How to Be Prosthetist/Orthotist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Prosthetists and orthotists are medical professionals who provide customized assistance to patients who have lost limbs or need help with mobility issues. These professionals design, fit and fabricate prosthetic and orthotic devices to help improve patient quality of life. The cause of a patient's need for these medical professionals is usually a traumatic event, such as an amputation, an accident, a stroke, or a birth defect.

The effect of this trauma can be great, as it leads to difficulties with mobility, independence and self-esteem. Prosthetists and orthotists provide specialized care to help restore these abilities and enable patients to lead independent and productive lives. They do this by assessing the patient's needs and developing a personalized plan, creating and fitting the device, and providing ongoing care to ensure the device is working properly.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. Prosthetists and orthotists must have a four-year bachelors degree in order to become certified. Many programs offer a degree in prosthetics and orthotics, while others may provide related degrees such as biomedical engineering, biomechanics, or kinesiology.
Complete a Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. After obtaining a bachelors degree, prospective prosthetists and orthotists must complete a postgraduate program in prosthetics and orthotics at an accredited university or college. Most programs take two years to complete and include clinical training, coursework, and an internship.
Obtain Certification. After completing a prosthetics and orthotics program, prospective prosthetists and orthotists must obtain certification from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC). The ABC requires applicants to pass written and practical examinations and meet educational requirements in order to be certified.
Obtaining State Licensure. After obtaining certification, prosthetists and orthotists must obtain state licensure in order to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require applicants to pass the ABC certification examinations and meet other educational requirements.
Maintain Certification. Prosthetists and orthotists must renew their certification every three years by taking continuing education courses.

Prosthetist/Orthotist is a profession dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities lead active and fulfilling lives. With the right training, prosthetists and orthotists use materials such as plastics, metals, and fabrics to design, construct and fit custom-made devices that allow individuals to move more freely and with greater comfort. By creating a supportive environment, prosthetists and orthotists provide their patients with the physical, emotional and psychological support needed to cope with their condition.

The end result is improved mobility, increased independence, and a better quality of life. The effects of prosthetist/orthotist care can be seen in the ability to walk, reach, pick up objects and perform other daily activities with greater ease. Other positive outcomes include increased self-esteem, improved social integration and greater self-confidence.

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Job Description

Prosthetist/Orthotist Designs, fabricates, fits and evaluates orthotic and prosthetic devices and braces to improve patient mobility and function.
Orthopedic Technician Assists orthopedic surgeons and other medical professionals in fitting and adjusting prosthetic devices, casts, braces, and other orthopedic appliances.
Clinical Engineer Develops and evaluates orthotic and prosthetic devices and related equipment.
Research Associate Develops new techniques, materials, and technologies for use in prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Rehabilitation Specialist Assesses patient needs for prosthetic or orthotic devices and provides appropriate rehabilitative care.
Physical Therapist Assesses patient's functional abilities and adapts physical activities to meet their individual needs.
Occupational Therapist Evaluates patient's functional abilities, helps patients learn strategies to compensate for any disabilities, and provides guidance on activities of daily living.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of biomechanics and kinesiology
Knowledge of pathology and medical terminology
Ability to assess patient needs and develop treatment plans
Knowledge of material properties and fabrication techniques
Ability to design, fit, and adjust artificial limbs and orthotic devices
Ability to assess patient outcomes and modify existing treatments
Ability to counsel patients on the use and care of prosthetic and orthotic devices
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of local and national regulations governing the practice of prosthetics and orthotics
Proficiency in the use of computer software for designing and fabricating artificial limbs and orthotic devices
Ability to educate patients, families, and other healthcare professionals about prosthetics and orthotics

A Prosthetist/Orthotist is a health care professional who specializes in the design, fabrication, fitting, and maintenance of prosthetic/orthotic devices for individuals who have lost limb function due to trauma, congenital defects, or other medical conditions. To be successful in this field, a Prosthetist/Orthotist must possess a wide range of skills. These include excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, strong communication skills, an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, and an ability to work with other medical professionals to develop the best possible prosthetic/orthotic device for their patients.

