Similarities Between Orthotists And Prosthetist

Maddie Goetz
Orthotists and Prosthetists
What Orthotists and Prosthetists Do
Orthotists and prosthetists design, fabricate, and fit patients for medical supportive devices. Some of these devices include braces, artificial limbs (feet, legs, hands, and arms) and other various medical or surgical devices. The goal of making these devices is to allow patients to improve and regain mobility and functionality of the target area. Orthotists and prosthetists can work in both orthotics and prosthetics, or they can choose to specialize in a specific area. Orthotists are specifically trained to work with medically supportive braces such as knee and ankle braces, whereas prosthetics are specifically trained to work with prosthetics such as artificial
Also, a residency must be completed by both orthotists and prosthetists before one can be certified. Programs included in completing a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics are spinal orthotics, upper and lower extremity orthotics and prosthetics, and plastics and other materials used for fabrication. In addition, orthotics and prosthetics programs have a clinical component in which the student works under the direction of an orthotists or prosthetists. Master’s programs usually take 2 years to complete. Prospective students can have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline if they have prerequisite courses in math and science. These requirements can vary by different programs. After graduation from the master’s program, a residency needs to be completed. A 1-year residency needs to be completed for either orthotics or prosthetics. If one would like to specialize in both, a 1-year residency needs to be completed in both specialties. Important qualities needed to be and orthotist and prosthetist include communication skills, problem-solving skills, physical stamina, physical dexterity, patience, leadership skills, and to be detail