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Prosthetists and orthotists are important members
of a rehabilitation team that may also include psychiatrists, orthopedic
surgeons, and doctors from many disciplines, as well as physical
and occupational therapists.
Prosthetists provide care to patients with partial
or total loss of a limb. They design, fabricate, and fit the patients
with prosthetic devices (artificial limbs).
Orthotists provide care to patients with disabling
conditions of the limbs and spine. They design, construct, and fit
the patients with orthoses; orthoses are devices such as braces,
splints, or arch supports that either stabilize or optimize movement
of the limb according to the need.
Prosthetist/
Orthotist
Both prosthetists and orthotists are responsible
for aligning and modifying the devices, evaluating patient progress,
keeping accurate patient records, and teaching patients how to care
for the prosthetic or orthotic device. They use a variety of tools
such as drills, hammers, anvils, and saws to manipulate wood, plastic,
metal, fabric, lamination, and leather to create comfort, flexibility,
and almost 100% mobility with a very life-like appearance. Prosthetists
and orthotists must possess a great deal of mechanical ability, manual
dexterity, compassion, hand-eye coordination, spatial judgment, and
be able to work with little or no supervision.
Areas of Specialization
Prosthetists and orthotists assess, design, fabricate and fit custom
orthopedic braces and artificial limbs to help individuals with
disabilities of all ages lead more active, independent lives. Some
may choose to focus on pediatrics, sports or other specialty areas.
Work Environment
Prosthetists and orthotists may work in a private practice, hospital,
rehabilitation facility, specialty clinic, home health settings
and nursing homes. They typically work 40-hour weeks.
Job Outlook
The number of Orthotists and Prosthetists employed in Florida in
2006 was 439. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 521. This
represents an annual average growth rate of 2.3 percent.
Length of Training/Requirements
To become a prosthetist or an orthotist students may 1) complete
a four-year bachelor's degree in prosthetics or orthotics and complete
a one-year residency program for each discipline or 2) receive a
bachelor's degree in another field plus a certificate in prosthetics
or orthotics and complete a one-year residency in the discipline.
Course work includes biomechanics, material science, anatomy, pathomechanics,
gait evaluation/normal human locomotion, range of motion/manual
muscle testing, measurement, impression taking, fitting and alignment,
and lower-limb and upper-limb prostheses and orthoses didactic and
function principles.
Licensure/Certification
Licensure is required in Florida. Candidates should hold a bachelor's
degree and have completed a one-year residency program. Successful
completion of the state- approved examination is required. The current
state requirements for examination are the same as the exam required
for certification by the Amercian Board for Certification in Orthotics
and Prosthetics. Upon successful completion of the state requirements,
the title of Licensed Prosthetist (LP), Licensed Orthotist (LO),
or Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist (LPO) will be awarded. Continuing
education hours are required every two years for license renewal.
Certification is available through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics
and Prosthetics. Only students who have graduated from an accredited
program in prosthetics or orthotics and have completed the residency
program may sit for the examination. Upon successful completion of the
requirements, the title of Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified
Orthotist (CO), or Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO) will be awarded.
Continuing education hours are required every five years for certification
renewal.
Updated: 2007 |
