Orthotists and Prosthetists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Some people are dependent on prosthetics and orthothics because of illness, physical disability and injury. Specialists who make and design shoe inserts, braces and other corrective devices to support the limbs or the spine are called orthotists. Those who fit, make and design artificial limbs for people with missing leg, arm or other part of the body are called prosthetists.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Becoming an orthotists and prosthetists will require an applicant to concentrate on different classes like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geometry and Algebra. Some devices are computer-aided, so taking up Computer Science courses will also be beneficial. To be comfortable with the tools and materials used in this field, Sculpture or Shop classes will help. There are schools are accredited by National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education where he/she can obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics. An applicant also have an option to take up other Bachelor of Arts (B.A) and Bachelor of Science (B.S) courses but he/she needs to complete also a one-year certification program after earning a B.A. or B.S degree. The classes will provide advanced lessons in English, Math, Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Anatomy and Computer. Licensing requirements will depend on the state where the applicant will practice. Certification is recommended for better employment opportunities.
Skills and Abilities
Interest in helping and caring for other people is the key to be a successful orthotists and prosthetists. They need to be creative and have the ability to invent and visualize. They should be detail-oriented and have excellent eye-hand coordination. Mechanical aptitude is also important in this field as they will be given manual designing tasks, and computer aided tasks for prosthesis designs.
Duties
Physicians prescribe a patient with special devices to treat the patient. This prescription is f then carried out by orthotists and prosthetists.
They are responsible with working closely with the physician to make sure that the device fits the patient. It is their duty to know how to use the right materials and tools to create a device that will aid the patient with his/her concern. They create a model or a cast and make a tentative blueprint which will become their basis in making the device. They teach the patient how to use the device effectively afterwards.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The increase in rehabilitation and medical care is one factor that affected the orthotists and prosthetists increase in demand in the coming years. Another factor is the increase in elderly population who will be needing support devices for their weakening body. Those who have advanced training using new technology and method will have more opportunities in this field. Usually, orthotists and prosthetists have their own businesses and their income depends on the effectiveness on encouraging clients to avail of their service. Their income also depends on their work experience, certification and education, for those who are employed.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 535 Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 Time: 2:10 PM
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