Prosthetist/Orthotists must have a good technical understanding of materials used in the construction of prosthetic/orthotic devices and be able to assess the range of motion, stability, and comfort of these devices. Finally, they must be able to develop an individualized care plan and provide patient education on the use and maintenance of their prosthetic/orthotic device. With these skills, Prosthetist/Orthotists are able to provide quality care and improve patient outcomes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with orthotic and prosthetic devices?
How do you stay up to date with new orthotic and prosthetic developments?
What methods do you use to assess patients needs for orthotic and prosthetic devices?
Describe a time when you have gone above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for a patients orthotic and prosthetic needs.
How do you handle difficult situations with patients who may be resistant to wearing orthotic or prosthetic devices?
What strategies do you use to ensure a successful fit for orthotic and prosthetic devices?
How do you work with other medical professionals to ensure optimal outcomes for patients?
Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision regarding a patients orthotic or prosthetic care.
What strategies do you use to make adjustments and repairs to orthotic and prosthetic devices?
How do you communicate with patients and their families regarding the use of orthotic and prosthetic devices?

Common Tools in Industry

Socket Former. Used to shape and size a prosthetic socket to the individual patient's body shape and size (eg: Prosthetic Lower Limb Socket Former)
Orthotic Casting Materials. Materials used to make casts of a patient's body parts for the purpose of customizing orthotics (eg: Plaster Bandages)
Heat-Molding Machines. Machines used to heat and shape thermoplastic material for the purpose of creating custom braces and orthopedic supports (eg: Orthopedic Brace Heat-Molding Machine)
Cushioning Materials. Materials used to provide comfort and protection for prostheses and orthoses (eg: Foam Cushioning Material)
3D Printers. Machines used to print a 3D model of a prosthetic or orthotic device (eg: 3D Printed Prosthetic Hand)
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software. Programs used to design, customize, and fabricate prosthetic and orthotic devices (eg: Orthotic CAD Software).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)
European Federation of Orthotics and Prosthetics Associations (EFOPA)
Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CAPO)
International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)
Australasian Academy of Prosthetists and Orthotists (AAPO)
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC)
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
Limb Loss Resource Center (LLRC)
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association Foundation (AOPAF)

Common Important Terms

Prosthetics. Artificial limbs and other aids used to replace or supplement a damaged or missing body part.
Orthotics. Devices used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of the affected body part.
Prosthetic Socket. A custom-fitted device that attaches a prosthetic limb to the body.
Orthotic Brace. An external device used to support, align, protect, or correct deformities or improve the function of the affected body part.
Gait Analysis. The process of analyzing the movement of a person during walking or running in order to identify any problems or abnormalities.
Biomechanics. The study of the motion and forces on the body during physical activity.
Rehabilitation. The process of restoring an individual's physical, psychological, and social functioning after an illness, injury, or disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Prosthetist/Orthotist? A1: A Prosthetist/Orthotist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the design, manufacture and fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices for people with physical disabilities. Q2: What are prosthetics and orthotics? A2: Prosthetics are artificial limbs or body parts that replace a missing limb or body part. Orthotics are braces, splints and other devices that support or correct the structure or function of the body. Q3: How long does it take to become a Prosthetist/Orthotist? A3: Typically it takes 7 years to become a Prosthetist/Orthotist, including 4 years of study at an accredited college and 3 years of clinical experience. Q4: What is the scope of practice for a Prosthetist/Orthotist? A4: The scope of practice for a Prosthetist/Orthotist includes the evaluation, design, fabrication and fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices for individuals with physical disabilities, as well as providing ongoing patient care and education. Q5: What type of specializations can Prosthetists/Orthotists have? A5: Prosthetists/Orthotists can specialize in areas such as lower limb prosthetics, upper limb prosthetics, spinal orthotics, pediatric orthotics, and more.

Web Resources

Orthotists and Prosthetists - College of Science - Purdue University www.purdue.edu
Orthotist and Prosthetist | Department of Rehabilitation and ... www.cuimc.columbia.edu
Orthotists and Prosthetists - College of Science - Purdue University www.purdue.edu