Orthotist and Prosthetist Career Profile

Picture this: A young athlete loses their leg in an accident, but through the expertise of a skilled Orthotist and Prosthetist, they’re able to return to their passion for running. Think about the intricate combination of medical knowledge, engineering principles, and patient care required to create a custom prosthetic device that perfectly matches someone’s needs and lifestyle.

Orthotists and Prosthetists (O&P professionals) are healthcare practitioners who combine medical expertise with technical skills to help patients regain mobility and function.

They work directly with patients to design, fabricate, and fit artificial limbs and orthopedic braces, improving their quality of life through custom medical devices.

Total Employment: 8,820 (2023)

Common Names for Orthotists and Prosthetists

• Certified Orthotist
• Certified Pedorthist
• Certified Prosthetist
• Certified Prosthetist Orthotist
• Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist
• Licensed Orthotist
• Orthotic Practitioner Orthotist
• Prosthetic Practitioner
• Prosthetist 

What Orthotists and Prosthetists Do

Orthotists and Prosthetists typically work in healthcare facilities, specialized clinics, or private practices where they design, fit, and adjust artificial limbs (prosthetics) and orthopedic braces (orthoses) for patients. Their core responsibilities are:

• Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients to determine their functional limitations, medical needs, and lifestyle requirements for proper orthotic or prosthetic solutions.
• Device Design: Create detailed specifications and plans for custom orthotic and prosthetic devices based on patient measurements, medical requirements, and functional needs.
• Treatment Planning: Develop and document individualized treatment strategies that outline device specifications, fitting schedules, and rehabilitation goals in collaboration with healthcare providers.
• Device Fabrication Management: Oversee the fabrication process of orthotic and prosthetic devices, ensuring quality standards and patient specifications are met while coordinating with technicians.
• Fitting and Adjustment: Perform precise fittings of devices, making necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit, function, and comfort while educating patients on proper use and care.
• Patient Education: Provide comprehensive instruction to patients and caregivers about device use, maintenance, potential complications, and rehabilitation protocols to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Progress Monitoring: Conduct regular follow-up evaluations to assess device effectiveness, patient adaptation, and make necessary modifications to optimize function and comfort.
• Documentation Management: Maintain detailed patient records, including assessment findings, treatment plans, progress notes, and insurance documentation in compliance with healthcare standards.
• Inter-professional Collaboration: Work closely with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care and optimal patient outcomes.