual must be certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Prerequisites for certification include a bachelor’s degree, specific training courses in orthotics and prosthetics and at least one year of supervised field experience. Only a few accredited training programs exist in the United States, and they award either a bachelor’s degree or certificate.
Schools
Only a few accredited training programs exist in the United States, and they award either a bachelor’s degree or certificate. To learn more, visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Professional Associations
National
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
