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Healthcare

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Orthotists and Prosthetists
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Median pay

$78,310
Median annual pay for Orthotists and Prosthetists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

13.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

10,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Orthotists and Prosthetists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Master's degree
Typical additional preparation: Internship/residency.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Medicine and Dentistry
  3. 3Design
  4. 4Therapy and Counseling
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Psychology

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Empathy
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Cooperation
  6. 6Innovation

Work activities

  1. 1Documenting/Recording Information
  2. 2Assisting and Caring for Others
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Working with Computers

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Physical Proximity
  5. 5Frequency of Decision Making
  6. 6Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Representative tasks

  • Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
  • Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
  • Maintain patients' records.
  • Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
  • Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
  • Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
  • Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
  • Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyIntuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyAlibre DesignSeattle Systems ShapemakerPolhemus FastSCANPatient management softwareOPIE Practice Management Suite

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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