Prosthetist-orthotist
Also known as: specialist prosthetist, orthotist, prosthetic technologist, certified prosthetist, artificial limb technician, expert prosthetist
About this occupation
Prosthetist-orthotists design and custom fit prostheses and orthoses for individuals who are missing a limb from accident, disease or congenital conditions or for individuals who have impairments, deficiences or weaknesses due to injury, pathology or congenital malformation. They mix patient care with the design and fabrication of these devices to address their patients' needs.
Essential skills and knowledge
- listen actively
- contribute to the rehabilitation process
- archive healthcare users' records
- create lifecasts
- communicate effectively in healthcare
- apply health sciences
- instruct patients on supportive devices
- comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
- design medical supportive devices
- record healthcare users' progress related to treatment
- collect healthcare user's general data
- prosthetic devices
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Orthotists and Prosthetists (O*NET 29-2091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$81,110 a year (2025), 9,390 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.9)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.8)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Medical Appliance Technicians
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Podiatrists
- Audiologists
- Orthodontists
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Paramedics
- Physical Therapists
- Prosthodontists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.