The Complete Guide to Becoming An Orthotist and Prosthetist

Chapter 1: What Does a Orthotist and Prosthetist Actually Do?

Let's start by clearing up a common misunderstanding about this job. An orthotist and prosthetist is not a physical therapist, even though you'll work with them constantly. You're not a doctor, though you'll work alongside them too. You're a licensed clinician who designs, builds, fits, and adjusts medical devices that support or replace parts of the human body. An orthotist works with orthoses - braces and supports that stabilize, correct, or protect joints and limbs. A prosthetist works with prostheses - artificial limbs that replace a missing arm or leg. Most people in the field are certified in both, which is why the profession is usually discussed as one combined role.

Here's what that means in practice. A typical week might start with a patient referral from an orthopedic surgeon or a physiatrist - a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation medicine. The patient could be a 16-year-old who just had a below-knee amputation after a car accident. It could be a 65-year-old with diabetic neuropathy who needs a custom foot orthotic to prevent ulcers. It could be a construction worker with carpal tunnel syndrome who needs a wrist brace, or a child with scoliosis who needs a spinal jacket. You'll see a wide range of cases, and every one starts with an assessment.

During that assessment, you'll take a detailed patient history. You'll ask questions about what they need to do at work, at home, and for recreation. You'll conduct